Michael Oher‘s Journey: From ‘The Blind Side‘ to the NFL

Michael Oher, the subject of the Oscar-winning film ‘The Blind Side,’ has had a tumultuous journey in the NFL, filled with ups and downs. This article explores his life before and after the film, including his football career and personal struggles.

Early Life and Adoption

Michael Oher was born on May 28, 1986, in Memphis, Tennessee. His early life was marked by poverty and instability, with his mother, Denise Oher, struggling with addiction and his father, Michael Jerome Williams, serving time in prison. In 2004, Michael was adopted by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, a wealthy couple who provided him with a stable home and support system.

The Blind Side and Adoption

The Tuohys‘ adoption of Michael Oher was portrayed in the 2009 film ‘The Blind Side,’ which starred Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy. The movie tells the story of how the Tuohys took Michael in and helped him become a successful NFL player. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning Bullock an Oscar for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy.

Football Career

Michael Oher‘s football career began at Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis, where he played both offense and defense. After graduating, he attended the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where he was a standout left tackle. In 2009, he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the NFL draft.

Oher played for the Ravens from 2009 to 2013, winning a Super Bowl ring in 2013. He then played for the Tennessee Titans in 2014 and the Carolina Panthers in 2015 and 2016. In 2017, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks but was released before the start of the season. Since then, he has not played in the NFL.

Personal Struggles

Despite his success on the field, Michael Oher has faced numerous personal struggles. In 2017, he was arrested for assault after allegedly attacking an Uber driver in Nashville. He has also been open about his struggles with concussions and their impact on his health.

Current Life

Today, Michael Oher is retired from the NFL and living in Nashville, Tennessee. He has been open about his struggles with concussions and their impact on his health, and has advocated for better support for retired NFL players dealing with similar issues. He has also been involved in various charitable endeavors, including working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Conclusion

Michael Oher‘s journey from a difficult childhood to NFL success is an inspiring story that has captured the hearts of many. Despite facing numerous challenges, Oher has remained resilient and dedicated to helping others. His story serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of supporting those in need.

Reference:

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/michael-oher-blind-side-subject-130700195.html