“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome” – Booker T. Washington.
This saying highly resembles the life of the famous football player, Michael Oher. Michael Oher is a former professional football player who played as an offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). Oher’s inspiring story was depicted in a book and also a movie entitled “The Blind Side”.
Michael Oher – Early Life And Early Struggles
Michael Jerome Williams Jr. was born in the year 1986 in Memphis, Tennessee. His birthday is on May 28 and his zodiac sign is Gemini.
Michael was one of 12 children of his parents. Oher’s mother, Denise Oher, was an alcohol and cocaine addict and his father, Michael Jerome Williams, frequently committed crimes and went to prison most often.
Oher grew up in poverty and faced numerous obstacles in his life, including homelessness and a challenging childhood because of his family problems. At the age of 7, he was placed in a foster home. He spent his childhood in a foster home and sometimes even without a home.
Oher applied for higher studies at Briarcrest Christian School at the suggestion of Tony Henderson (with whom he was living at that moment). Oher played college football in Briarcrest. He also participated in the 2005 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
Michael had scholarship offers from many universities but he decided to play for Ed Orgeron at the University of Mississippi. Oher nearly regretted his decision as many issues arose after his admission to the university but later it was resolved. Oher graduated with a degree in criminal justice in the spring of 2009.
Michael was awarded numerous awards during his college times, before getting drafted in NFL in the 2009 NFL draft. Baltimore Ravens drafted Oher in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft.
Which Team Drafted Michael Oher In NFL?
Michael was drafted by Baltimore Ravens in the 2009 NFL draft and was given the number 74 jersey. Baltimore Ravens won against the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl XLVII and Oher won his first ‘Super Bowl Ring’ since his professional career began.
In 2014, Tennessee Titans signed Michael. But Oher didn’t feature in many games for the Titans as his contract was terminated following multiple injuries including a toe injury.
Carolina Panthers signed Michael in 2015. Later, he signed a three-year contract extension with Panthers but played only three games during the season and was placed on injured reserve.
On July 20, 2017, Panthers terminated his contract, and was released after he failed to match the physical.
The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game- Book and Movie
Michael Lewis wrote about the inspiring life of Michael Oher in his book, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game in 2006 which was later made into a movie and was released on November 20, 2009.
Actor Quinton Aaron played the part of Michael Oher in the film alongside Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw.
The Blind Side got nominated for Academy Awards for both Best Picture and Best Actress. Sandra Bullock won an Oscar for the same movie.
Oher has himself written his biography, I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness to The Blind Side and Beyond.
Is Michael Oher Married?
Michael Oher is currently married to his university girlfriend Tiffany Roy. Tiffany runs an online boutique store named The Feminist Collection and also works as vice president of ‘Beat The Odds Inc.’
Oher and Roy got engaged on July 21, 2021, 16 years after being together, and finally got married on November 5, 2022. The duo shared the wedding vows in front of their closest friends and family in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A.
Oher and his wife have four kids together, two sons and two daughters. Though their children’s information isn’t publicly available, some of the wiki sources believe their names are, Kobi And MJ (sons) and Kierstin and Naivi (daughters).
Michael And Tiffany Nearly Broke Up! Here’s Why
In 2017, Michael beat up an Uber Driver who didn’t follow Oher’s instructions to follow his wife’s car. They seemed to be having issues during that time but later resolved the issue and are living a happy life now.
Michael Oher’s Net Worth
Michael Oher’s net worth is around $20 million as of 2023. Oher’s latest contract with the Panthers was worth $21, 600,000 which included a signing bonus of $4,000,000 and an average annual salary of $7, 200, 00.
How Tall Is Michael Oher?
Michael Oher is about 6ft 4 inches (1.93m) tall and his body weight is 143 kg (315 lbs).
Oher has a black skin tone with black hair, beard, and eye color.
