Michael Oher NFL Stats Net Worth Wife Wiki

Michael Jerome Oher: A Former American Football Offensive Tackle

Michael Jerome Oher is a former American football offensive tackle who played in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons, primarily with the Baltimore Ravens.

Early Life and Education

Oher was born on May 28, 1986, and spent his early childhood in Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. He attended Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tennessee, where he started playing football and showed great potential as an offensive tackle.

Oher went on to play college football at the University of Mississippi, where he earned unanimous All-American honors.

Michael Oher NFL Career

In 2009, Oher was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the NFL Draft. He played for the Ravens from 2009 to 2013, where he won Super Bowl XLVII over the San Francisco 49ers as the team’s starting right tackle.

Oher played for the Tennessee Titans in 2014 before moving on to the Carolina Panthers in 2015. He appeared in Super Bowl 50 as the Panthers’ starting left tackle.

Life off the Field

Oher’s life through his final year of high school and first year of college is one of the subjects of Michael Lewis’ 2006 book, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, and was featured in the Academy Award-winning 2009 film The Blind Side.

In 2023, Oher filed a lawsuit alleging that the Tuohy family, portrayed as having adopted him in the book and film, had instead tricked him into signing a document making them his conservators, which gave them legal authority to make business deals in his name.

Overall, Oher had a successful NFL career, playing eight seasons with three different teams. His life story, as portrayed in The Blind Side, continues to captivate audiences even today.

Michael Oher Early Life and Education

Difficult Childhood and Foster Care

Michael Oher was born in Memphis, Tennessee, as one of 12 children to Denise Oher. He faced significant challenges during his early years, as his mother struggled with alcoholism and crack cocaine addiction. Additionally, his father, Michael Jerome Williams, was frequently imprisoned. This unstable environment resulted in Oher receiving little attention or discipline during his childhood.

Oher’s early education was also tumultuous. He repeated first and second grades and attended a total of eleven schools within his first nine years as a student. At the age of seven, he was placed in foster care and experienced periods of homelessness, moving between various foster homes.

Tragic Loss of Father

During Oher’s senior year of high school, he faced the tragedy of his father being murdered in prison. This added to the challenging circumstances he had endured throughout his childhood.

Rise in Football Career

High School Journey

Oher’s involvement in football began during his freshman year at a public high school in Memphis. Seeking a better opportunity, he applied for admission to Briarcrest Christian School with the help of Tony Henderson, an auto mechanic with whom he was temporarily living. The school’s football coach, Hugh Freeze, submitted Oher’s application to the headmaster with a condition that Oher would complete a home study program before being accepted. Though he did not complete the program, Oher was later admitted as the headmaster realized that the requirement had effectively removed Oher from the public education system.

Success at Briarcrest Christian School

Under the guidance of coaches Freeze and Tim Long, Oher flourished at Briarcrest Christian School. In 2003, he was named Division II (2A) Lineman of the Year and received First-team Tennessee All-State recognition. Oher’s exceptional talent also led to him being rated as a five-star recruit and the No. 5 offensive lineman prospect in the country by Scout.com.

During his time at Briarcrest, Oher had been living with several foster families. However, in 2004, he started living with Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, a couple whose children also attended Briarcrest. It should be noted that in 2023, Oher alleged that they had tricked him into signing a document making them conservators under the pretense of adoption. Nonetheless, the Tuohy family provided support and care for Oher, even hiring a tutor who worked with him for 20 hours per week.

Michael Oher Athletic Achievements

In addition to football, Oher also excelled in other sports. He earned two letters each in track and basketball, demonstrating his versatility and athleticism. Oher’s basketball skills were particularly noteworthy, averaging 22 points and 10 rebounds per game. His contributions helped lead the basketball team to a 27–6 record and win the district championship during his senior year. Oher also achieved recognition as a state runner-up in the discus event.

Academic Challenges and Triumphs

GPA Improvement

Oher initially faced difficulties meeting the academic requirements for NCAA programs due to his low grades. However, he was determined to attend a Division I school. By enrolling in 10-day online courses from Brigham Young University, Oher was able to raise his 0.76 grade point average (GPA) to a 2.52 GPA by the end of his senior year. The online courses allowed him to replace previously earned Ds and Fs with As, ultimately pushing his graduating GPA above the required minimum.

Conclusion of High School Career

U.S. Army All-American Bowl

At the culmination of his senior season, Oher had the honor of participating in the 2005 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, showcasing his talent and potential as a football player.

