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When Your Back's Against the Wall: Fame, Football, and Lessons Learned through a Lifetime of Adversity
The NFL champion whose life inspired the hit movie The Blind Side is back with an inspiring and motivating book on overcoming any obstacle, no matter how tough the odds
Millions of people became part of Michael Oher’s story when they watched a version of him on the big screen; read his memoir, I Beat the Odds; 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 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 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 When Your Back’s Against the Wall, he offers encouragement and shows readers how to get back up—again, and again, and again.
Millions of people became part of Michael Oher’s story when they watched a version of him on the big screen; read his memoir, I Beat the Odds; 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 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 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 When Your Back’s Against the Wall, he offers encouragement and shows readers how to get back up—again, and again, and again.
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 25, 2023
4.5 stars. I was at ole miss the same years that Michael was and was in the student section cheering him and the team on during my time as a student. That made this read feel unique. With a lot of talk going on in the ole miss world about Michael, I was thankful to hear HIM talk. I admire his work ethic and respect him for admitting his hurts without bashing everyone who did him wrong. I know that has taken a lot of hard work mentally. He and my husband would be best friends- I saw so many similarities and that was fun for me too! I sent my husband quotes all throughout the book. Overall I really enjoyed this. Hoping the best for the Oher Foundation!
September 16, 2023
2 ⭐️ Not for fans of the Blind Side. Or anyone really..
Michael Oher shares his story after the NFL. He reflects a little bit on his past and the challenge of having people think they know about his life, based on a movie representation that he didn’t have any control over.
He alludes to relationship troubles with the Tuohys (e.g. discussing how he keeps his circle tight to his wife, kids, and few friends), but he never discusses any overt details of his life with the Tuohy family and shows no gratitude for any support they provided him. His lack of acknowledgment spoke volumes. As a fan of the movie, I was discouraged to learn that he did not feel he benefited from their support. Every family has issues, but it is evident there are some major issues there. And recently, more information is coming out in the news (and those details are more interesting than this book).
Michael’s football career and journey to Super Bowl success, struggles with a concussion, and starting a foundation are a few of the main topics. Unless you’re a big fan of football, I wouldn’t waste your time reading it. Michael doesn’t - he only reads the prologue and epilogue of the audiobook. The book is actually written with the support of Don Yaeger. This book feels more like a cash grab than a true passion project.
Michael Oher shares his story after the NFL. He reflects a little bit on his past and the challenge of having people think they know about his life, based on a movie representation that he didn’t have any control over.
He alludes to relationship troubles with the Tuohys (e.g. discussing how he keeps his circle tight to his wife, kids, and few friends), but he never discusses any overt details of his life with the Tuohy family and shows no gratitude for any support they provided him. His lack of acknowledgment spoke volumes. As a fan of the movie, I was discouraged to learn that he did not feel he benefited from their support. Every family has issues, but it is evident there are some major issues there. And recently, more information is coming out in the news (and those details are more interesting than this book).
Michael’s football career and journey to Super Bowl success, struggles with a concussion, and starting a foundation are a few of the main topics. Unless you’re a big fan of football, I wouldn’t waste your time reading it. Michael doesn’t - he only reads the prologue and epilogue of the audiobook. The book is actually written with the support of Don Yaeger. This book feels more like a cash grab than a true passion project.
August 24, 2023
First for those who expect to hear of the drama of the Tuohy, he does not really mention them by name or acknowledgment of any help they gave him.
I found the book had no depth in it… it skims over the trials after football and concussion.
He mention about his passion help under privileged children. Which is great!
But he just lack a lot of depth in his book, it’s similar to his last book except it on after football.
I found the book had no depth in it… it skims over the trials after football and concussion.
He mention about his passion help under privileged children. Which is great!
But he just lack a lot of depth in his book, it’s similar to his last book except it on after football.
