Jim Norton (footballer)

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Jim Norton (born October 20, 1938) was an American football strong safety who played for the Houston Oilers of the American Football League.

Norton played college football at the University of Idaho. Drafted by the AFL's Dallas Texans, he signed as an original Houston Oiler in 1960. Although he intercepted only one pass in his first year, he went on to become the American Football League’s all-time interception leader. During his first starting season, in 1961, he snared nine passes and punted with a 40.7 yard average. In a tight defensive duel in the AFL Championship Game, his four booming punts helped Houston defeat the San Diego Chargers, 10-3.

In 1962, nursing a slim half-game lead in the Eastern Division in Week 12 of the season, Norton personally tormented Denver Broncos quarterback Frank Tripucka. He killed three Bronco drives with interceptions as the Oilers stole a 34-17 victory, eventually reaching the Championship Game for the third straight year. That thriller for the AFL crown was the league's longest game, a double-overtime contest won by the Dallas Texans, 20-17.

As a defensive back, Norton was a steady tackler with a nose for the football. His play earned him All-AFL honors for 1961, ‘62, ‘63, and again in 1967, when he scored the only touchdown of his career, returning an interception 56 yards. His number 43 was retired by the Oilers, acknowledging his club-record 45 career interceptions and 519 punts.