Despite the numerous obstacles he faced, both in his personal life and academically, Oher’s resilience and dedication allowed him to emerge as a standout football player with a promising future ahead.

College Career at the University of Mississippi

Recruiting Controversy

Despite receiving scholarship offers from prestigious schools like Tennessee, LSU, Alabama, Auburn, and South Carolina, Michael Oher made the decision to play for the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Rebels. This choice was influenced by his guardians, Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, who were alumni of Ole Miss. However, Oher’s decision sparked an investigation by the NCAA due to two issues.

GPA Requirement

At the time of the offer from Ole Miss, Oher’s grade point average (GPA) was still too low to meet the requirements for a Division I scholarship. To address this, Oher completed online classes through Brigham Young University, raising his GPA from a 0.76 to a sufficient level for eligibility by the time of his graduation.

NCAA Investigation

The second issue arose from the Tuohys’ preexisting relationship with Ole Miss and the fact that the school hired head coach Hugh Freeze just 20 days after Oher signed his letter of intent. The NCAA questioned the potential collusion between Oher’s recruitment and Freeze’s hiring. While no NCAA violations were found regarding Oher’s recruitment, Freeze was guilty of secondary violations for contacting other recruits in the Memphis area before joining the Ole Miss staff.

Football Achievements

During his college career at Ole Miss, Oher had a successful transition from guard to left tackle. In his freshman season, he started in ten games as a guard and was named a first-team freshman All-American. In the 2006 season, Oher moved to the left tackle position and received recognition by being named to various preseason All-Conference and All-American teams.

In his sophomore season, Oher earned the title of a second-team Southeastern Conference (SEC) offensive lineman. He followed it up with an even more impressive junior season, where he was named a first-team SEC offensive lineman.

Academic Success

Alongside his football accomplishments, Oher also excelled academically at Ole Miss. His tested IQ score increased by 20 to 30 points compared to previous measurements in the public-school system. Oher’s dedication to his studies led to him making the honor roll for the second time after his sophomore year.

Decision to Enter the NFL Draft

On January 14, 2008, Oher initially declared his intention to enter the 2008 NFL Draft. However, just two days later, he reversed his decision and announced his withdrawal from the draft, choosing to return to Ole Miss for his senior season.

Senior Season and Graduation

After his senior season, Oher’s exceptional performance earned him recognition as a unanimous All-American. Additionally, he made the honor roll for the second time and graduated with a degree in criminal justice in the spring of 2009. Oher’s time at Ole Miss concluded with both athletic and academic success.

College Awards and Honors

During his college career at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Michael Oher received several awards and honors recognizing his outstanding performance on the football field.

2005

• First-team Freshman All-American
• First-team All-Quad Freshman Chrome (AQFC) Tackle Letius
• First-team SEC All-Freshman

2006

• Second-team All-SEC

2007

• First-team All-SEC

2008

• First-team All-American
• First-team All-SEC
• Shug Jordan Award as the Southeast Offensive Lineman of the Year
• Colonel Earl “Red” Blaik Leadership-Scholarship Award
• Outland Trophy finalist
• Conerly Trophy finalist
• Lombardi Award semifinalist
• SEC Jacobs Blocking Trophy

NFL Draft and Physical Measurements

Projected as a Top Prospect

Even before the 2009 NFL Draft, Michael Oher was already considered one of the top prospects. His impressive college career at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) propelled him into the spotlight.

Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens

In the 2009 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens selected Oher as the 23rd pick in the first round. The Ravens acquired this pick from the New England Patriots in exchange for their first- and fifth-round draft picks. It was a significant moment for Oher, and the Tuohy family, his guardians, were present to witness his draft day selection.

Pre-Draft Measurables

Before entering the NFL, Oher’s physical measurements were assessed through various tests at the NFL Combine/Pro Day. The following values were recorded:

• Height: 6 ft 4+1⁄2 in (1.94 m)
• Weight: 309 lb (140 kg)
• Arm Length: 33+1⁄2 in (0.85 m)
• Hand Span: 10+3⁄8 in (0.26 m)
• 40-Yard Dash: 5.16 s
• 10-Yard Split: 1.75 s
• 20-Yard Split: 2.99 s
• 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.60 s
• Three-Cone Drill: 7.81 s
• Vertical Jump: 31.0 in (0.79 m)
• Broad Jump: 8 ft 7 in (2.62 m)
• Bench Press: 23 reps
• Wonderlic Score: 19

NFL Career with the Baltimore Ravens

Signing with the Baltimore Ravens

On July 30, 2009, Michael Oher signed a five-year, $13.8 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, joining the team as a right tackle.