October 10, 2023
Talks of keeping Von Miller in check on the march for his ring. Then gives all credit to Peyton Manning for the SB 50 loss. Who was MVP of that game again? Comical. Not a football book. A self-help book?
September 11, 2024
3.5 stars
Michael Oher is a stellar person and role model for youth growing up in difficult circumstances. Having also lived in Memphis and Nashville, his story brings an added dimension of hope and poignancy. By centering voices like his, instead of the flashy white-savior stories (The Blindside) that sell so easily; we are making room for the survivor-first, complex stories our communities are actually changed by.
This really wasn’t a memoir…it definitely read more like a self-help book, which I’m not a fan of at all.
Michael Oher is a stellar person and role model for youth growing up in difficult circumstances. Having also lived in Memphis and Nashville, his story brings an added dimension of hope and poignancy. By centering voices like his, instead of the flashy white-savior stories (The Blindside) that sell so easily; we are making room for the survivor-first, complex stories our communities are actually changed by.
This really wasn’t a memoir…it definitely read more like a self-help book, which I’m not a fan of at all.
August 21, 2023
“Ignoring the problem doesn’t make it go away, and playing through the injury doesn’t make you tough.”
Lovely read :)
Lovely read :)
August 18, 2023
I had read Oher's first book, 'I Beat the Odds' and yes, of course, watched 'The Blind Side' movie. I had this book on my library waiting list for awhile and it just so happened it became available for me just as the news hit that Oher was suing his "adoptive" (not really) parents for basically taking advantage of him by never legally adopting him, putting him under a conservatorship (which he only apparently found out very recently???) and basically using him for profit. What?
This book is not about that. In many ways, it is really about the "second act" and his post-NFL career: what he's been doing after retiring, his family, lessons he learned growing up and now as an adult, father, husband, etc. It has been awhile since I've read the first book so I cannot compare. I will say that I have vague memories of not really caring very much for that first one and that is the same here. While Oher certainly has a very interesting story, the writing is not the best.
It is nice to see that he seems to have made a life for himself after leaving football (many players cannot cope with the loss of fame, money, attention, etc. and/or have great difficulties transitioning out of the game, etc.) and I am glad he has found happiness. And I will be watching to see how this lawsuit ends up and what the exact nature of the conservatorship is (there are a ton of rather unfortunate issues and dynamics so it will be interesting to see how it turns out).
Glad to have picked it up and was planning to read this anyway, well before the recent news appeared. However, as a memoir it was not particularly interesting and I would guess that for most people, unless they have a particular interest in his story, will probably find this skippable.
Certainly there are audiences for this book: adoptees, fans of him specifically, people wanting to know what it has been like for him after leaving the NFL/a more recent update, etc. Would probably say that for most people this will be a library borrow but I could also see it as a purchase for the right person.
Library borrow was best for me!
This book is not about that. In many ways, it is really about the "second act" and his post-NFL career: what he's been doing after retiring, his family, lessons he learned growing up and now as an adult, father, husband, etc. It has been awhile since I've read the first book so I cannot compare. I will say that I have vague memories of not really caring very much for that first one and that is the same here. While Oher certainly has a very interesting story, the writing is not the best.
It is nice to see that he seems to have made a life for himself after leaving football (many players cannot cope with the loss of fame, money, attention, etc. and/or have great difficulties transitioning out of the game, etc.) and I am glad he has found happiness. And I will be watching to see how this lawsuit ends up and what the exact nature of the conservatorship is (there are a ton of rather unfortunate issues and dynamics so it will be interesting to see how it turns out).
Glad to have picked it up and was planning to read this anyway, well before the recent news appeared. However, as a memoir it was not particularly interesting and I would guess that for most people, unless they have a particular interest in his story, will probably find this skippable.
Certainly there are audiences for this book: adoptees, fans of him specifically, people wanting to know what it has been like for him after leaving the NFL/a more recent update, etc. Would probably say that for most people this will be a library borrow but I could also see it as a purchase for the right person.
Library borrow was best for me!
