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Homeless Teen Heads to Ravens

Offensive tackle Oher is 23rd pick of NFL draft

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 26, 2009 9:52 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A homeless teen turned All-American football player is headed to the NFL. The Baltimore Ravens yesterday traded up to choose Mississippi offensive tackle Michael Oher as the 23rd pick of this year's draft, reports the Baltimore Sun. "It's been a long journey," said Oher, close to tears. "I'm not going to let them down. I'm going to give them everything I got."

Oher was born in one of the poorest parts of Memphis to a crack-addicted mother, and his absent father was murdered while he was in high school. His story, chronicled in Michael Lewis' bestseller The Blind Side, made him a star even before his arrival at Ole Miss. Some NFL fans expected Oher to be picked earlier in the draft, but the player was unfazed: "I knew I was going to be drafted. Don't feel sorry for me."

Michael Oher, a tackle from Mississippi, speaks with the media after he is selected as the 23th overall pick in the first round of the draft by the Baltimore Ravens.
Michael Oher, a tackle from Mississippi, speaks with the media after he is selected as the 23th overall pick in the first round of the draft by the Baltimore Ravens.   (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
Michael Oher, a tackle from Mississippi, holds up a jersey after he was selected as the 23rd overall pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the draft.
Michael Oher, a tackle from Mississippi, holds up a jersey after he was selected as the 23rd overall pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the draft.   (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Michael Oher shows off a jersey with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he was selected as the 23rd overall pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the draft.
Michael Oher shows off a jersey with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he was selected as the 23rd overall pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the draft.   (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
Mississippi lineman Michael Oher waves to fans before entering The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards ceremony in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., last year.
Mississippi lineman Michael Oher waves to fans before entering The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards ceremony in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., last year.   (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi State defensive end Tim Bailey (39) is shoved back by Mississippi offensive lineman Michael Oher (74) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss.
Mississippi State defensive end Tim Bailey (39) is shoved back by Mississippi offensive lineman Michael Oher (74) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss.   (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)
Mississippi left tackle Michael Oher gestures downfield during a NCAA college football game against Memphis in Oxford, Miss.
Mississippi left tackle Michael Oher gestures downfield during a NCAA college football game against Memphis in Oxford, Miss.   (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
wwwonderer
Apr 27, 2009 8:58 AM CDT
Great story. And being homeless I'm sure will teach him how to manage his fortune properly.
riffran
Apr 27, 2009 6:02 AM CDT
good luck Big fellah...
Timinator2K
Apr 27, 2009 1:15 AM CDT
He'll really show everyone what "...going to give them everything I got." really means. Go MO!

No attitide, just gratitude
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NFL • NFL draft • homeless • Baltimore Ravens • Michael Oher

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