Shifting Positions

Due to an injury to lineman Jared Gaither, Oher was moved to left tackle in the 2009 season after starting as right tackle. However, in week eight, he returned to right tackle. Despite these changes, Oher played every game during the season, and he did not allow a single sack as the Ravens won their first post-season game in January 2010.

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award

At the end of his rookie season, Oher ended up being second in the voting for Associated Press’ NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, receiving six votes.

Position Changes

Prior to the 2010 NFL season, Oher was moved to the left tackle position. However, during the 2011 pre-season, the Ravens announced that Oher would be shifting back to the right side.

Super Bowl Victory

On February 3, 2013, Oher won a Super Bowl ring as the Ravens’ starting right tackle. His performance was crucial in their win against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII, where the Ravens emerged victorious with a score of 34–31.

Michael Oher with the Tennessee Titans

Signing with the Tennessee Titans

After his stint with the Baltimore Ravens, Michael Oher signed a four-year, $20 million contract with the Tennessee Titans on March 14, 2014.

Season with the Titans

Oher started eleven games for the Titans during his tenure with the team. However, he was placed on injured reserve on December 13 after missing the previous two games due to a toe injury.

Performance Analysis

Pro Football Focus graded Oher as the 74th best tackle out of 78 for the 2014 season.

Release from the Titans

Unfortunately, Oher’s time with the Titans was short-lived. The team released him on February 5, 2015, likely due to his performance and injury concerns.

Michael Oher with the Carolina Panthers

Signing with the Carolina Panthers

On March 6, 2015, Michael Oher signed a two-year, $7 million contract with the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers’ GM, Dave Gettleman, announced that Oher would be the team’s starting left tackle for the upcoming season, despite his previous struggles with the Tennessee Titans.

Positive Performance

Oher’s move to the Panthers was a positive one, and he responded with one of his best seasons as a professional. He played a crucial role in protecting Cam Newton’s blind side, participating in 98.4% of the team’s snaps. Oher allowed a career-low of four sacks, which was tied for the eighth-fewest in the league, and had three penalties for 25 yards.

Super Bowl Appearance

Oher played in his second Super Bowl with the Panthers during his tenure with the team. The Panthers played against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50, where they unfortunately lost with a score of 24–10.

Contract Extension and Injury

Oher’s outstanding performance for the Panthers earned him a three-year contract extension worth $21.6 million with $9.5 million guaranteed, which he signed on June 17, 2016. Sadly, Oher’s 2016 season was cut short due to a concussion. He was placed on the injured reserve list on November 25, 2016, and played in only three games that season.

Release from the Panthers

On July 20, 2017, the Panthers released Oher after he failed his physical examination. While Oher’s initial impact with the Panthers was positive, his injury struggles led to his eventual release from the team.

Michael Oher: The Blind Side and Beyond

Inspirational Story

Michael Oher’s incredible journey is one that captured the attention of many. His story became the subject of Michael Lewis’s 2006 book, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game. The book delves into Oher’s life, highlighting his rise from homelessness to becoming a football player.

Book Excerpts and Adaptation

Before its official publication, excerpts from The Blind Side appeared in The New York Times Magazine under the title “The Ballad of Big Mike.” The book received widespread acclaim and was later adapted into a film directed by John Lee Hancock.

The Blind Side Movie

The Blind Side, starring Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher, Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy, and Tim McGraw, was released in the United States on November 20, 2009. The film garnered critical acclaim and was even nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Actress for Bullock’s outstanding performance. Bullock went on to win an Oscar for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy.

Oher’s Autobiography

In 2011, Michael Oher wrote his autobiography, I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness to The Blind Side and Beyond. His memoir further delves into his personal experiences and the impact that his journey has had on his life.

Oher’s compelling story continues to inspire and resonate with many, both on and off the football field.

Personal Life of Michael Oher

Meeting at the University of Mississippi

Michael Oher’s personal life has seen him build a loving and committed relationship. He began dating Tiffany Roy after initially meeting at the University of Mississippi, where they both attended.

Growing Family

Oher and Roy went on to have a beautiful family together, welcoming the arrival of four children. They have been blessed with two sons and two daughters, creating a vibrant and loving household.

Engagement and Marriage

After 17 years together, Oher and Roy took their commitment to the next level. They got engaged on July 21, 2021, cementing their love and dedication to each other. Then, on November 5, 2022, the couple exchanged vows and tied the knot in Nashville, Tennessee. Their wedding marked a significant milestone in their journey as a couple.

