Football fans across the globe are familiar with the name Michael Oher – the talented offensive lineman whose story inspired the Academy Award-winning film, The Blind Side. But beyond his impressive career on the field, many are curious about Oher’s net worth – how much has he earned over the years, and where does his wealth come from? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Michael Oher’s fascinating journey, his net worth, and his life beyond football.
Early Life and Football Career
Childhood and High School Years
Michael Oher was born on May 28th, 1986, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was one of 13 children, the son of Denise Oher, a drug addict who struggled with her own demons. Oher’s early years were marked by poverty, instability, and frequent moves between foster homes and other family members.
Despite these challenging circumstances, young Oher always had a love for athletics, particularly football. His size and strength were apparent from an early age, and he quickly excelled on the field. In high school, he played for Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis, where he was a standout offensive lineman and received numerous accolades.
Off the field, Oher faced many challenges as well. He struggled to maintain a stable home life and often went without basic necessities like food and clothing. However, he found solace in his love for football and used it as a way to escape the difficulties of his everyday life.
College Football Success
After completing high school, Oher accepted a scholarship to play football at the University of Mississippi. He quickly made a name for himself as one of the top players in the country, earning All-American honors and helping Ole Miss to two bowl victories.
Despite his amazing talent and impressive college career, Oher faced numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. He struggled academically at times and had to work hard to keep up with his studies while also dedicating himself to football. Despite these challenges, Oher remained focused and determined to succeed both on and off the field.
During his time at Ole Miss, Oher also became involved in various community service projects, including working with underprivileged children and volunteering at local hospitals. He used his platform as a football player to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him.
NFL Draft and Professional Career
Despite some concerns about his academic performance, Oher was widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2009 NFL Draft. He was ultimately selected in the first round by the Baltimore Ravens and quickly established himself as a key member of their offense.
Over the course of his NFL career, Oher played for several different teams, including the Ravens, the Tennessee Titans, and the Carolina Panthers. He was known as an excellent pass protector and an effective run blocker, and helped his teams to numerous victories.
Off the field, Oher continued to make a positive impact on the lives of others. He started the Michael Oher Foundation, which provides educational and athletic opportunities to underprivileged children. He also wrote a best-selling autobiography, which was later adapted into the hit film “The Blind Side.”
Despite retiring from football in 2017, Oher’s legacy continues to inspire others both on and off the field. His story serves as a reminder that with hard work, determination, and a little bit of luck, anyone can overcome even the most difficult circumstances and achieve greatness.
The Blind Side: A Turning Point
The Story Behind the Movie
While Michael Oher’s story was already well-known in football circles, it reached a much wider audience in 2009 with the release of The Blind Side, a film based on his life. The movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $300 million worldwide and earning critical acclaim.
The Blind Side wasn’t just a movie about football. It was a movie about the power of love, family, and community. It was a story of a young man who overcame incredible odds to achieve his dreams, with the help of a family who saw his potential and believed in him.
The film told the story of Oher’s life leading up to his college football career, focusing on his relationship with a wealthy family who took him in and helped support him through his struggles. The Tuohy family, led by Leigh Anne Tuohy, provided Oher with a stable home, love, and guidance, which helped him succeed both on and off the field.
The movie was praised for its inspirational message and powerful performances, including a standout turn by Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy, one of Oher’s benefactors. Bullock’s portrayal of Tuohy was both fierce and compassionate, capturing the essence of a woman who would do anything to help those in need.
Impact on Michael Oher’s Life and Career
For Oher himself, the release of The Blind Side was a turning point in his life and career. While he had always been appreciative of the support he received from the Tuohy family, the movie brought a new level of attention and scrutiny to his personal life.
Oher’s story inspired millions of people around the world, and he became a symbol of hope and perseverance for many. He was invited to speak at schools and events, sharing his story and encouraging others to never give up on their dreams.
In interviews, Oher has sometimes expressed frustration with how he was portrayed in the film, saying that it oversimplified some aspects of his story. Nevertheless, he has also acknowledged the positive impact that the movie has had on his reputation and popularity.
Despite the challenges he faced in his life, Oher went on to have a successful career in the NFL. He played for several teams, including the Baltimore Ravens and the Carolina Panthers, and was known for his strength, agility, and determination on the field.
Today, Oher continues to inspire others with his story. He is a motivational speaker and advocate for underprivileged children, using his own experiences to help others overcome their own obstacles and achieve their dreams.
Michael Oher’s Net Worth Breakdown
Michael Oher, the former NFL player, has an estimated net worth of around $20 million. However, this wealth did not come easy to him. Oher had to overcome numerous obstacles and challenges to reach the pinnacle of success he enjoys today.
NFL Contracts and Earnings
Oher’s fortune primarily comes from his career in the NFL. He signed his first NFL contract with the Baltimore Ravens in 2009, which was worth $13.8 million over five years. In 2014, he signed with the Tennessee Titans for a four-year contract worth $20 million. But it was his contract with the Carolina Panthers that was his most lucrative. In 2015, he signed a two-year deal with the Panthers worth $7 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid offensive tackles in the league.
