Michael Oher’s someone this blogger interviewed before he was drafted number one by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2010 NFL Draft. Here’s that interview:
RAVENS T MICHAEL OHER
(on how he feels right now) “I know the road that I’ve traveled to be a Super Bowl champion. Words can’t even describe it. It’s unbelievable right now. (I’m feeling) all kinds of emotions. I’m just in shock right now. To be a Super Bowl champion in the biggest game in the world, that’s special.”
(on talking to the Tuohey family (adopted family) after the game) “Of course. They’re on the field right now. Without them, I don’t know if I’d be here or not. They took this road and made it easier on me. Words can’t describe it.”
(on the 49ers defense) “Those guys are very tough at stopping the run. It’s very tough to run on those guys. They’re great on the defensive side of the ball. It’s crazy how many good players they have. We opened it up for Joe Flacco and he played great like he’s been playing the last 7 weeks. Joe did a great job and the wide receivers, tight ends, and everybody did a great job. It was a team effort, really. The defense came through when they had to.”
(on staying focused during the power outage) “It was a crazy experience to be on the side. You tighten up. You start getting cold. It gave them a chance to get back in the game. It came down to the wire in the Super Bowl. That’s how we want it. We wouldn’t want it any other way. That’s how the Ravens play.”
(on what’s going through his mind) “I’m just blank right now. I’m just shocked. It’s a feeling that’s unbelievable. We’re Super Bowl champions. I came from nowhere, North Memphis Tennessee. To be here standing in front of you guys is just adding on to the story. It’s unbelievable.”
(on finding Mrs. Tuohey (adopted mom) after the game) “She was just in tears. She was very proud. Without her, I don’t know if I’d be here or not – probably not. She opened up her doors to me into her home and her family. I don’t know if I’d be here without her to be honest with you.”
(on Joe Flacco’s play) “Joe’s always been a great quarterback. He’s been extremely unbelievable in these last five or six games. I wouldn’t take any other quarterback over Joe. He’s elite. He’s a Raven. People give him slack and I don’t know why. We love being underdogs. I don’t know why people want Baltimore to be the underdogs, but we’re all about it. Joe’s going to keep winning and that’s all that matters.”
(on preparing for this game) “I don’t know about having to get lucky. After we got to New Orleans it was all about business. The last five or six weeks we were practicing great. We carried that playoff spirit into the Super Bowl. We’re the World Champions.”
(on the power outage) “It was crazy. We got cold on the sidelines. We started off cold in the second half. The defense came through for us and we got the win.”
Congratulations to Mr. Oher!