Inspiring Athletes Who Went From Rags-To-Riches

Normally I wouldn't post a story like this but since it has two members of the Baltimore Ravens in their list of seven, it definitely merits mentioning. Online Certificate Programs (?) has a story with the above title, listing seven athletes that went from the poor house to striking it big, including two current members of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens.

Ravens RT Michael Oher tops the list at #1, with his story already well-known through the hit move, The Blind Side. Here's what the story says about Oher's rise to fame and fortune:

You know you've got an inspiring come-from-behind story when Hollywood makes a movie out of it. The film about football and family, The Blind Side earned Sandra Bullock an Oscar and Michael Oher a lot of deserved respect. Oher, who was a star offensive lineman for the University of Mississippi and now for the Baltimore Ravens, grew up as one of 13 children in his family, ending up in foster care and occasionally on the streets. Then he met the Tuohys, a family who ended up adopting him and helping turn his life around. Now with his story on the big screen and his career pushing forward in the NFL, Oher is inspiring people across the country.

(Click on the 'Jump'to see who the other member of the Baltimore Ravens who is on this article's list)

There are only two NFL players on the list of seven athletes who went from rags to riches in the above-linked story.The other player, also from the Ravens, is ILB Jameel McClain. Most Ravens fans know that McClain was an undrafted rookie who made the team and recently re-signed as a free agent for his first big pay-day.

Here's what the story says about Jameel's journey to the jackpot:

Another Baltimore Raven, Jameel McClain's story is just as inspiring as that of Michael Oher. McClain grew up in Philadelphia with barely enough to get by. He was lucky to get meals and sometimes shelter from his local Salvation Army. His best pair of shoes growing up was a pair he found hanging from a telephone wire. But his skills in football helped pull him out of poverty. He played for Syracuse, and even though he was undrafted, was picked up by the Ravens as a free agent in 2008. He now doesn't have to worry about food, shelter, or shoes and gives back to local Salvation Armys when he has the chance.