Michael Oher - The Feel Good Story of the NFL Draft

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Sat Apr 25, 2009 at 12:26:55 PM CDT

Later today some NFL team will make Ole Miss standout Michael Oher a very rich young man as their first round draft pick. What separates Oher from the other young men that will be drafted today is the remarkable journey that brings Oher to New York City today waiting to find out where he will suit up on Sundays.

About a year ago, I read the book The Blind Side by Michael Lewis which chronicled the journey from Michael being an alone emotionally detached boy who had no academic records after being shuttled in an out of foster care to an All-American at Ole Miss. The success of Michael Oher happened only because of a kind affluent white family in Memphis that showed him real love.

After reading this book, I watched as Oher decided to come back to Ole Miss after being assured of being a first round pick as a junior. I am truly like many of others who have followed this story, weeping with joy as Michael is on the verge of becoming an NFL draft pick. Just a few minutes ago I watched as ESPN did a snippet on this story and introduced Oher and the Tuohy family. Every media outlet in America will cover this story if they haven't already in the next few days.  

This is Sean and Leigh Ann Tuohy who took Michael in and helped him find his way.

I'm not going to spoil the book for those that have yet to read it and learn about all the trials and tribulations of Oher. While Oher would not have made it without the Tuohy family it should not go unsaid that there were others who helped Oher along the way.

My reason for wanting to write about Oher is that this is a feel-good story. Amidst all of the bad going on in the world and especially in our country, this story proves that common decency and dreams still exist. In a world where we politicize everything this story is a great break from the hate and the partisanship.

Oher had this to say in a recent interview with USA Today

They've got big hearts," Oher says. "To take somebody from my neighborhood into your house? Nobody does that. I don't think I'd even do that. I'd help you out, but with a daughter and with all the violence and drugs where I come from ... they didn't have to do that. I owe a lot to them."

While Oher was not pleased with some of what he called the distortions in the book, Sean Tuohy felt that it was nearly 100% accurate. I by no means think that Oher was portrayed as dumb in the book. I do think that this is a take on the ole nature vs. nurture debate with nurture prevailing.

There are a number of subplots in the Michael Oher story and of course a movie is in the works. While I love feel good sports movies, I'm not sure this one will do the real story justice. I do look forward to following the career of Michael Oher and I hope that he continues to grow and be successful.