Norris began his footballing journey with Stamford AFC, his local non-league club, before being picked up by Boston United, where he made his name as a box-to-box midfielder. His performances there attracted the attention of Bolton Wanderers, who signed him in 2000. Though he didn't make a senior appearance for Bolton, a fruitful loan spell at Hull City helped sharpen his League experience. But it was a move to Plymouth Argyle — initially on loan and then permanently — that proved transformative.

At Plymouth, Norris became a talismanic figure between 2002 and 2008. He amassed over 200 league appearances, helping the club win promotion from Division Two in the 2003/04 season. Known for his relentless running and ability to pop up with important goals, he became a firm fan favourite at Home Park. His form eventually earned him a move to Ipswich Town in January 2008 for a reported £2 million. At Portman Road, Norris was appointed club captain and continued to lead by example. Notably, he scored a memorable late equaliser against Norwich City in the East Anglian Derby — cementing his place in the affections of Ipswich fans.

In 2011, Norris rejected a contract extension at Ipswich and signed a two-year deal with Portsmouth, where he was promptly made captain amid difficult financial circumstances for the club. Despite off-pitch chaos, he remained professional and consistent, scoring eight goals in 37 appearances in a struggling side. As Pompey fell into administration and suffered relegation, Norris was one of several senior players forced to seek new clubs.

That paved the way for a move to Leeds United in July 2012, where then-manager Neil Warnock was attempting to build a squad with hardened professionals capable of pushing for promotion from the Championship. Norris signed a two-year deal and was presented as a key figure in Leeds' new-look midfield. Though not a glamorous name, his high work rate, experience, and leadership were qualities Warnock valued.

Norris made an immediate impact in the 2012/13 season, scoring a superb goal on his home debut in a 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road. The finish — a powerful left-footed drive — hinted at what Leeds fans hoped would be a season of consistent, goal-scoring midfield play. He was heavily involved in the early months of the campaign and formed part of a busy midfield rotation alongside players like Rodolph Austin, Michael Brown, and Paul Green.

However, injuries began to hamper his progress. A persistent thigh problem and other niggles meant Norris was in and out of the side throughout the season. Despite that, he still made 31 league appearances and scored three goals — one of them a vital late winner against Burnley in April 2013 that helped Leeds steer clear of the relegation zone.

That summer, with Warnock gone and Brian McDermott coming in, Norris' influence at the club began to wane. McDermott favoured more technical midfielders and brought in players like Luke Murphy and Alex Mowatt. Norris found himself further down the pecking order, often left out of matchday squads. By the time Massimo Cellino took over the club in 2014, Norris had become one of the so-called 'bomb squad' — a group of senior players deemed surplus to requirements and effectively frozen out of first-team contention.

Despite being under contract, Norris didn't play a single league minute in the 2013/14 season, and his appearances in 2014/15 were limited to under-21 games and fleeting cup involvement. It was a frustrating time for a player who had always been valued for his professionalism. Leeds' chaotic management — on and off the pitch — meant that many players found themselves cast aside arbitrarily, and Norris was no exception. The arrival of a string of foreign midfielders under Cellino's direction further reduced any chance of redemption.

In January 2015, after being out of favour for over a year, Norris finally left Leeds United by mutual consent. He had made a total of 36 appearances for the club, scoring four goals. While his time at Leeds started brightly, it ultimately became a cautionary tale of how quickly a player's role can change in a volatile club environment. Fans remember him for his wholehearted displays during the 2012/13 campaign and, particularly, for that thunderbolt against Wolves on his debut.

Following his departure from Leeds, Norris had a brief spell with Peterborough United, making just one appearance. He then dropped into non-league football, signing with Yeovil Town, Leatherhead, and later Shaw Lane and Boston United. Though the glamour of the Championship was behind him, he continued to play with the same commitment that had defined his entire career.

Off the pitch, Norris later began exploring coaching and mentoring roles, working with young players and lower-league sides, drawing on his vast experience across the Football League. His career, though not studded with major trophies or top-flight glamour, was marked by persistence, leadership, and a drive that saw him become a valued figure wherever he went.

For Leeds United, Norris represented a type of player often missing in turbulent eras — experienced, grounded, and willing to fight for the shirt. That his time there ended in isolation was less a reflection of his quality and more an indictment of the instability that defined the club during that time.