By his senior year, Oher was one of the top football recruits in the nation, eventually accepting a full scholarship to Ole Miss, where he made the chancellor's honor roll for academic excellence.
Leigh Anne Tuohy's relationship with her adopted son is what drives the movie, which pairs Bullock with newcomer Quinton Aaron, who plays the shy Oher. John Lee Hancock, the film's writer and director, describes the movie as more of a "mother-son story" than a football film.
"I think Michael had a much greater impact on our lives than we did on his," Leigh Anne Tuohy said in a statement. She plans to attend the New York premiere Tuesday along with her husband and their two other children.
"You take so much in life for granted," she said. "We viewed life differently after he joined our family."
Sean Tuohy said the characters in the movie are secondary to its message: Given the proper support, faith and love, anyone can thrive.
"We just think we happen to be the people in it," Tuohy said. "The movie is really about people and how they value other people. Michael just happens to be a good example of it."
Inside the Ravens' locker room, some of Oher's teammates have teased the big rookie about the flick. But they are also psyched about seeing it.
"Don't get me wrong, we're a tough crowd now. We're gonna get on him, but it is all tough love," Ravens safety Ed Reed said. "It's all out of love, man. Oher knows what's going to come with it to some degree."
Oher said it's possible his opponents will glean some verbal nuggets from the movie to use against him during games.
"I don't care about that kind of stuff. I play football and I do what I do," Oher said. "It will be funny to me."
Because of the understated way he is approaching it, Oher's teammates aren't concerned that the movie will be a distraction for him or the Ravens.
"Mike is kind of a shy guy anyway," Ravens linebacker Jarret Johnson said. "He is kind of reserved, stands back and now he's got a movie coming out about him that portrays his whole life, so I can see where it would be difficult for him. But anybody that knows Mike, Mike is an awesome guy. He is going to be a great player. And I know the guys in the locker room think it is pretty cool."
