Michael Oher Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Michael Oher’s Net Worth and Salary: What’s the Story?

An American football offensive tackle, Michael Oher boasts a net worth of $12 million. He was once a homeless teenager taken in by a wealthy family. Oher rose to fame as a star offensive tackle in college and the NFL. He was part of the Baltimore Ravens team that won Super Bowl XLVII in his rookie season after being drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Post his stint with the Ravens, he played for the Tennessee Titans and later with the Carolina Panthers before retiring in 2017.

Michael’s life story, depicted in the award-winning 2009 film “The Blind Side,” showcased his journey. The story featured Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw as his adoptive parents, Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy. Quinton Aaron played the role of Michael.

Career Earnings and Contracts

Throughout his NFL career, Michael Oher raked in a total of $34 million in salary.

He kicked off his NFL journey with a 5-year, $13.495 million deal with the Ravens, earning $310,000 in his rookie season along with a $942,000 signing bonus. Subsequently, he moved on to the Tennessee Titans in 2014 with a 4-year, $20 million contract, which included a $4 million signing bonus.

His last NFL deal was a 3-year $21.6 million contract with the Panthers in 2016, which featured a $4 million signing bonus. However, he was released after failing a physical in 2017.

2023 Complaint Against the Tuohy Family

On August 14, 2023, Michael filed a petition revealing shocking claims against the Tuohy family, challenging the narrative of “The Blind Side” and demanding a fair share of profits from the film.

The petition exposed details about the alleged exploitation of his story, asserting that the family had profited significantly while he received nothing. Michael claimed that the family had him sign away his rights without compensation.

Amid these allegations, the movie studio disclosed payments made to Oher and the Tuohys, with a commission deducted before the split of royalties.

Insights into “The Blind Side” Royalties

Following the allegations, the movie studio revealed payments totaling approximately $767,000 to the involved parties, with a portion earmarked for the talent agency representing them.

Post the commission cut, each of the Tuoys and Michael would have received around $138,000 prior to taxes.

Michael Oher’s Early Years

Born on May 28, 1986, in Memphis, Tennessee, Michael Oher’s background was marred by family struggles and instability. However, his life took a significant turn when he found support and guidance from the Tuohy family.

High School Journey

Michael’s prowess in football led to accolades during his high school years in Memphis, earning him a place as the starting left tackle on the varsity football team. Despite academic challenges, he persevered to secure a spot in a Division 1 school.

Transition to College Football

Oher commenced his college football journey at the University of Mississippi, displaying remarkable talent and dedication that made him a sought-after prospect by top schools.

In his initial season playing for the Ole Miss Rebels, Michael became a first-team freshman All-American, swiftly transitioning to the left tackle position for the 2006 season. This move garnered him selections to numerous preseason All-Conference and All-American teams. Following his second year, he was honored as a second-team Southeastern Conference offensive lineman, moving up to first-team SEC offensive lineman after his junior year. Oher also excelled academically at Ole Miss, with a remarkable 30-point increase in his tested IQ score from childhood to college. Making the honor roll in his sophomore year, Oher declared in January 2008 his plan to enter the 2008 NFL draft, only to withdraw just two days later and return for his senior year. After the 2008 season, he was unanimously recognized as a first-team All-American, securing a spot on the honor roll for the second time in his college career as he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice in the spring of 2009, leaving behind a legacy of over a dozen awards and prestigious sports honors.

Pro Career

Michael was already considered one of the top prospects for the 2009 NFL Draft even before graduating. He was selected by the Baltimore Ravens as the 23rd pick in the first round, with his adoptive family present to witness the special moment. Signing a five-year, $13.8 million contract with the Ravens on July 30, 2009, Oher showcased his versatility by starting as a right tackle and later a left tackle in the 2009 season. Excelling in both positions, Oher played a key role in the Ravens’ successes, culminating in a Super Bowl victory in February 2013.

Transitioning to the Tennessee Titans in March 2014 on a four-year, $20 million contract, Oher faced challenges with injuries, resulting in a release in February 2015. Joining the Carolina Panthers shortly after on a two-year, $7 million deal, Oher’s performance significantly improved, particularly in protecting Cam Newton’s blind side.

In his stint with the Panthers, Oher was part of the team that competed in Super Bowl 50, although falling short to the Denver Broncos. Despite signing a contract extension in June 2016, unfortunate circumstances led to his release in July 2017 due to a failed physical assessment.

Personal Life

After meeting at the University of Mississippi, Michael Oher began dating Tiffany Roy. The couple later got engaged in July 2021 and tied the knot on November 5, 2022, in Nashville, Tennessee, after a 17-year relationship.

Reflecting on his portrayal in the film “The Blind Side,” Oher expressed disappointment, stating it had a negative impact on his football career. In his autobiography “I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness to ‘The Blind Side’ and Beyond,” Michael clarified that he was more extroverted than depicted and had a solid football knowledge even before his connection with the Tuohys.

In 2014, Oher acquired a home in Brentwood worth $1.3 million upon joining the Tennessee Titans.