Norman Price: ‘pushing for dreams’

Norman Price reached for stardom ever since he first touched the football field. Growing up in Vicksburg with his parents and four siblings, Price made it to every level of football on his journey to success.

Price began playing football in Vicksburg Junior High School. He was much taller than most of his defenders, and he was put in charge of blocking.

By the time he entered his sophomore season at Vicksburg High School in ’09, he was the second string offensive tackle who showed he could become a great player if he put in the hard work.

Price got his chance to show what he could do late in the season against cross-town rivals Warren Central Vikings. The Vikings were ranked much higher than the Gators in 2009. Somehow, in the pouring-down rain, Price helped running back Kawayne Gaston gather over 100 yards, and he blocked for the game-winning touchdown in double overtime.

In 2010, Price was a junior and working on developing strength on his way become the player everyone expected him to be. He suffered a shoulder injury against Lawrence County High, though, that placed him out for a few weeks. Still, head coach Alonzo Stevens chose Price as one of the Gator team captains after he completed his junior season.

“Coach Stevens understood us and kept our heads on straight,” Price said.

Offensive line coach Andre Bennett was also big influence on Price. One day the players skipped practice to go to a teammate’s house to play video games. Bennett showed up and made every last one of them get back on the field. Price says Bennett helped him gain toughness and keep his focus up.

Price also mentioned that he looked up to other players such as Keith Phillips, known for his aggressive blocking, and he stayed close with players such as JJ Mounger who played offensive guard.

By the end of his senior year at Vicksburg High, Price committed to play football at Hinds Community College, where he met his fiancé Laterrika Patrick. Price spent two seasons at Hinds while coaches like Brian Oaks stayed on him and pushed him to never quit.

By 2014, Price committed to the University of Southern Mississippi over other SEC schools. Playing under head Coach Todd Monken, Price gained a starting spot but suffered an injury that season. In his final season, however, Price was blocking for future NFL quarterback Nick Mullens while helping Southern Miss reach a 9-5 record and a bowl game.

Price entered the 2016 NFL draft, and he was eventually signed by the San Francisco 49ers practice squad where he would spend two seasons. Earlier this year, Price made his way to play for the Carolina Panthers but injuries would force him to be released.

Today Price is all healed and healthy, and waiting for his chance with another football team. He gives credit to his fiancé for sticking with him and always being there when he needs her. Price is ready to see which team he lands with next to continue his football journey.

His advice to young football players? “Keep pushing for dreams,” he said. “Keep God first and chase your dreams until you can’t anymore.”