February 27, 2024
When Your Back’s Against the Wall by Michael Oher is a good self-help book.
Self-help books aren't something for me because every time I try one, I feel I already follow those things in my life so I am not learning anything new. The obvious things become boring and I lose interest. But this is the first time I managed to finish a self-help book.
Another interesting thing is that I am neither an American football fan nor a religious person. But this book is very well written. It’s an interesting memoir where you learn life lessons as a part of Michael Oher’s life adventures.
I do see some people are disappointed because they had watched the movie and read the first book by Oher but I haven't watched or read either so this was my first look into his life. One thing is true, it would have been interesting to read more about the Oher Foundation.
Something that I liked about this book was bringing mental health issues to light especially with guys who pretend to be all macho and would not want to go to therapy. Football gives brain injury to so many players. It's the worst way to live when you are there but not really. All players need to have a therapist especially when we put college kids under so much scrutiny and pressure.
One of the main messages is to never forget your roots, and your struggles and give back to your community. Keep a few well-wishers in your inner circle. Prioritize yourself and try to keep your positive attitude alive even if things are not going your way.
Self-help books aren't something for me because every time I try one, I feel I already follow those things in my life so I am not learning anything new. The obvious things become boring and I lose interest. But this is the first time I managed to finish a self-help book.
Another interesting thing is that I am neither an American football fan nor a religious person. But this book is very well written. It’s an interesting memoir where you learn life lessons as a part of Michael Oher’s life adventures.
I do see some people are disappointed because they had watched the movie and read the first book by Oher but I haven't watched or read either so this was my first look into his life. One thing is true, it would have been interesting to read more about the Oher Foundation.
Something that I liked about this book was bringing mental health issues to light especially with guys who pretend to be all macho and would not want to go to therapy. Football gives brain injury to so many players. It's the worst way to live when you are there but not really. All players need to have a therapist especially when we put college kids under so much scrutiny and pressure.
One of the main messages is to never forget your roots, and your struggles and give back to your community. Keep a few well-wishers in your inner circle. Prioritize yourself and try to keep your positive attitude alive even if things are not going your way.
September 8, 2023
While I admire Oher's tenacity through struggles and challenges, I believe he wrote his latest book to downplay the Tuohys' role in his life, and emphasize his own perseverance. Perhaps Michael Lewis's Blind Side, and the subsequent movie ignored Oher's contribution to his own story. Perhaps the Tuohys took too much credit for Oher's success. Perhaps there's definitely "something going on" with Oher's lawsuit against his "family." However, there is a definite agenda with When Your Back's Against the Wall, and the absence of his "adopted"/"conservatorship" family is obvious. (One mention of the Tuohy family by name, page 18.)
The advice/lessons Oher offers in his book are not new, just his personal application of them. And, while he has established a Foundation, criticism exists about how much money is actually awarded to deserving students. I would think that this book would have had a better, longer-lasting influence if it had been written years after the establishment of his Foundation--to provide proof of its actual success. I agree with others who have reacted to the lawsuit and released timing of this book: it's no accident.
Oher writes on page 19, "By letting go of the personal hurt that accompanied the movie, I was able to free myself to focus on a future way bigger than any single story." Unfortunately, this book, to me, is a testament that Oher is still held "prisoner" by part of his past.
The advice/lessons Oher offers in his book are not new, just his personal application of them. And, while he has established a Foundation, criticism exists about how much money is actually awarded to deserving students. I would think that this book would have had a better, longer-lasting influence if it had been written years after the establishment of his Foundation--to provide proof of its actual success. I agree with others who have reacted to the lawsuit and released timing of this book: it's no accident.
Oher writes on page 19, "By letting go of the personal hurt that accompanied the movie, I was able to free myself to focus on a future way bigger than any single story." Unfortunately, this book, to me, is a testament that Oher is still held "prisoner" by part of his past.
