Michael Oher, former professional NFL player and the real-life inspiration behind The Blind Side has faced a rocky couple of years, amidst an ongoing legal dispute with his "adoptive" family, the Tuohys. Michael became a household name in 2009 when his story was spotlighted in the Oscar winning film starring Sandra Bullock. However, Michael has since disputed much of the film and sued the Tuohy family in 2023, alleging that he was never actually adopted, rather put into a conservatorship, while the family profited from his story.
The Blind Side follows the struggles that teenage Michael faced; having had a difficult childhood he ends up homeless, before being taken in by the wealthy Tuohy family, Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy, who provide him with a home. They coach him both academically and athletically, eventually becoming a top high school football player. Michael earns a college scholarship and later achieves his childhood dream of playing professional football.
© Getty ImagesMichael has seen much success in his life, making an estimated $34 million in salary earnings alone across his eight NFL seasons. His rookie contract with the Baltimore Ravens (that he signed when he was just 23 years old!) was worth approximately $13.5 million over five years, according to yahoo!
© Getty ImagesMichael's legal disputes
It first came to light in 2023 that the story told in The Blind Side may not be truly reflective of reality. Michael sued Sean and Leigh Anne, the main allegation being that he was tricked into a conservatorship when he was just 18 under the guise that he was being adopted. This conservatorship allegedly gave the Tuohys control of his finances and the rights to his story and image.
© Sports Illustrated via Getty ImaIn September 2023, a Tennessee judge ended the conservatorship between Michael and the Tuohy family, the judge stating that she was disturbed that a conservatorship was used on someone who is not disabled and "cannot believe it got done." While Michael was finally free of his nearly two-decade long conservatorship, the legal battle had only just begun.
The legal dispute has continued on to present day, and centers on largely financial matters. Michael claims that the Tuohys profited from his life story, while he did not receive his fair share, demanding transparency of the earnings derived from him. He claims that even the Tuohy children, Collins and Sean Jr., each received $225,000 from the film, plus royalties, while he earned nothing.
© Sports Illustrated via Getty ImaMichael's net worth
Though there is little to no concrete, public evidence to substantiate an accurate net worth for many celebrities, some outlets report that Michael's net worth is estimated to be around $12 million, despite the high-profile legal battles with the Tuohy family. Ongoing brand endorsements provide a continued income stream for Michael, which will presumably support him in his ongoing legal dispute.
From the very beginning, Michael’s story has been one of perseverance and commitment. Having a very difficult childhood, Michael beat all odds and achieved NFL success. While his legal disputes with the Tuohy family have rehashed old wounds, Michael’s remarkable journey and his achievements, both on and off the field, continue to be central in the public’s perception.
