Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. Its a family-friendly film carrying a PG rating and, ultimately, an inspirational message despite the tragedy no one in the Burlsworth family or his football families at Arkansas or in Indianapolis could have imagined. It is also possible to rent "Greater" on Redbox, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Apple TV, Microsoft Store online and to . The present-day strand follows preparations for Brandons funeral and Martys internal struggle with doubt and nihilism, a struggle movingly realized by McDonough. We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. The odds were against him and nobody was looking his way. ", Forgotten? Whether Im driving around town, past the baseball park where we used to play catch, past the Razorbacks signs on front lawns, I feel his presence. A list of possible email addresses for Marty includes burlsworth@cox.net, mburlsworth@aol.com. director of photography Film Editing by David L. Hunt . Other boys would go home after school got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July. After the season, over the holidays, we got a call. The 22-year-old Burlsworth, who had been drafted by the Colts 11 days earlier in the wake of gaining first-group All-America respects as a fifth-year senior, was involved with a head-on crash with a tractor-trailer around 15 miles outside Harrison and was killed. Harrison, Arkansas, United States. That's an inadequate synopsis of an exemplary life. It was the Razorbacks. French Monastery Survives War and Famine After 885 Years, the Basilica of St. Ambrose in Milan, and More Great Links! Brazilian Charity Caring for Children Who Survived Abortions Issues Urgent Appeal, Memento Mori: Remember You Are Going to Die, The Meat of the Matter: St. Patricks Day and the Lenten Fast, Pope Francis Inexhaustible Font of Words: 10 Gems From the Heart Over 10 Years. Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. When we got back home to Harrison, the day of the draft was just filled with anxiety. Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. He initially joined Arkansas Razorbacks as a walk-on but later he was handed an athletes scholarship and eventually became an all-American. That game was, in a way, a symbol for the highest highs, the lowest lows and the unforeseen. Teens and up. I never used to worry before Brandon died. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/brandon-burlsworth-35134.php. A film about Brandon's existence with the working title "Greater" was shot in 2013 and was released as a feature movie on August 26, 2016. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. Some of his teammates have since told me how red his face would be during practice, how hard he went, how he never gave up. Although he had only participated in a Colts mini-clinic before the accident, Burlsworth left such an impression that the team wore a decal with his Colts number, 66, on their helmets that season and they honored him and the family at a game. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. He shows up at the stadium for practice long before anyone else is there and when one of the coaches finds him, hes idly picking up litter in the parking lot. So a few months after his death, we started the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, where we do all of that and more. Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's brother, with Neal McDonough, who portrayed Marty in Greater. In the film, we see a lot of moments where the Marty character is learning from the persistence and drive of Brandon. He would just say Yeah we did this, we did this, we did this and it was just like this is what were doing, you know he never [said] I cant do this. That just wasnt there because, you know, thats where his faith led him. Brandon, Martys younger brother by 16 years, was tragically killed in an auto accident on April 28, 1999, just 11 days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. On top of that, Dad had trouble with drinking and wasnt really in our lives when Brandon was a little boy. If its difficult to describe the love for a brother, its impossible to explain the loss of a brother. We wont be there. One weekend when I was driving with Brandon to campus I think maybe it was his junior year a thought crossed my mind. The Olympic Gold Medalist shines light on her Hispanic heritage fueling her career. The brothers age difference is the basis for one of the movies running gags, Martys discomfort at being mistaken for Brandons father. He was buried at the Gass Cemetery in Omaha, Arkansas, on May 2, 1999. The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. News. And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. I think Brandon would be proud of the work were doing in his name. Barbara Burlsworth has been in real estate since 1997. Greater is playing in limited release (find theaters). He had planned to help underprivileged children, and his. But as good as he was, Brandon was also a late bloomer he was only 17 his senior year and he was still a little undersized for college ball. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. He was also named to the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll 1995-1998 and was the first football player in the entire history of his university to earn a Master's degree "before" playing his last game. Brandon's passionate yet painful faith story is now captured in a film called "Greater" which is inspired by the book written about the life of number 77. But Arkansas was the dream. This was the dream. But I didnt have that natural talent. Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. Mr. Severio sounds like a guy that Brandon Burlsworth would have been proud to have depict him in a movie, as a selfless, hard-working, humble, self-deprecating character. He is married to Vickie who serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. In a few weeks hed be heading back. by The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. - All Rights Reserved, VOL. 2023 But as Marty Burlsworth, Brandons older brother and companion through it all, emphasized in an exclusive interview with The Daily Wire, Brandon made his football goals happen because he was relentless. Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. Technical Specs, See agents for this cast & crew on IMDbPro, executive producer / producer (produced by), Managing Director: My Spotlight Independent & MY Production, hair stylist: additional photography / makeup artist: additional photography, second second assistant director (as Izzy Cowell), assistant stunt coordinator / stunt performer, casting director: Arkansas / extras casting / local casting, assistant to composer / music preparation, driver / driver: cast / production driver, production accountant (as Andrew Grey Johnson), very special thanks: the fayetteville volunteer fire department, very special thanks: the arkansas state film commission, special thanks (as Sheriff Steve Grundek), special thanks (as Pastor Ervin Hutchinson), special thanks (as Prinicpal Bill Keaster), special thanks (as Coach Norman Mitchell), very special thanks: the university of arkansas and the university athletic department. Nick Searcy plays an unnamed character who chats with Marty about the apparent absurdity of existence, and their discussion is a bold and unusual move, even a genre-bending move. Greater than my narrow expectation of "Rudy Calls the Hogs." Harrison, Arkansas, is set as small town as it receives. [To] anyone whos struggling with their faith when something catastrophic happens, I guess the best thing I can say is- to me- thats somewhat normal. But this was on a different level. "People are seeing it for the first time, and that's really cool," Marty said. Burlsworth was selected in the 3rd round of the 1999 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts but he was killed eleven days later in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas on April 28, 1999. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. Sometimes Marty goes by various nicknames including Marty L Burlsworth and Marty Leo Burlsworth. I let out a little sigh of relief. So that makes it quite a bit easier to revisit because weve never really gone away. He told the family, "We don't want to take Brandon's faith out of this movie.". The foundation has also worked with Walmart/Sam's Optical Department and independent optometrists throughout Arkansas to provide eye care to thousands of school students. Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. So Mom, Brandon and I piled into my minivan and we drove over to Fayetteville. There were many times I know it was tough. And I know a lot of good has come out of it and I think a lot of good is going to continue to come out of it and only grow what were [doing] through this film and through Brandons foundation, to impact a lot of kids for many years. He received many scholarship offers from smaller universities but eventually chose to become a walk-on football player for the University of Arkansas. The National Junior Auxiliary awarded her Volunteer of the Year, and the Governor appointed her to the State Board of Dispensing Opticians. Now, I was taking calls from the same stations about Brandons death.. And he justdominatedon the field didnt matter if he was on defense or offense. Powered by WebJIVE ~ Featured on the Harrison Arkansas Network. But as I turned the next corner onto Moms street and pulled up to her house, I got a good look at the car. I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation. In the making of [the movie], sometimes we were able to be on set some days they didnt want us there and we didnt want to be there. 2022 by BBF. She started her career with Century 21 and then joined Jerry Jackson as he opened his office in 2001. What was your first thought when someone approached you about making Greater? The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. Sure, bring him on up for a game, he said. Jessica Mendoza's greatest pride is her background. Marty wont predict how the Razorbacks will finish in the SEC this season, but he will say that he believes Greater is the kind of film that people will want to see more than once because there are layers of life lessons. The Burlsworth family created the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in honor of Brandon who was tragically killed in a car accident in 1999. Brandons family and friends came together to form the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in his honor. The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. In the award's twelfth year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas Walk . I wasnt sure. People were swinging by all day. In 1999, he completed an MBA and was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree. Follow him on Twitter. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. If you followed the SEC back then, you may remember the Brandon Burlsworth story. