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PLAYER BIO6-1 | 250 | KANSAS | 11TH YEAR | BORN 6.16.78 | HOUSTON, TXACQUIRED FA IN ‘09 | JAMES MADISON HS, HOUSTON, TXA tough, hard-nosed fullback, Moran Norris is utilized as a blocker,receiver and “once-in-a-blue-moon” ball carrier. Norris returnedto the 49ers in 2009 after serving as San Francisco’s starting fullbackfrom 2006-07, where he helped block for RB Frank Gore wholanded in the Pro Bowl with an NFC-leading and team-record 1,695rushing yds., in 2006. A dual-degree graduate of the University ofKansas, Norris has used lessons learned in life to help those in hishometown of Houston. The Moran Norris Foundation has adoptedthe theme, “Pay Now” and “Play Later,” helping youth succeedthrough education and character. His goal is to motivate and inspireeach youth that he encounters and show them that success is withintheir reach.// TRANSACTIONSOriginally a 4th-round (115th pick overall) draft choice by NO in2001…Waived by NO on 9/17/02…Claimed off waivers by Hou. fromNO on 9/18/02…Waived by Hou. on 5/4/06…Signed by SF as a freeagent on 5/23/06...Waived by SF on 8/31/08...Signed by Det. on10/9/08...Waived by Det. on 10/12/08...Signed by Det. on 10/13/08...Signed as an unrestricted free agent by SF on 3/2/09.// AWARDS & HONORS2009: USA Football/NFLPA “All-Fundamentals” Team// GOLDMINE• When he’s not paving the way for Frank Gore to run, Moran can befound working within his community. In 2005, Moran founded theMoran Norris Foundation, seeking to help Houston-area studentsbecome champions in athletics, character and education. In San Francisco,Moran “adopted” a group of students in the Brother2Brother/Sister2Sister Mentoring Program as part of his Foundation’s initiatives.Moran has hosted the youngsters at 49ers games, providedthem with financial support and taught them the importance of lifeskills, education, goal setting, hard work and good character. “WhenI was growing up I remember this football player cameand just talkedto the kids, and I still remember that day. I felt if I ever had achance to go back like that, I would do the same thing.”• Through his foundation, Moran has donated to children through hisShopping for Good Character program. His foundation recognizeschildren in the Houston Public School District for making stridesin the classroom. “Too many programs focus on the “A” students. Iwanted to reward the kids who keep working hard and fight to makestrides on a consistent basis.”• You wouldn’t know it by looking at Moran now, but he was once achubby little kid. That all changed during his freshman year in highschool when his dad, Graston, made a purchase at a neighborhoodgym that was closing down. Graston brought home all kinds ofweights and benches for Moran and his brother, Graston, to use.Moran’s father built a shed in the backyard that turned into a makeshiftgym for him, his brother and and their neighbors. That’s whereMoran developed his love for working out.• When Moran was old enough to have a part-time job, he was notafraid of hard work. Through the years, he worked at Six FlagsAmusement Park, Kroger’s Supermarket and Walgreens. “I was asack boy (a grocery bagger) and I made good money off of tips. Mytrick to get tips was once I had packed the bags, to start walkingoutside with them to the people’s cars. Once I started they’d feel badstopping me. I got some good tips.”// 2010 (SAN FRANCISCO)• Started a career-high 11 games at FB.// 2009 (SAN FRANCISCO)• Set career highs in rushing atts. (14) and rushing yds. (41), while recordinga career-high 7 recepts.• Rushed for a career-high 16 yds. vs. Sea. (9/20), while also tyinghis career-high of 3 recepts. Led the way for Gore, helping him setcareer-long runs twice in the same day on the way to a 207-yd.rushing performance.• Registered a career-high 3 rushing atts., including converting two3rd-n-1s, at Ind. (11/1).• Scored his first career rushing TD and tied his career high with 3carries at StL (1/3).// 2008 (DETROIT)• Saw action in 11 games (8 starts) for Lions after being signed on 10/9.// 2007 (SAN FRANCISCO)• At NYG (10/21), blocked a punt that went out of the back of the endzonein 3rd qtr., resulting in a safety.// 2006 (SAN FRANCISCO)• Finished season with a career-high 2 TD recepts.• Played a pivotal role as lead blocker for RB Frank Gore, who behindNorris’ crushing blocks, went on to set a franchise record for rushingyds. and lead NFC with 1,695 yds.• Made first start of the season at FB vs. SD (10/15) and caught a 2-yd.TD recept., the second of his career.• Posted a career-long 32-yd. TD recept. in season finale 26-23 win atDen. (12/31).SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS \\129// MEDIA GUIDE