The Carolina Panthers have reportedly released offensive tackle Michael Oher, who became famous for being the subject of the movie “Blind Side.”
Source: the Panthers have released veteran OT Michael Oher.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) July 20, 2017
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media noted he was released with a “failed physical designation.”
This move isn’t very surprising. What is perhaps surprising is that the Panthers waited so long to make the call to let Oher go. It also came on the same day that offensive guard Trai Turner landed a huge four-year extension.
The left tackle has not been able to practice or play since suffering a concussion last September. He has had a few off-field incidents of note that likely contributed to this decision. He assaulted an Uber driver a few months back and made news when a picture was posted to his Instagram account showing 10 bottles of pills “all for the brain.”
Before the concussion that ended his 2016 campaign, Oher had started 110 games throughout his career with the Baltimore Ravens and Panthers. He also was a big part of Carolina’s 2015 NFC Championship-winning team that ultimately fell to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50.
The biggest question now for Oher is, should he retire or continue to pursue an NFL career?