Through thick and thin, Michael Oher and Tiffany Roy have stood by each other, building a strong and lasting bond. Their enduring relationship and growing family are a testament to their love and commitment.

Legal Claims against the Tuohy Family

Allegations of Non-Adoption and Conservatorship

In August 2023, Michael Oher made a legal move that rocked his relationship with the Tuohy family. He filed a lawsuit claiming that Leigh Ann and Sean Tuohy never formally adopted him. Instead, Oher alleged that they established a conservatorship that granted them legal authority to engage in financial transactions and business deals using his name.

Unfair Distribution of Royalties

Oher’s legal action further contended that the Tuohys, acting as his conservators, struck a deal that resulted in substantial financial gain for themselves and their two biological children. Millions of dollars in royalties from The Blind Side movie were allegedly received by the Tuohy family, while Oher himself received no compensation.

Legal Demands and Requests

The lawsuit filed by Oher sought legal recourse and accountability from the Tuohy family. One of its primary requests was for the court to terminate the conservatorship established by the Tuohys, thereby removing their legal authority over Oher’s affairs. Additionally, Oher requested an injunction to prevent the Tuohys from further exploiting his name and likeness.

Furthermore, the lawsuit demanded a comprehensive financial accounting of the monetary gains made by the Tuohys using Oher’s name. Oher sought to be compensated for his rightful share of profits and also pushed for other forms of compensatory and punitive damages to be awarded.

The legal claims against the Tuohy family marked a significant turning point in Oher’s relationship with the individuals who were once instrumental in his life. The case, if successful, held the potential to bring justice and transparency to the financial aspects of his connection with the Tuohys.

Michael Oher Net Worth

How much did Michael Oher make in the NFL?

Michael Oher’s professional football career as an offensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL) spanned several years and included stints with teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, and the final years with the Carolina Panthers. During his time as a player, Oher earned a significant income from his contracts and endorsements.

Business Ventures and Investments

In addition to his football career, Oher has explored various business ventures and investments. These may include endorsements, partnerships, and other entrepreneurial endeavors. Such endeavors can contribute to an increase in his net worth over time.

Public Appearances and Speaking Engagements

As a well-known figure due to his remarkable life story and portrayal in the movie The Blind Side, Oher has had opportunities to make public appearances and give motivational speeches at events. These engagements often come with lucrative compensation, which can also contribute to his overall net worth.

Endorsements and Brand Collaborations

Oher’s fame and recognition have also opened doors for endorsement and brand collaboration opportunities. These partnerships can involve agreements with companies to promote their products or services, providing Oher with additional income streams.

Net Worth Estimate

While specific figures regarding Michael Oher’s net worth are not publicly available, it can be assumed that his combination of successful NFL career, business ventures, public appearances, and endorsements have contributed to his financial stability and overall net worth.

It’s worth noting that net worth can fluctuate over time due to various factors such as investments, market conditions, and personal choices. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to the most recent and reliable sources for the most accurate information on Michael Oher’s net worth.

Michael Oher’s Net Worth

Estimated Net Worth

According to various public sources, it is estimated that Michael Oher currently has a net worth of approximately $16 million.

Factors Contributing to Net Worth

Oher’s net worth can be attributed to various factors, including:

• Professional Football Career: Oher’s successful stint as an offensive lineman in the NFL allowed him to earn a substantial income from his contracts and endorsements.
• Business Ventures and Investments: Oher’s involvement in business ventures and investments has likely contributed to his net worth growth over time.
• Public Appearances and Speaking Engagements: Oher’s inspirational life story and recognition from the movie The Blind Side have presented opportunities for him to make public appearances and engage in motivational speaking, which can bring in significant compensation.
• Endorsements and Brand Collaborations: Oher’s fame and influence have likely led to endorsement deals and collaborations with brands, adding to his overall net worth.

Michael Oher NFL Career Earnings

Michael Oher NFL Earnings

Michael Oher’s NFL earnings have been well-documented, with reports stating that he earned a total of $34,170,000 over the course of his career. Oher’s highest-paid years were during his stint with the Baltimore Ravens, where he signed a 5-year contract worth $13,495,000 that included $6,886,000 guaranteed.

Throughout his career, Oher faced some hardships and controversies. However, he still managed to command a decent salary as an offensive lineman. His earnings from football, combined with his business ventures, endorsements, and public appearances, all likely contributed to his estimated net worth of $16 million.