Michael Oher is a former NFL offensive tackle who has made a lasting impression both on and off the field.
After coming from humble beginnings to become an inspirational figure, Oher has gone on to be the subject of an Academy Award-nominated film and the author of a bestselling memoir.
While his time in the NFL ended in 2015, Oher has remained active in football through various endeavors to give back to his community.
Who is Michael Oher?
Michael Oher is a former NFL offensive tackle who rose from humble beginnings to become an inspirational figure, the subject of an Academy Award-nominated film and the author of a bestselling memoir. Born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1986, Oher has endured a challenging upbringing that included homelessness and poverty. Despite these struggles, Oher managed to excel academically and athletically throughout high school and college, eventually earning an invitation to the NFL Draft.
Michael Oher’s Football Career
Oher’s college football career
Michael Oher was a standout on the football field for much of his college career. He began at the University of Mississippi, where in his first season he started all 12 games and was named to the Freshman All-SEC team. During his time at Ole Miss, Oher would become a two-time All-SEC selection and an All-American in 2008. In 2009, he declared for the NFL Draft and was selected in the first round by the Baltimore Ravens.
Oher’s NFL career
Michael Oher enjoyed a successful nine-season career in the NFL, starting with the Baltimore Ravens who drafted him 23rd overall in 2009. With the Ravens, he went on to start 77 of 78 games played and was part of the team’s Super Bowl XLVII victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
In 2013, Oher signed with the Tennessee Titans and enjoyed a solid four-year run with the franchise. Oher’s last season of professional football came in 2015, as he spent time with the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals before retiring at the end of the year.
Michael Oher’s Retirement
Michael Oher retired from football in 2015 after a successful nine-season career with the NFL. While there is no official explanation for his retirement, it appears that a combination of factors led to the decision. Oher had endured multiple injuries throughout his career, including a toe injury in 2013 that cost him half of the season and an ankle injury in 2014. In addition, the rigors of the NFL season likely took their toll on Oher, as he was nearing 30 years old when he retired.
Oher’s retirement announcement
Michael Oher’s retirement announcement came on April 11, 2015, when the former NFL offensive tackle posted a message to social media. In his post, he thanked those who had supported him throughout his career and expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had been given. Oher concluded by saying that while it was time for him to move on from football, he would remain active in various endeavors to give back to his community.
Oher’s Recent Activities
Oher’s business ventures
Since his retirement from the NFL, Michael Oher has remained active in business ventures. He is currently a partner at Seventh Empire Media, an entertainment and sports marketing agency that focuses on developing and investing in innovative projects. Oher is also an investor in multiple tech startups, including ClassPass and Outerknown. In addition to these investments, he has also become a public speaker, sharing his story of perseverance and resilience to various audiences.
Oher’s charitable work
Michael Oher has continued to give back to his community post-retirement. He is an active member of The Good Samaritan’s Project, a charity organization dedicated to providing assistance and resources for those in need. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Ed Reed Foundation, which provides educational opportunities for inner city youth. In addition, Oher takes part in the Baltimore Ravens’ Play 60 program, which encourages children to stay active and healthy.
Conclusion
Michael Oher’s retirement from the NFL in 2015 marked the end of an illustrious nine-season career. Since then, Oher has remained involved in the world of football through various business ventures and charitable work. His business investments demonstrate his commitment to creating and investing in innovative projects, while his charitable work displays his dedication to giving back to his community. As he continues to pursue new endeavors , Michael Oher’s legacy as a football player and person of character will remain strong.
