The Michael Oher Rookie Card

The 2009 hit movie, The Blind Side, told the tale of Michael Oher – an abandoned homeless child taken in by a Memphis, Tennessee family and taught the game of football by them. Soon thereafter he went on to college football before ultimately being selected in the NFL draft as an initial round pick. Since its release, many fans have been eager to gain more information on Oher’s life and career.

The movie was inspired by Moneyball author Michael Lewis’s book about Dee Dee Oher, Michael’s mother. Lewis detailed how Dee Dee struggled with substance addiction but eventually found a family who took in and adopted Michael. Later he would go on to play college football at Ole Miss before being selected as an offensive lineman with Baltimore Ravens.

After spending one season with the Ravens, he joined Carolina Panthers. In 2015, he helped protect quarterback Cam Newton while opening up running lanes for running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Following that season, he was awarded a two-year, $7 million contract, but has been limited to only three games due to a toe injury this year.

Though Oher has struggled with injuries, he remains hopeful about making his comeback next season. Oher has received encouragement from both teammates and fans including Newton who sent a text message telling Oher how important he is on their offensive line as well as that his toe injury wasn’t his responsibility.

Michael Oher stands as an inspiration despite facing incredible adversity, inspiring many and leading to the creation of a television show called “The Michael Oher Experience.” It follows this former NFL star as they attempt to put themselves back on the right path.

Michael Oher was raised without a permanent home, sleeping either in his car or sleeping on the floors of friends’ houses. At one point, however, he lived with a couple who owned a fast food franchise, who allowed him to enroll at Briarcrest Christian School after meeting them through Hugh Freeze at Briarcrest Christian. Freeze saw that Oher could play high school football so encouraged the Tuohys to accept him into their household.

When Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy first met Oher, they were taken aback by his size – so much so that he barely fit through their meeting room door! At 350 pounds at that point, Oher became part of their family – becoming Leigh Anne’s and Sean’s son while providing love and support that enabled Oher to overcome many of his obstacles in life.