Michael Oher, Inspiration For ‘The Blind Side, Celebrated Super Bowl Berth With Adoptive Parents

Michael Oher, whose inspirational story was told in The Blind Side, took to Instagram after the Carolina Panthers defeated the Arizona Cardinals to earn a trip to Super Bowl 50 to share a picture with his adoptive parents.

Michael Oher & The Tuohys

In The Blind Side, Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, who adopted Oher when he was in high school, were portrayed by Tim McGraw and Sandra Bullock. The real-life Memphis couple turned out Sunday to support Oher, who clearly appreciated their presence at one of the biggest games of his career.

Earlier in the season, Oher had taken to Instagram to share a picture with Sean, and to thank him for all of his support over the years.

“Glad this guy took a chance on me he never seeked any credit was always behind the Scenes coming from where I came from of course it’s going to be a process,” Oher wrote. “Glad that he was patient this guy seriously taught me so much stuff I can’t even name thanks for the support and love through it all!!”

Following the Panthers win over the weekend, Leigh Anne proved to be just as fiery and enthusiastic as she was portrayed by Bullock in the 2009 film, posting a spirited video on Instagram. “Holy Molly… We are going to the #SuperBowl #GoPanthers #KeepPounding One more game!!!” she captioned the clip.

Oher, who joined the Panthers for the 2015 season after a run with the Baltimore Ravens, recently opened up about his feelings about The Blind Side. Though he doesn’t necessarily enjoy the attention the movie foists upon on him, he understands it’s an inspiration for others.

“It was a great movie and inspired so many people,” Oher told ESPN. “But just hearing so much about it, I like to watch whatever else is on the [videos-on-]demand at the hotels.”