Michael Norwood Jr. is one of those rare individuals whose life story reads like a journey through multiple worlds—athletics, public service, creative entrepreneurship, and community leadership. A Buffalo native, Norwood’s path has taken him from the hardwood courts of collegiate and professional basketball, to the streets of his hometown as a respected Police Lieutenant and into the realm of business ownership with his company, Norvillage Customz Designs. Along the way, he has inspired countless people with his resilience, work ethic, and heart for service.
The Early Years: Athlete & Competitor
Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Michael Norwood Jr.’s athletic gifts were evident early on. At Seneca Vocational High School, he earned All-Western New York honors, a testament to his dominance on the basketball court. He continued his collegiate career at Erie Community College before transferring to Coppin State University, where he became a standout forward. Norwood then pursued professional opportunities, playing for teams including the Buffalo Stampede and overseas in Finland.
Many people are unaware that Michael Norwood Jr. was eventually selected in the third round of the 2012 NBL Canada draft by the Summerside Storm, but instead chose to retire in favor of a law enforcement career.
His competitive spirit didn’t fade with retirement from the court—far from it. It found new outlets in later chapters of his life.
Serving Buffalo, New York: Law Enforcement & Community Work
In 2013, Norwood joined the Buffalo Police Department, committing himself to protecting and serving the community that raised him. Years of dedication and leadership culminated in a promotion to the rank of Lieutenant in 2022, a role in which he has taken on greater responsibility and influence within the police force.
Of course, Lieutenant Norwood did not stop there. He is incapable of doing the bare minimum. As a result, his impact as a police officer extended well beyond patrol duties. Alongside fellow Officer Armonde “Moe” Badger, he became one-half of The Singing Cops, a duo that went viral for using music to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public, inspiring dialogue and unity.
Their work even led to national TV appearances such as The Amazing Race & The Ellen DeGeneres Show, with the host donating $10,000 to their C.O.P.S.S. Foundation.
C.O.P.S.S. (Children Overcoming Police Stereotypes Through Sports) was an organization dedicated to connecting with youth through sports and positive engagement. This organization was created and formed by Chief Todd McCallister, Lieutenant Michael Norwood Jr., and Officer Moe Badger. (link them here in this article)
Norwood’s service isn’t just about uniforms and badges—it’s about people. On numerous occasions, he has taken part in community events like “Shop with a Cop,” helping kids experience joy and mentorship during the holiday season.
My First Time Riding With Norwood
On one summer afternoon while working in the district, for some reason, Norwood and I (Darren McDuffie) decided to jump in the patrol car together. For the life of me, I cannot figure out how this happened, as Norwood and I never worked together in the same unit. I do believe I was a CPO in C District at the time; in that, Norwood may have been assigned to C or E District.
So here we are riding through the East side, thinking we are about to get into some action and do some police work together. Needless to say, you put Norwood and me together, we are definitely going to find some action, and that we did. We saw a large group of teenagers standing in the middle of the street. We quickly pulled our patrol vehicle over and jumped out of the car. The kids had a terrifying look on their faces. I looked over at Norwood and smiled. All of a sudden, Norwood said, “We got next”!
We played basketball in the middle of the street with those boys for almost an hour straight. They could not believe these two officers were standing in the middle of the street playing ball with them, instead of telling them to move. As cars drove down the street, some of them would even pull over to watch as this 6-foot-5 cop was being guarded by an aggressive teenage defender. As we all slowed down because we were tired as all hell, the kids began to speak with Norwood and me. They spoke at great length about the school they attended, the sports they enjoyed, and what they would like to do as they progressed in life. Norwood and I spoke to them about where we grew up and some of our experiences as well.
Unlike some, Norwood is not in our community only to be in front of the cameras. This is something he does naturally. Sometimes the camera happens to be on, and sometimes the camera is off. We had a great time with those young men. Just a great, genuine time in the middle of the East Side. Hopefully, we embedded a great memory in the lives of those young men.
IFBB Pro Bodybuilder: Discipline Meets Passion
Never one to back down from a challenge, Michael Norwood Jr. embraced another intense physical pursuit: professional bodybuilding. In 2021, he began competing in the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) in the Men’s Physique category—a testament to his discipline, mental toughness, and competitive fire.
This chapter of his life isn’t just about trophies; it’s about continual self-growth. Through rigorous training, meticulous nutrition, and a mindset centered on excellence, he pushes himself—and inspires others—to redefine what’s possible at any stage of life.
Last But Not Least
Entrepreneurship: Norvillage Customz Designs
Perhaps one of Norwood’s most creative ventures is the thriving business he founded: Norvillage Customz Designs. Born from a passion for craftsmanship and design, Norvillage specializes in custom epoxy floors, countertops, walls, and other high-end finishes that transform everyday spaces into artistic statements.
Norwood often shares his projects on Instagram—showcasing dramatic before-and-after transformations, luxurious epoxy work, and one-of-a-kind designs. On one recent post, he expressed gratitude for community support, acknowledging that Western New York has been instrumental in his entrepreneurial success.
From granite slabs turned into masterpieces to sleek floors that catch the eye of local business owners, Norvillage Customz Designs has become synonymous with quality, creativity, and bold vision. His social posts reflect not just a business owner, but an artist who approaches each project with passion and pride.
A Life of Meaningful Impact
What unites all these facets of Michael Norwood’s life—athlete, officer, bodybuilder, entrepreneur—is a relentless drive to evolve and elevate. Whether on the court, on patrol, on stage, or in the workshop, he brings the same intensity, integrity, and heart.
Norwood’s story reminds us that success isn’t linear. It’s forged through resilience in the face of setbacks, commitment to community, and the courage to pursue your passions wholeheartedly. He stands as a powerful example of what it looks like to live purposefully and serve generously—one day, one muscle rep, one custom design, one connection at a time.
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