Blind Side: The True Story Behind the Film

Synopsis

Blind Side is a 2009 biographical sports drama film directed by John Lee Hancock, starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, and Quinton Aaron. Based on Michael Lewis' 2006 book The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game, the film follows the story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized teenager, who is taken in by a wealthy white family and eventually becomes an All-American football player and first-round NFL draft pick.

The Real Michael Oher

Michael Oher was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1984. His childhood was marked by poverty, instability, and trauma. He was mostly raised by his mother, who struggled with drug addiction and often left him alone. As a teenager, Michael became homeless and was forced to live on the streets. He was eventually taken in by the Touhy family, a wealthy white family in Memphis, who provided him with a stable home and support. With their help, Michael excelled in football and eventually earned a scholarship to the University of Mississippi. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft and played for nine seasons in the NFL.