Michael Oher Biography

Michael Oher (May 28, 1986)is a professional American football player. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. His birth name is Michael Jerome Williams, Jr., his parents were Denise Oher, and his father, Michael Jerome Williams, both paid very little attention to him throughout their childhood because they had serious addiction problems to drugs and alcohol. Besides, his father was absent for several months due to being in prison. Hence, his school performance was low, he was expelled from several schools. Subsequently, he was placed in a foster home.

Early life

His father died in a prison. The only thing that kept Oher from this tragic situation was football. He was helped by Tony Henderson, who along with his family helped him get into Briarcrest Christian School. He was on the 2003 football team, was selected as the Division II Lineman of the Year, and as a starting member of the Tennessee All-State team. After finishing the season he was chosen as one of the best offensive linemen in the United States. In 2004, Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy adopted him.

His new family provided sports and academic support. Oher also excelled in other sports such as disco, basketball, and track and field. After Oher finished high school, he enrolled in an NCAA Division I college. He made it to 23rd in the first round of the draft.

Career

Big Mike is his nickname and he is known for his imposing figure of 315 lbs, but he is a kind and caring guy. Therefore, his adoptive home decided to support him in his dream. Michael Oher became ‘All America’ and has built a great present in the NFL. In 2008, he signed a contract with the Baltimore Ravens for 5 years and $ 13.8 million.

He started as a right tackle, but then did it as a left tackle for 8 weeks while replacing teammate Jared Gaither. Subsequently, thanks to a good quality of play, the Ravens selected 23rd Oher in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. On April 26 of that year, he returned to have the jersey number 74. He had significant participation in the victory against the New England Patriots and did not allow a single sack to his quarterback, so the Ravens won 33- 14. He earned the NFL offensive rookie of the year award from the Associated Press.

On February 3, 2013, he achieved the championship ring by defeating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.

The following year he signed a 4-year, $ 19.9 million contract with the Tennessee Titans. But, he did not fulfill all the time that he had agreed with the Titans and went on to play for the Carolina Panthers. Oher signed a two-year, $ 7 million deal a month after breaking up with the Tennessee Titans.

At one point, his health was affected by severe headaches that caused problems in his sports performance.

The Blind Side

His story has been so inspiring that a film about his life titled The Blind Side, starring the talented actress Sandra Bullock, was released, a role that earned her an Academy Award. The athlete did not like the film because it does not tell the story of his life as he was, although it left him significant earnings for it raised $ 309 million.