The movie "The Blind Side" is one of the most popular movies in the theatres these days.
It's the true story of Michael Oher, a former Ole Miss All-American offensive lineman and 2009 first-round NFL draft pick.
Oher rose from homelessness to national acclaim with the help of the Tuhoy family, who literally picked him up off a wintery Tennessee street and enveloped him in their lives, nurturing him personally, academically and athletically.
Like all of the great sports movies, "The Blind Side" is inspirational, weaving the tale of a determined young man and his equally-determined adopted family.
It's also funny, with cameos from a variety of SEC current and former coaches, including Nick Saban and Lou Holtz.
At the same time, it is heart-wrenching, to understand the poverty-stricken circumstances of Oher's childhood, situations that are shared by far too many young people today.
With football as a backdrop, the film explores personal relationships, faith, courage and trust. It reminds us of the way that sports are used to shape people both on and off the field. It reminds us of the life lessons that are learned between the lines.
Just as Oher's quarterback counted on him to protect his "blind side," keeping him from harm, Oher put his faith in a support system of strangers-turned-family, coaches and teammates to shield him from a sad history and potentially tragic future.
Some people will see this movie because they love football; some will see it because they are Sandra Bullock fans. Others will see it because "Twilight" was sold out.
The film will appeal to the sports fan and to those who don't even understand football. It is an instant sports movie classic for its rags-to-riches plot; we love to see the underdog win on the football field and in life.
"The Blind Side" tackles the issue of tolerance and acceptance much like "Remember the Titans." It packs a punch for the hard-working down-on-his-luck common man much the way the "Rocky" films did. It captures the spirit of second chances and family, much like "Field of Dreams."
We often hear the term "It's just a game," and that is true. Fundamentally, sports are just games.
However, for Oher, football was also a chance at new future, given to him by a loving Tuhoy family.
From the cold and hungry environment created by a mother addicted to drugs to the pinnacle of football, the National Football League, this now-millionaire Baltimore Raven rookie knows there is much more to his story than can fit in a film.
"The Blind Side" reminds us of the power of sports and the virtues they teach: desire and dreams, care and commitment, help and hope.
Like all the great sports movies, and great games, this story deserves a rousing cheer.
Kellie Goodman can be reached at kgoodman@amcvb.com. Her column appears on Tuesdays.