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. Marty is a resident of 3775 Savannah Drv, Harrison, AR 72601-9851. As far as Brandon goes and reliving everything- through his foundation weve always kept his memory alive and his example out there for kids ever since his accident. Trust. Asked what hes doing, Brandon says, Nothing, because he really hadnt given it a second thought. He said he wanted to hold football camps and bring kids to his NFL games. His final game with the team was in the 1999 Citrus Bowl. The idea wasnt to be the greatest walk-on, Marty explained, it was to get a scholarship.. Brandon wanted to do more, though. It took some time for his skill to catch up to his will, but along the way, he turned doubters into believers and a walk-on opportunity into a scholarship and All-American honors. His faith is what he relied on. By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. Here its a nagging voice in a grieving believers heart asking a question that admits no simple, final answer: Why do bad things happen to good people? Brandon Burlsworth, NFL player. She enjoys singing on the worship team at church, riding motorcycles with her husband, photography, and scrapbooking. One of my sons, who was in my car with me, started asking what was wrong, what had happened. We watched the game from this conference room at the top of the stadium. Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. Brandon didnt dress the first two games of his freshman season, but we found out that hed be on the field for the third. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - We werent proactive at all in [making a movie]. Walk-on player from Harrison, Ark., considered a long shot to get real playing time. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known. The play became known as the Stumble and Fumble, and Tennessee would go on to score the winning touchdown and eventually win the national championship at the end of the season. In the end, Brandon got invited to be a walk-on. Surely God will hear Brandons prayer, if not his own; the prayer of a righteous man avails much, and if anyone is righteous, its Brandon. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. Ive kind of been planning it that way.. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known." You dont lose your faith I had struggles because [Id think] why?, you know. It was just something that we thought of, you know. 1 Tennessee. So you just walk down this side of the stadium, O.K.? It seemed as if the whole town was there to support Brandon and who he was and what he meant to everybody. Less than two weeks after he was chosen in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Brandon was driving home to go to church with his mother. Order Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States, siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth, place of death: Alpena, Arkansas, United States. So when he was two hours late that evening, Mom started to get worried. But Id do anything for that kid. And when its Friday night here in Harrison and the whole town is at the football game, I think about Brandon. Burlsworth was also Arkansas' first All-American player since 1993 and was also on the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll from 1995 to 1998. Some of that was a little bit of filmmaking andwe were fine with it. So I started calling coaches and seeing where he could play. We first meet him as an overweight young couch potato (Ethan Waller) with apparent delusions of grandeur: Hes convinced hes going to attend the University of Arkansas and play for the Razorbacks. Bob has worked in the business community for many years, but his love for working with kids brought him into a teaching career where he is also a teacher in the Mt. We didnt expect Brandon to go real high, and we had been told that he wouldnt. Its what he leaned on to work as hard. Brandon isnt a very interesting character, but hes a likable one. The school was going to give Brandon a scholarship. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. 77 is one of just two numbers retired in the history of Arkansas football. It was my dream, too, and I sure worked hard at it. Hell show up and everything will be fine.. (as David Hunt) (edited by) Casting By I dont think I got there. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. Another initiative announced was the creation of a memorial for victims of abuse. Proudly created with Wix.com. Martys struggle is not entirely internal. Faith is the river that runs through it all, from Brandon's Christian life to Marty's painful spiritual journey at his death to the care with which those threads are woven together. "We want Brandon's message out there. Ive heard the director say many times what weve done is [put] that [whole] first year [after the accident] in Neals piece in this movie. Hed call me or Id call him and we would talk about what practice was like that day. Opposing teams made game plans just to handle Brandon. podcast interviews Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. Theres no explanation for it. The family respectfully declined. Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. A couple of weeks before Brandon left for school, one of the Arkansas coaches called me. Judea school district. Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? We probably put 30,000 miles on my minivan each season. MARTY BURLSWORTH CONTRIBUTOR Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Marty Leo Burlsworth's Arkansas Voter Registration. Greaters response to the problem of evil, to disbelief and nihilism, is not an argument, but an action: a choice to trust. See, Brandon started out a little scrawny. It just seemed like it was just a storybook thingwith a at that time just seemed like a bad ending Its such a great story, how can it be told, you know? Youll have all your coursework done and can graduate at the end of the year anyway., Yeah, he said with a smile. Brandon knew what it was like to be doubted, to be told you werent good enough. The film promotes Burlsworth as the greatest walk-on in the history of college football and there is an award the Brandon Burlsworth Trophy, which Marty oversees that is given annually to college footballs best player who began his career as a walk-on. Greater is currently playing in theaters and stars Neal McDonough, Christopher Severio, and Leslie Easterbrook. She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. Actor Chris Severio (left), who plays Brandon Burlsworth in the movie "Greater, " autographs Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016, a movie poster for Mark Marinoni, 16, of . He believes by sheer word of mouth, the movie will develop a dedicated following. Over the next two years he reformed his body to become more muscular and went back to a 300lb physique. In the movie Im learning from Brandon and I think weve all learned from Brandon but I was right there by his side all the way, you know, backing him and supporting him as far as what he was doing in school and football and the challenges. | Chris Severio plays Burlsworth (No. Marty Burlsworth, in the aftermath of Brandon's death, suffers a crisis of conscience that questions his . Brandon Burlsworth bulked himself up to 300 lbs to be an offensive guard and by his sophomore season in 1996, he had earned a scholarship and a starting position at right guard on the offensive line. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. Greater, a film about Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, opens Aug. 26. Greater than my previous knowledge of a young man's winding road from small-town walk-on to home-state hero. He was a Razorback. It's "Greater." All of Razorback nation mourned along with the shell-shocked residents of his Boone County hometown; after everything he'd overcome to reach all-America status, it seemed impossible even death itself had the power to stop him. [W]e went back to church services and I had a friend[who] was going to lead a song or two and he started out with [a song saying] God is good and you know God is so good to me and Im thinking man, I cannot believe youre singing that with me in the buildingthats where my mind was then. A coda sums up the impact of Brandons life: the programs, scholarships and so forth established in his name. Marty Burlsworth tells us about bringing the story of Greater to the screen, his relationship with Brandon, and making ones way through understanding and accepting God in times of crisis. Hes not going down.. Its unreal. But, you know, how would you make it where it wasnt basically depressing. That was very very tough. Evelyn Allen started as the Development and Social Media Director for the foundation in March of 2020. Brandons short-lived career involved true honor and character, and thanks to the new film, his legacy will go further and live on as a model for others. Aug 26, 2016. He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. His No. I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. Even after away games, when the Razorbacks returned to Fayetteville late at interested in booking Marty for your event? Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. I used to want the longest life, perfect health and happiness, but really it is that feeling that I am so glad that this isnt all there is and that we have heaven to wait for, and that well be with Jesus, and there will be no more tears Amber VanVickle (1982-2023), The headquarters of the charity, which serves as a consecrated family to 46 disabled children, were badly damaged in major flooding near Rio de Janeiro last year. At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. Brandon Burlsworth was known as an American professional football player. Catholic actor Neal McDonough costars in a Rudy-like faith-based inspirational sports biopic that dares to explore doubt as well as belief. During Martys conversation with Searcy this metaphor is further developed; a pattern emerges that Marty cant appreciate without a higher perspective. The film covers the issues he had with his weight and his incredible work ethic that earned him a chance. It was a terrible day for Harrison, it was a terrible day for the state. (as David Hunt) (directed by) Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification Produced by Music by Stephen Endelman . We just never felt comfortable with the literary license or whatever, said Marty, who to a degree was both brother and father; their father had long ago divorced from their mother, Barbara, and Leo Burlsworth died of cancer while Brandon was in college. The Vols blocked a kick in that game and the football was picked up by linebacker Al Wilson, who started racing down the right sideline a good 40 yards down the sideline. Didn't buy it or rent it or watch it on DVD. Why? While others, including Marty's mother, Barbara, have accepted the loss and put their faith in God, Marty can not do that as he does not understand why God would take away his brother on the cusp of his stardom in the NFL. Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. At one point on the gridiron, Brandon argues with a teammate that their perspective on the field is limited; the coach has information from a higher perspective, from a skybox where the whole field can be seen, and they need to trust him. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. Brandon was home. He played for the two SEC Western Division championship Razorback football teams in 1995 and 1998 and was named in the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll every single year during that period of time. Today, those glasses remain the symbol of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation brandonburlsworth.org.
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