When Your Back's Against the Wall: Fame, Football, and Lessons Learned through a Lifetime of Adversity

Millions of people became part of Michael Oher’s story when they watched a version of him on the big screen; read his memoir, ; or cheered him on from the stands. After speaking to so many of them over the years, Oher knows that more than anything, people want to believe great things can happen, even when the situation looks bleak. His story of overcoming the toughest of odds serves as their hope. Oher’s life has had a lot of unexpected highs: a college degree; four beautiful, healthy children and a happy marriage; drafted in the first round; a Super Bowl victory; and a second chance to play in the “big game.” He’s also run up against quite a few walls: poverty, hunger, homelessness, struggles in school, bullying, job loss, brain injury, anxiety, and depression. What he knows now is that your wall can be your opportunity. In , he offers encouragement and shows readers how to get back up—again, and again, and again.