Michael Oher’s life was documented in 2009 blockbuster film “The Blind Side,” which starred Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock. The movie detailed Oher’s high-school days, how he became involved with football and how he wound up at Ole Miss.
The now-Carolina Panthers offensive lineman soon became a recognizable figure in the Baltimore Ravens’ trenches. However, ESPN’s David Newton notes Oher doesn’t like the attention and criticism he believes resulted from the movie, not his on-field play.
“I’m not trying to prove anything. People look at me, and they take things away from me because of a movie. They don’t really see the skills and the kind of player I am. That’s why I get downgraded so much, because of something off the field.
This stuff, calling me a bust, people saying if I can play or not … that has nothing to do with football. It’s something else off the field. That’s why I don’t like that movie.”
Oher’s complaint is understandable, but he’s hasn’t done much lately between the numbers to justify his comments.
Of the 84 offensive tackles Pro Football Focus (subscription required) graded in 2014, Oher ranked 75th, posting a negative-20.2 rating. In 2013, Oher came in at 68th out of 76, which followed a No. 63 standing out of 80 in 2012.
Oher likely needs to have a resurgent 2015 campaign in order to stick around in the NFL. Otherwise, the 29-year-old might officially become an on-field bust who also has a movie based on his younger days.
Photo: USA Today Sports