I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness, to The Blind Side, and Beyond

The six-game series between the Chicago Bulls and the Phoenix Suns is the subject of Chapter 8, but it is also mentioned elsewhere. Seven-year-old Oher watched enrapt as Michael Jordan led the Bulls to victory, becoming the first team to “threepeat” (or win the championship three years in a row) since the 1960s. Oher saw Jordan’s path as one he could follow. Jordan’s name and image were everywhere, a golden endorsement for any product. As Oher writes, “His name was money” (91). This stuck in his mind until he concluded that “[i]f sports could make you so famous that you could always pay rent, then that was what I was going to do” (91).

Thus, Oher’s dream was born, one he would follow all the way to success as a Super Bowl champion. He presents his dream as something doable with hard work—despite not having many resources. However, Oher describes himself as responsible and focused, determined to make his dream come true with actions. He studied the games of top basketball and football players to emulate their techniques. He also actively looked for a mentor, as he knew he needed help to reach his goal.