Offensive lineman are usually the obscure members of a football team and that’s how Michael Oher likes to be.  “The Blind Side” however thrusted Oher into the spotlight.  It was a box-office hit, grossing more than $309 million and earning Sandra Bullock an Academy Award for best actress for her role as a sassy, rich, white woman whose family adopted a poor, black teenager, Michael Oher.  Things got even better for Oher as he won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens.  Things went downhill however when he went back to his home state of Tennessee and joined the Titans.

Oher struggled as a Titan, allowing six sacks and 26 quarterback hurries in 11 games in a 2-14 season. Pro Football Focus ranked him one of the worst tackles in the NFL, and fans began to turn on him.

Oher was rehabbing from toe surgery in the offseason when he received a text from Cam Newton that would later change his life.

The quarterback has recruited players before, but not this hard. Newton’s brother, Cecil Jr., had played on the practice squad in Baltimore, and he was around Oher every day. They became friends. He knew Oher was talented and professional, and was confident he could protect his brother. Cecil told Cam that Oher would be a key acquisition to the team.

So Newton texted Oher, and he didn’t just say he wanted him. He said he needed him. When the Panthers signed Oher to a two-year, $7 million deal this past March, the move was widely criticized. Oher, 29, appeared to be on the downswing.

Oher wound up being the only offensive lineman besides center Ryan Kalil to start every game in 2015 for the Panthers, who surrendered just 61 quarterback hits.

Oher said the message from Newton made him feel at home. For the first time in a while, somebody wanted him. Now they’re heading to the Super Bowl together to face the Denver Broncos this Sunday, February 7th.

Shay Marie: Twitter || Instagram

source: ESPN