Michael Oher Says ‘The Blind Side’ Ruined His Football Career

Do you remember the 2009 film “The Blind Side” starring Sandra Bullock? It was based off the story of Michael Oher,  a homeless and traumatized boy who became an All American football player and first round NFL draft pick with the help of Leigh Anne Tuoh (Bullock) and her family. The film did wonders for Sandra Bullock, Oher on the other hand says it’s had a negative impact on his life. 

Via ESPN

“The Blind Side” may have been a box office hit, but the player it was about has been blindsided by its effect on his NFL career.

Carolina Panthers left tackle Michael Oher said Wednesday the 2009 movie about his life has taken away from what he does as a player.

The subject came up when Oher was asked if a minicamp scrape between him and defensive end Kony Ealy showed he has to prove his worth after struggling the past two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans.

“I’m not trying to prove anything,” Oher said. “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.”

The movie details how Bullock’s character got Oher into football and ultimately Ole Miss, where he became an All-America left tackle and a first-round draft pick (23rd overall) by the Ravens in 2009.

“That’s taken away from my football,” Oher said. “That’s why people criticize me. That’s why people look at me every single play.”

Oher helped Baltimore win the Super Bowl in 2012 as its starting left tackle. (At media day ahead of the game, he also spoke out against “The Blind Side,” saying, “I’m tired of the movie. I’m here to play football.”)

He wasn’t re-signed after struggling in 2013, given a minus-17.1 grade by Pro Football Focus.

Oher signed a five-year, $20 million deal with the Tennessee Titans in 2014, but was released during the offseason after battling a toe injury that limited him to 11 games at right tackle.

What exactly did he expect when he signed off for a movie adaptation about his life?