July 1, 2023
This was a encouraging book. I grew up poor and in foster care. As an adult I have had anxiety and depression. Michael Oher's book really made me think about the future instead of the pass. Our pass can make us stronger as a person. I get up now looking ahead instead of behind me. I am reaching for what I really want in life instead of letting life pass me by. It is never to late to change the way you look at life. Highly recommend.
September 23, 2023
Quick read. I wanted more but I’m going with 3 as I have to admire what he has overcome and his work today for children. I also admire his desire to be seen as more than “Blind Side” (he doesn’t really get into this if that’s what you’re looking for in this book) and to be recognized for the work he put in to get to where he is today. Interesting to hear (although really surface level) how it negatively impacted his life…a side most likely don’t consider.
January 3, 2024
It was an ok read. I'm glad that Oher is setting the record straight about his life and correcting the wrong ideas popularized by the movie The Blind Side. And the book has some good ideas about making the most of every opportunity and not falling into a victim mindset. Oher's stories about the NFL are really interesting and compelling. But the second half of the book got somewhat repetitive and could have been summarized in a chapter or so.
March 12, 2024
Part biography, part self-help, Michael Oher shares his insight on what it takes to rise out of poverty. I was inspired by his advice that would not only help young people, but these truths are true for all of us. He has an amazing attitude, which I am sure is what got him to where he is today. Thanks, Michael, for your willingness to share your life and advice with us.
August 1, 2023
With many anecdotes from his personal life, Michael Oher discusses his life after football and his new foundation in his new book: When Your Back’s Against the Wall. He uses his experiences to encourage others to face adversity and come through to the other side.
January 30, 2024
I liked the first half of the book the most but in general the book was interesting and had some motivating thoughts re adversity. Michael seems like a good guy who has worked hard and seen the reward.
February 13, 2024
I absolutely love Michael Oher and his story, but this book was lacking a little energy. There are some lines that have really stuck with me, but I wish there was more about his story and life and how that can translate to tangible advice.
May 30, 2023
There's more to Oher's life than The Blind Side ... here he talks about his life in the NFL and the life lessons he's learned.
Read
September 12, 2023i don’t rate memoirs but i will say i didn’t like this one
October 7, 2023
Probably a 3.5 star. 1st half was great but 2nd half read more like a motivational speech and was less intriguing. Good insights about the NFL really enjoyed that part.
November 26, 2023
This book is very inspirational! I highly recommend reading it!
Read
December 30, 2023A little football-y for me, but I enjoyed his storytelling and encouragement for foster parents.
January 6, 2024
Haiku Book Review.
I am no different,
I knew of from the movie.
Okay read but quick.
I am no different,
I knew of from the movie.
Okay read but quick.
April 13, 2024
His story moved me to tears. I really loved hearing his wise words.
July 13, 2024
Interesting to hear about how the movie affected his career, but there was no mention of the conservatorship.
August 21, 2024
Kinda repetitive but he has an amazing story & after finishing it it definitely made me want to be a better person.
August 19, 2025
A book of encouragement!
October 8, 2025
2.5 stars felt a bit repetitive, but overall good sentiment
March 31, 2024
Eh. I skipped so many chapters. It was too surface level and not enough leadership meat for me.
August 26, 2023
Powerful Book
The book was an encouragement to young people as well as adults. I liked how he focused on the power within each of us and how it can help us overcome difficult challenges that we all face on a daily basis. Well written book and inspiring!
The book was an encouragement to young people as well as adults. I liked how he focused on the power within each of us and how it can help us overcome difficult challenges that we all face on a daily basis. Well written book and inspiring!
September 24, 2023
You know somethings wrong when you've loved this man's story since the movie and not once heard his voice. What a couragous, intelligent and articulate brother.
His real story would make an even better movie then “The Blind Side”, which we are now learning was really a “Get Out” kinda situation.
His real story would make an even better movie then “The Blind Side”, which we are now learning was really a “Get Out” kinda situation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews