Can Michael Oher Fill Ogden’s Shoes?

Michael Oher’s journey to the NFL was interesting to say the least. Bouncing from foster homes, to friends houses to the streets in rough patches defined his life, until he was given a second chance by a wealthy family. His story garnered national attention to the point that a book was written upon his life, you can read E-Books Online, and subsequently the Hollywood blockbuster starring Sandra Bullock.

After being drafted 23rd overall in the 2009 draft, Oher has overcome all of the odds weighing against him in his life and has found his way into a prominent role on the Baltimore Ravens. This past season the 6-4, 310 pound big man started all 16 games.

Oher has the makings of a premier left tackle in this league, granted he has a big pair of turf-toe ridden shoes to fill; Jonathan Ogden’s to be exact. Ogden was the face of the Baltimore O-line for years, and perhaps the face of the O-line around the league. Oher will have to produce constantly, and consistently to even be mentioned in the vicinity of Ogden’s realm, but that doesn’t mean he can’t.

Playing in the physical AFC North Oher has his work cut out for him. He has two dates with the Steelers every year, and two with the Bengals –which Antwan Odom has showed us are not to be messed with – the pass rush of his most familiar opponents, is brutal, and it will be something Oher has to contend with his entire career as a Raven. And who knows, maybe the Browns could give birth to a good pass rush one day?!?!?

The point of the story is this, Michael Oher is proving himself to be an extraordinary player, but he’s definitely got tonnes of work cut out for him to emerge from the shadow of all-pro Jonathan Ogden; don’t take this too rough Oher fans, I wouldn’t mind having my name right below one of the greatest tackles of all time.  His play is extraordinary but so too is his person. “I don’t dwell on anything,” Oher remarks. “I’m not going to feel sorry for myself because I didn’t have a place to stay a lot of time. It is what it is. We’ve got to go through some things in life. Take it and run with it.”  Free e-books library