Michael Norwood (born July 6 1985) is an American former professional basketball player who serves as a lieutenant with the Buffalo Police Department. He is also known as one half of the musical duo “The Singing Cops,” alongside fellow officer Armonde “Moe” Badger, and appeared as a contestant on The Amazing Race season 33.
Early life and education
Born in Buffalo, New York, Norwood attended Seneca Vocational High School, where he earned All‑Western New York honors in basketball in 2003. He played two collegiate seasons at Erie Community College (2003–2005) before transferring to Coppin State University, where he competed for the Coppin State Eagles from 2005 to 2007.
Basketball career
Undrafted in the 2007 NBA draft, Norwood began his professional career in 2009 with the Buffalo Stampede of the Premier Basketball League, playing as a forward until 2010. He briefly signed with Äänekosken Huima of Finland in 2010 but was released after a foot injury. In the 2012 NBL Canada draft, he was selected in the third round by the Summerside Storm but chose to retire from basketball to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Law‑enforcement career
Norwood joined the Buffalo Police Department (BPD) in January 2013. He progressed through the ranks, being placed on administrative leave in August 2019 following a patrol‑car incident, and was promoted to lieutenant in November 2022.
The Singing Cops and media exposure
In March 2019, a video of Norwood and Badger singing Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” inside a restaurant went viral, leading to national attention for the duo as “The Singing Cops.” They performed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in April 2019, during which the show’s host donated $10,000 to their C.O.P.S.S. (Children Overcoming Police Stereotypes Through Sports) foundation. The pair released a song titled “Different” in July 2009 and have been featured in various local and national media outlets promoting community‑police relations.
Television competition
Norwood and Badger competed together on The Amazing Race season 33 in early 2022. The team was the first to be eliminated from the competition.
Other pursuits
Since July 2021, Norwood has also competed as a professional bodybuilder with the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation.
Personal life
Norwood’s father, Michael Norwood Sr., was a notable basketball player in the 1970s. Further personal details are not publicly documented.
