Is the movie 'The Blind Side' based on a true story? Details about Michael Oher's real-life journey

Michael Oher is an inspiration to many. His journey to success featured a tough road, beset with tragedy and adversity. Everyone enjoys an inspirational tale, particularly one where a hero overcomes adversity to accomplish great things. The movie 'The Blind Side' is a prime illustration of this and it tells the tale of Michael Oher.

Oher was a child from a poor area who, after being fostered by an affluent family, found success in school and broke into the NFL. Oher credits the support of the Tuohy family for his success in both areas, which many underprivileged youths dismiss as unrealistic goals.

The Blind Side is a 2009 movie that received an Oscar nomination. It was a box office hit bringing in over $300 million. It remains one of the most cherished sports movies of today.

Michael Oher's biological father was absent, and his birth mother battled a substance abuse disorder. Oher, one of 12 children, noted that when his mother was sober and employed, "there would be a frenzied dash to get whatever you could before anyone else got to it."

Michael Oher's biological father was murdered on the west side of Memphis. He was shot and his body was left in an embankment. Oher didn't learn about his father's passing until three months had passed, partly because it took some time for him to be identified.

When his father died, Tony Henderson, who assisted Oher in enrolling at Briarcrest, called the school's administration to inform them. His father had not been around during his formative years.

Before retiring in 2017, Oher had eight seasons as an NFL player. He finished second in the Associated Press' Offense Rookie of the Year voting during that period. He was part of the Baltimore Ravens team that won a Super Bowl in February 2013. It's tough to avoid thinking about the happenings in 'The Blind Side' when considering Oher's accomplishments.

Michael Oher didn't enjoy 'The Blind Side'

Biopics are occasionally produced without the subject's consent. As they are the ones who experienced the events depicted on screen, it becomes progressively more challenging to win over the movie's subject. Michael Oher wasn't satisfied with the plot, despite a heartwarming tribute to him in the credits.

Oher was presented in the movie as being unintelligent and nearly homeless when the Tuohys first encountered him. Oher was actually couch surfing and staying with classmates.

The Blind Side isn't completely accurate in its portrayal of his high school background, even though he had his share of academic difficulties. Before meeting the Tuohy family, Oher was depicted in the movie as a sad student who wasn't active in sports and had no specific interests. The truth is that Oher participated in three different sports—basketball, football, and track and field.

As is often the case, Oher's reality is a fantastic story and doesn't need changing. Such changes can be belittling or disrespectful, and as a result detract from the truth. Regardless, Oher is an inspiration to many and his story is a testament to the determination, spirit, and potential we all have to overcome adversity.