A New Chapter in the Tale of Michael Oher About to Be Written

There was a time when Michael Oher didn't know his own name. This coming summer, Roger Goodell will likely call it out early in the first-round of the 2009 NFL Draft. And, just like that, a young man who was without a family, a school, a home or a future less than 10 years ago will sign a contract likely to guarantee him millions to play left tackle as a professional.

If you're a sports fan like I am, there's a decent chance Michael Oher is not an unfamiliar personality. The protagonist of Michael Lewis's 2006 bestseller The Blind Side will take the field for his final collegiate game on January 2nd in Dallas, as he and his Ole Miss teammates face Texas Tech in the Cotton Bowl.

I made a point of following Oher during his first two seasons in Oxford. After reading The Blind Side, it was as if some strange magnetic-like force was compelling me, almost imploring me, to pay attention and not forget about the kid from Memphis. Lewis's human interest story within a story had sucked me right in and refused to let go.

However, after ducking back into relative obscurity on below-average Rebels teams, I'd recently lost my discipline in tracking the tale of Michael Oher. In part, it's the resurgence of Ole Miss that helped force #74 back into my consciousness. It just so happens it seems a rather natural time to re-visit Oher as the next chapter in a remarkable story is about to be written.

Those taking a first glance at the 6' 5, 320-pounder, never mind those who have seen his feet, might easily assume his spot at left tackle playing for an SEC school in a major Bowl game is far from stunning. Physically gifted, Oher is an imposing figure who has been tagged for future stardom since his early teens. It all seems quite logical, a typical trajectory for an atypical athlete.

However, for those who have not heard the tale of Michael Oher, the Rebel left tackle's ascent to 2008 pre-season All-American, his run as a now four-year starter and his nearly bulletproof status as a a high first-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft was about as far from a foregone conclusion as such things can be.

Without rehashing what is a great true story from Lewis, both in the context of its breakdown of the evolution of the left tackle position in professional football and the incredibly enrapturing human interest story of Oher (if you haven't read, read the book now), here's an excerpt of the synopsis from the publisher of The Blind Side:

When we first meet the young man at the center of this extraordinary and moving story, he is one of thirteen children by a mother addicted to crack; he does not know his real name, his father, his birthday, or any of the things a child might learn in school. And he has no serious experience playing organized football. What changes? He takes up football, and school, after a rich, Evangelical, Republican family plucks him from the mean streets. Their love is the first great force that alters the world’s perception of the boy, whom they adopt. The second force is the evolution of professional football itself.

The book itself, although at times hellbent on hyperbole for dramatic effect (whether factual or feigned), is phenomenal. And, if nothing else, it compels you to do one thing -- root for this kid.

Well, almost four years later, with what had to be a ton of additional pressure (and, yes, probably some more opportunity) as a result of the success of The Blind Side, I'd say the kid done alright. Earlier this month, Michael was one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation's top interior lineman.

He's started every game during his career at Ole-Miss and has twice been named first-team All-SEC including a unanimous selection this season. Oher put a bow on his collegiate resume a few weeks ago with one more noteworthy award - first-team All-American.

Three years ago, nobody would've expected Ole Miss to be ranked #20 in the country and playing in the Cotton Bowl (with Houston Nutt at the helm no less). Ten years ago, the concept of Oher playing organized football (at any level) was even a more ridiculous proposition.

Sometimes the inconceivable can happen. It's already happened with Michael Oher, and it continues to happen. As the next chapter in his tale gets ready to begin, I, for one, will still be cheering him on and anxiously anticipating each new page.