Throughout his career, Oher proved himself to be an excellent player, earning him millions of dollars in salary and signing bonuses. His dedication and hard work on the field paid off, and he became a fan favorite and a respected player among his peers.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
In addition to his NFL earnings, Oher also made money through endorsement deals and sponsorships. He was a popular figure in sports advertising, endorsing products and brands like Levi’s, Gatorade, and Taco Bell. His charismatic personality and excellent reputation made him an attractive choice for companies looking to promote their products.
Oher’s endorsement deals and sponsorships likely added significantly to his overall net worth. While it’s hard to know exactly how much he made from these deals, it’s safe to say that they were a significant source of income for him.
Media Appearances and Book Deals
Oher’s success on the field and his inspiring life story also led to numerous media appearances and book deals. He gained national attention in 2009 when his story was featured in the book and movie The Blind Side. The movie was a massive success, grossing over $300 million worldwide and earning Oher widespread recognition.
Oher also made guest appearances on popular television shows like Dancing With the Stars and The Dr. Oz Show. His appearances on these shows helped him connect with fans on a personal level and further boosted his popularity.
In addition to his media appearances, Oher authored a book titled I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness, to The Blind Side, and Beyond. The book tells his life story and offers inspiration and hope to others facing similar challenges. It was a bestseller and likely brought in a significant amount of money for Oher personally.
In conclusion, Michael Oher’s net worth is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He overcame numerous obstacles to become one of the most successful NFL players of his time, and his story continues to inspire others to this day.
Philanthropy and Giving Back
Philanthropy and giving back to the community are important aspects of a successful and fulfilling life. Michael Oher, a famous athlete and philanthropist, has always been committed to giving back to others, despite his personal wealth and success.
Throughout his career, Oher has been involved in numerous philanthropic efforts, donating money and time to organizations like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Michael Oher Foundation, which he founded in 2009 to help underprivileged youth. The Michael Oher Foundation provides opportunities for young people to develop their full potential through programs focused on education, sports, and mentorship.
Michael Oher’s Charity Work
Michael Oher’s charity work is an inspiration to many. He has used his success to make a positive impact on the world and help those in need. His philanthropic efforts have not gone unnoticed, and he has received numerous awards and recognition for his work.
One of Oher’s most notable philanthropic efforts is his work with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He has donated both time and money to the organization, which is dedicated to advancing cures and prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases.
Oher’s commitment to philanthropy extends beyond just donating money. He is actively involved in his foundation’s programs and events, interacting with the young people he is helping to empower and inspire.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Perhaps even more importantly, Michael Oher has become a role model and inspiration to countless young people around the world. Through his charity work, his book, and his personal example, he has shown that it’s possible to overcome even the most challenging obstacles and achieve great things.
Oher’s own story of overcoming adversity has inspired many. His book, “I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness to The Blind Side and Beyond,” details his journey from a troubled childhood to NFL stardom. Through his story, Oher has shown that with hard work, determination, and a little bit of help, anyone can achieve their dreams.
Michael Oher’s philanthropic efforts and inspiring story serve as a reminder that success is not just about personal achievement, but also about giving back to others and making a positive impact on the world.
Life After Football
Personal Life and Family
Today, Michael Oher is no longer playing professional football. After being released by the Carolina Panthers in 2017, he has remained largely out of the public eye, focusing on his personal life and family.
Since retiring from football, Oher has been able to spend more time with his loved ones. He has four children with his long-term partner, Tifanny, and enjoys being a devoted father. Oher has said that fatherhood has brought him an immense amount of joy and fulfillment.
In addition to spending time with his family, Oher is also actively involved in his community. He is a member of several charitable organizations and continues to work on his philanthropic efforts through the Michael Oher Foundation. The foundation focuses on helping underprivileged youth and provides them with resources to succeed in life.
Future Endeavors and Business Ventures
As for what’s next for Michael Oher, only time will tell. With his wealth, fame, and inspiring story, he has a wide range of opportunities available to him – whether that’s in business, media, or some other field entirely.
Oher has always been interested in business and has invested in several ventures over the years. He has a keen eye for spotting potential opportunities and has been successful in his business endeavors. Oher has also expressed an interest in media and has appeared on several television shows and documentaries.
Despite his success, Oher remains humble and grounded. He is grateful for the opportunities that football has given him and continues to work hard to make a positive impact in the world. Oher’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work, and he will undoubtedly continue to inspire others for years to come.

James Hendrickson is an internet entrepreneur, blogging junky, hunter and personal finance geek. When he’s not lurking in coffee shops in Portland, Oregon, you’ll find him in the Pacific Northwest’s great outdoors. James has a masters degree in Sociology from the University of Maryland at College Park and a Bachelors degree on Sociology from Earlham College. He loves individual stocks, bonds and precious metals.