Michael Oher

First-round pick who started every game in 2009 and won a Super Bowl ring as the Ravens' starting right tackle.

Michael Oher was selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the 23rd pick in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft. The team acquired this selection from the New England Patriots in exchange for their own first- and fifth-round picks. On July 30, 2009, Oher signed a five-year, $13.8 million contract with Baltimore. He began his tenure as the starting right tackle but moved to left tackle following an injury to Jared Gaither, later returning to the right side in week eight of that season.

Quick Facts

Position: Tackle
Born: 28 May 1986
Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
High school: Briarcrest (Eads, Tennessee)
College: Ole Miss (2005–2008)
Draft year: 2009
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 23

Lore & Background

Oher's time with the Ravens began immediately after his draft selection, witnessed by the Tuohy family. In his rookie season of 2009, he started all 16 games, playing eleven at right tackle and five at left tackle due to positional adjustments necessitated by injury. His performance in the playoffs was historic; on January 10, 2010, against the New England Patriots, Oher played right tackle and did not allow a single sack as the Ravens secured a 33–14 victory. This dominance contributed to him finishing second in the Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award voting with six votes. Prior to the 2010 season, he moved back to left tackle, though the team announced during the 2011 pre-season that he would shift back to the right side.

Reader's Guide

He entered the league as a right tackle but was moved to left tackle early in his rookie year due to an injury to Jared Gaither, only to return to the right side in week eight. His consistency was absolute; he started every single game during the 2009 season. Fans should note his playoff performance against New England on January 10, 2010, where he allowed zero sacks. While he finished second for Offensive Rookie of the Year with six votes, his most tangible success came in 2013 as the starting right tackle in Super Bowl XLVII. His contract details are also specific: a five-year, $13.8 million deal signed on July 30, 2009.