Michael Oher

Michael Oher, the founder of the Oher Foundation, is a renowned storyteller, NFL Super Bowl Champion and the inspiration behind the Hollywood hit "The Blind Side." He harnesses his influence to foster positive change in the lives of children facing the adversities of poverty and homelessness, leveraging his personal experiences to empower socio-economically disadvantaged youth through his charity, the Oher Foundation.

The Oher Foundation is dedicated to bolstering the lives of socio-economically disadvantaged youth by providing educational opportunities, mentorship, and support to break the cycle of poverty. A notable initiative by the foundation is the newly launched Opportunity Scholar Program, which welcomes its inaugural class of 9th-grade scholars on August 8th, 2023, aiming to provide transformative educational experiences.

Having navigated the challenges of life as a foster child in Memphis and achieving remarkable success in the NFL, Oher's commitment to education has been unwavering. His journey from the streets to professional football is not only a testament to his determination but also underscores his understanding of education's pivotal role in achieving success. A two-time All-American and winner of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy during his time at the University of Mississippi, "Ole Miss", Oher's football career included notable achievements such as being a first-round NFL draft pick for the Baltimore Ravens in 2009 and playing a key role in their Super Bowl XLVII victory. Following an 8-year NFL career with teams including the Tennessee Titans and the Carolina Panthers, Oher continues to engage actively in community service and mentorship.

Oher's life story is captured in his New York Times best-selling autobiography, "I Beat The Odds: From Homelessness to The Blind Side and Beyond" and "When Your Back’s Against the Wall: Fame, Football, and Lessons Learned through a Lifetime of Adversity." Through his ongoing work with the Oher Foundation, he aims to inspire and enable similar transformations in the lives of youth in Nashville, TN.