Hes not going down.. Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. When we got back home to Harrison, the day of the draft was just filled with anxiety. The phones calls started coming right after that. Not as devout as his brother, Marty turns desperately to faith in a moment of crisis when he wants a miracle. Anything that wasnt right, wasnt real, wasnt what Brandon was about. We had to have the funeral at the high school gym. Apr 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. Had you ever thought of Brandons story as a film? They tackle that query via Burlsworth's much-older brother Marty (Neal McDonough), who, on the cusp of his sibling's funeral, struggles to understand why awful things happen to the innocent . Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. It's a show of faith. After his death at a young age, the football community came together to pay tribute to his achievements and his family and friends built a foundation in his name. He was born on 31-08-1986. Yeah, lets go buy some Colts stuff.. His age is 36. And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. However, even from a young age, Brandon Burlsworth (Christopher Severio) knew in his heart he would one day play college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks, and dedicated his life to making a difference for himself and his teammates. Bob Edmonson is a lifelong native of Harrison. Not good at all. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. It goes without saying that Brandon, making the team as a walk-on (a player who is not recruited or offered an athletic scholarship), is harassed and abused by his teammates. They can assist you with all your real estate needs. 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. Man, you might get to play at the next level., Ah, I dont know, I just gotta focus on this season.. Its a simple but effective response, nicely underscored by the gospel anthem Ill Fly Awayrunning through the film. "He said, 'You'll have veto power,' " Marty Burlsworth remembered. We suddenly needed that gear, because we would be rooting for the Colts. So before he started his senior year, I started working on getting my certification. He and his wife Tresia have four children, Michael, Jordan, Brandon and Samantha. One of my sons, who was in my car with me, started asking what was wrong, what had happened. Teens and up. And I could see a little white car parked in her driveway. He goes through something we all face when we experience tragedy and trials: Which voices do we listen to? | A couple of weeks before Brandon left for school, one of the Arkansas coaches called me. Black horn-rimmed glasses. Then I turned on Netflix and watched an honest, humble, earnest movie about the man called "Greater.". His high school coaches couldnt believe his size when he came back for his junior season. Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. A servant at heart, she also serves as president of their local foodbank, Ozark Share & Care. Burlsworth, 22, was a third-round draft choice (63rd overall) of the Indianapolis Colts just two weeks ago and he and his brother and agent, Marty Burlsworth, were negotiating a contract. Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. 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. 77 is one of just two numbers retired in the history of Arkansas football. Vickie Burlsworth is the Executive Director of the Foundation that she and Marty founded honoring Brandon after his passing in 1999. Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. Arkansas doesnt have a pro football team I dont even know if a pro team could survive here. And I didnt want him to always be wondering what could have been. near you, Up-to-date reports of crimes near The brothers age difference is the basis for one of the movies running gags, Martys discomfort at being mistaken for Brandons father. But me and friends that were close to me were like This is like a movie. He grew up in Barnstable, Massachusetts, graduated from Barnstable High School, and attended Syracuse University. Im sure he just got stuck in traffic, or maybe ran out of gas. Twenty-one years ago this month, the big book of SEC football added a chapter so powerful that, to this day, it can grow your heart three sizes and then, an instant later, snap it in two. 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. And then we were approached 11 years ago by Brian Reindl whos the producer- who had no experience in the filmmaking industry at all but had a passion for it. Marty Burlsworth and his agents have been and will continue to be trusted names in the real estate market. Im sure Josh Wheaton, the young apologist in Gods Not Dead, would know all the right things to say to Searcys character, but then Searcy wouldnt be permitted to make his case so eloquently in a movie like Gods Not Dead, if he were allowed to appear at all. Aug 26, 2016. Walk-on player from Harrison, Ark., considered a long shot to get real playing time. 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, 55, and who was 38 when Brandon died, says they were approached by Hollywood about making a film around Brandons story many years ago. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. The year is 1999 and Marty Burlsworth is awaiting the funeral of his 22-year-old brother, Brandon. Out of nowhere, Brandon knocks him out of bounds, Marty said. 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. Marty Burlsworth, 55, and who was 38 when Brandon died, says they were approached by Hollywood about making a film around Brandon's story many years ago. I never used to worry before Brandon died. I let out a little sigh of relief. Dramatic backlighting and silhouettes create a sense of foreboding and uncertainty, resonating with the themes of tragedy and doubt. "People are seeing it for the first time, and that's really cool," Marty said. Vickie L Burlsworth is also associated with this address. He told the family, "We don't want to take Brandon's faith out of this movie.". 1 Tennessee. His No. Although the Razorbacks led 21-3 at one point and were up 24-22 with less than two minutes to go, the game turned on an even crazier play that also involved Burlsworth. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. 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. All-time overachiever Brandon Burlsworth had his life tragically cut short at the age of 22, but his impact lives on 17 years later . Burlsworth Trophy Announces Nominees. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. COINCIDENCES. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known. During the summer of 2007, Bob acquired his real estate license and in 2010 acquired his brokers license and is currently the Executive Broker for Burlsworth and Associates. Brandon didnt dress the first two games of his freshman season, but we found out that hed be on the field for the third. The movie was well-received upon its theatrical release, but thanks to its March debut on streaming giant Netflix, it's finding a new audience at a perfect time. