“The Blind Side” seems to be a universally liked movie, but the NFL player in which the film revolves around isn’t a fan.
The 2009 movie is based on the journey of Michael Oher, now an offensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers, from his troubled youth to the NFL. After being released by the Tennessee Titans earlier this year, Oher was asked Wednesday if he had something to prove. This prompted him to mention how “The Blind Side” has placed unnecessary attention and expectations on him.
“I’m not trying to prove anything,” Oher said, according to ESPN. “People look at me, and they take things away from me because of a movie. They don’t really see the skills and the kind of player I am. That’s why I get downgraded so much, because of something off the field.
“This stuff, calling me a bust, people saying if I can play or not, that has nothing to do with football. It’s something else off the field. That’s why I don’t like that movie.”
Oher was drafted 23rd overall by the Baltimore Ravens in 2009, but his career has been less than stellar to this point. The Panthers hope that will change, as he’ll be counted on to protect quarterback Cam Newton following a season in which he was sacked 38 times in 14 games.