Michael Oher has said that an Oscar-winning movie about his upbringing has hurt his NFL career.
The 2009 film The Blind Side was based on the Carolina Panthers lineman's journey from foster care to becoming a first-round Draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2009.
The 29-year-old, who was released by the Ravens one season after winning a Super Bowl with the side, told reporters: "I'm not trying to prove anything. People look at me, and they take things away from me because of a movie. They don't really see the skills and the kind of player I am.
"That's why I get downgraded so much, because of something off the field. That's taken away from my football. That's why people criticise me. That's why people look at me every single play. Offensive linemen don't get looked at. Nobody is paying attention to the offensive line. But me? I'm getting watched for everything.
"I know what type of player I am. Everybody else that I know knows what type of player I am. So that kind of stuff doesn't worry me."
Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy, who became Oher's adoptive mother after fostering him in 2004.
Sian Cowper
