Sports Archives

Starting Young Gives You Time to Become an Expert

How do the world’s top performers tap into their full potential? What are the benefits of starting young? What sets apart the experts from the rest of us? Studies show that top achievers, whether it be in sports, music, or neurology, all have one thing in common: they started young. When children are introduced to their field of interest in a fun and playful way and are properly encouraged, they’re more likely to become an expert in their field later in life. Keep reading to learn why starting young is the first step to becoming an expert.

Michael Oher: Childhood and System Failure

What was Michael Oher’s childhood like? How did Michael Oher end up in foster care? Michael Oher first lived with his biological mother, Denise. When Michael was a child, he wound up in foster care, and quickly got lost in the system. Read more about Michael Oher, his childhood, and how his time in foster care.

Tom Lemming: How He Saw Potential in Michael Oher

Who is Tom Lemming? What is his role in The Blind Side? Tom Lemming started out as an avid football fan, and became one of the most influential recruiters of all time. Lemming first noticed Michael Oher in a video of Oher playing football, and was immediately inspired to meet him. Read more about Tom Lemming and his role in recruiting Michael Oher to Ole Miss.

Michael Oher: Father Dies, Leaving a Mystery

Who was Michael Oher’s father? Did he and Michael have a relationship, and what happened to him later in life? Michael Oher’s father was named Michael Jerome Williams, Sr. Michael was named after his father, who went back to jail soon after he was born, and was later killed. Read more about Michael Oher’s father.

Hurt Village: The Blind Side Explores Social Issues

What is Hurt Village in The Blind Side? How did Michael Oher go from Hurt Village to Briarcrest, and later, the NFL? Hurt Village in The Blind Side is the difficult neighborhood in Memphis where Michael Oher grew up. Michael is able to leave Hurt Village when he gets into a school across town, and later moves in with the Tuohy family. Read more about Hurt Village in The Blind Side and how Michael eventually left.

How Michael Oher Shaped the Tuohy Foundation

What is the Tuohy foundation? How did Michael Oher’s experience help shape the Tuohys’ decisions to start their foundation? Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy learned that there were many other kids like Michael who wanted more opportunities. They formed the Tuohy foundation to help more Black athletes improve their grades so they could attend college. Read more about how the Tuohy foundation was influenced by Michael Oher.

Michael Oher Draft: From High School to the NFL

What was Michael Oher’s draft process like? How did Michael wind up playing in the NFL? For Michael Oher, the draft meant realizing his goal of playing in the NFL. He initially declared for the draft in 2008 after his junior year, but then withdrew and was drafted in 2009 by the Baltimore Ravens. Read more about Michael Oher, the draft, and his football career.

Miss Sue: The Blind Side Tutor Shapes Michael’s Future

Who was Miss Sue in The Blind Side? How did she help Michael Oher succeed? Miss Sue in The Blind Side is Michael Oher’s tutor. She first helps him improve his grades in high school in order to get a scholarship. She then follows him to Ole Miss to help him academically. Read more about Miss Sue, The Blind Side, and how she helped Michael Oher.

Antonio Turner and Michael Oher in The Blind Side

Who is Antonio Turner? What happened between Michael Oher and Antonio Turner in The Blind Side? In The Blind Side, Michael Oher gets into a physical altercation with a teammate named Antonio Turner. The incident resulted in Michael running away and getting into legal trouble. Read more about Antonio Turner, The Blind Side, and what happened with Michael Oher.

Michael Oher: College Life and Struggles at Ole Miss

Where did Michael Oher go to college? How did Michael Oher’s college football career go? For Michael Oher, college was once an unattainable dream. But that changed when he met the Tuohy family and began on his journey to play college football. Read more about Michael Oher, college, and his time at Ole Miss.