By Abigail Funk
If you're headed out to catch the film The Blind Side, keep your eyes peeled--Athletic Management's sister publication, Coaching Management, makes a guest appearance in the movie.
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Here at MomentumMedia Sports Publishing, we'd like to think we played a part--albeit a very small one--in the box office success of The Blind Side, which grossed over $34 million its opening weekend. One of our editors (I can't take credit for this idea myself) has even suggested we start our own IMDB page.
Though I don't think IMDB would be too fond of the idea, we still feel pretty cool for making an appearance on the silver screen. In the movie, Coaching Management's 2009 Football Preseason edition can be spotted on the desk of recruiting analyst Tom Lemming, who is watching a DVD of the main character in action. As a trade publication for coaches, Coaching Management just couldn't turn down the offer to appear in a movie centered on a football recruit's experience.
The Blind Side is based on
the true story of Michael Oher, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound left offensive tackle who now plays for the Baltimore Ravens. Oher was a homeless teenager when a well-to-do family, the Tuohys, take him in and enroll him in a private high school where Sean Tuohy teaches and coaches football. The move is about both Oher and the family's journey through his high school and college years.
As a left offensive tackle, Oher's job is to protect the quarterback's "blind side." Because of his size and mobility, he ends up one of the college game's biggest attention-grabbing recruits. Current and former college coaches like Nick Saban, Houston Nutt, Phil Fulmer, Tommy Tuberville, Ed Orgeron, and even Lou Holtz make guest appearances in the movie.
The film is adapted from Michael Lewis's book, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game. While the book has much more information than the movie on the evolution of the left offensive tackle position, it follows Oher from the time he's in high school to when he's earning All-American honors at the University of Mississippi. If it is anywhere near as good as the novel, this movie is a must-see.
If you see The Blind Side, let us know what you thought by sending a comment to the e-mail address below...
Abigail Funk is an Assistant Editor at Athletic Management.
FEEDBACK:
My wife and I recently had occasion to see "The Blind Side". As a high school assistant football coach, I found the movie both interesting and entertaining in several aspects. Obviously there is young Mr. Ohers' progression as a football player, and his struggles therein. But, it seems to me that the overlying premise of the movie is that caring for others, sharing of oneself, and mostly love; is and was paramount to Michael Ohers' maturation not only as a football player, but as a human being. Who would not benefit from such attention?
P.S. I find your website and magazine entertaining, informative and helpful.
- Coach Bill Sever
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I had the pleasure of going to this movie last week with my 20-year old daughter. It's nice to know they still make movies that everyone can enjoy -I LOVED seeing your magazine on the desk as I've been enjoying that magazine for years! Michael Oher's story is a great one, the Tuohy's are an inspiration, and the movie just has to make you smile and feel good!
-Sue Outlaw
Marketing Manager
www.humankinetics.com