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. Not like my younger brother Brandon. 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. When the pandemic started, I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us pass the time. For me, it was reading. Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different. All this plays out in flashback, with all the usual sports-movie clichs, training sequences, montages, comic relief and so forth. It was 2005 and the . So I did whatever I could to be there for Brandon. His Subaru clipped an incoming 18-wheeler and then collided head-on with a tractor-trailer in Alpena, Arkansas. Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. Some of that was a little bit of filmmaking andwe were fine with it. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. Greater, a 2016 release, tells the life story of Burlsworth, who rose from mediocrity to greatness depending on his faith.Just 10 days after being drafted by the NFL's Indianapolis . Even after away games, when the Razorbacks returned to Fayetteville late at He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. He wasthatgood. He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. Brandon doesnt start out with all that promise. By using BiJog.com you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. His brother Marty, 17 years his senior, berates him Cheesecake, he calls him for his indolence as well as their mother Barbara (Leslie Easterbrook) for her indulgence. Eleven days later he passed on attending a Razorback ring presentation ceremony to drive to his hometown to take his mom to church. [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. The Burlsworth family created the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in honor of Brandon who was tragically killed in a car accident in 1999. We were going to Fayetteville for the game and I called him early in the week to tell him where our seats would be. Had life turned out differently, Marty Burlsworth might be reflecting on his brother's pro football career during Super Bowl weekend. http://www.colts.com/news/article-1/Remembering-Brandon-Burlsworth-/01475edd-989c-4a56-b3b0-ec6c138bcf1e, https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/entertainment/2016/august/brandon-burlsworths-story-of-triumph-over-tragedy-is-greater. 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. Brandon Burlsworth studied at the Harrison High School where he was an all-state selection. 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? Proudly created with Wix.com. Cindi Hagood is our Program Director of the Eyes of a Champion program. EIN 27-4581132 Barbara Burlsworth. Previously she worked for the Arkansas Travelers, USA Football, NFL, Athleta and the Outlets of Little Rock. When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. Marty Leo Burlsworth's Arkansas Voter Registration. Brandon Burlsworth, NFL player. He was in the prime of his football career. Brandon did not get married before he passed away when he was only twenty-two years old. As we walked by one of the pro shops, we joked to each other. A list of possible email addresses for Marty includes burlsworth@cox.net, mburlsworth@aol.com. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. People were swinging by all day. Burlsworth was selected to be of the team captains by his junior season in 1997 for the University of Arkansas. Became a two-time All-SEC selection and a first-team All-American as a senior in 1998. He was the kind of guy that we would have plugged in our offensive line for 10-plus years, said then-Colts general manager Bill Polian. He earned All-SEC offensive guard in 1997 and 1998, was named first team All-American and was drafted for the Indiana Colts -- a role he didn't get to fulfill because a car wreck that ended his. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. ", Forgotten? He had intended to help under advantaged children and the Burlsworth family settled the establishment that in his honor. Catholic actor Neal McDonough costars in a Rudy-like faith-based inspirational sports biopic that dares to explore doubt as well as belief. It seemed as if the whole town was there to support Brandon and who he was and what he meant to everybody. In November 1998, the Razorbacks were 8-0, ranked 10th in the country, and playing at No. Over the next two years he reformed his body to become more muscular and went back to a 300lb physique. In the wake of new restrictions on the traditional Latin Mass, two American bishops spoke with EWTNs Raymond Arroyo Thursday about how their dioceses have responded. In the award's twelfth year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas Walk . I didn't see it in the theater. He spent his first season of high school football as a sophomore on the sidelines. "Brian wouldn't let go.". To this day, people tell me where they were when they heard the news. Along with Brandons rise, Greater equally focuses on the loss experienced by Brandons family, especially his brother Marty, and the questions about Gods goodness that are stirred by the heartache and grief. Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to Do it the Burls Way. 2022 by BBF. But as Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's 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. The police could not determine the reason behind the tragic accident. On top of that, Dad had trouble with drinking and wasnt really in our lives when Brandon was a little boy. And would you believe, all these NFL agents started flying into Harrison wanting to sign Brandon. 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. I would talk to him most every night. 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. choose Christ at a young age and you will always be a winner in Christ's eyes; excelling at a sport is fine as . | 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. Leslie Easterbrook plays Burlsworth's mother, Barbar. Hed call me or Id call him and we would talk about what practice was like that day. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. While the film might not give Burlsworth enough credit for what talent he did have no one goes from walk-on to All-American without some ability he did always seem to have a knack for doing what seemed impossible. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American . But this was my brother. You know, Brandon, you could think about entering the draft. He took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. director of photography Film Editing by David L. Hunt . Itll be real cool.. properties, Build a downloadable list Predictably, trash-talking opponents laughed at him and called him names. You know, we established his foundation shortly thereafter [the accident]. He believes by sheer word of mouth, the movie will develop a dedicated following. Theres never a day where I dont think about Brandon. After working 11 years on his Brandon Burlsworth biopic Greater, Reindl is within days of seeing his dream project open on 400 to 450 screens across the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest next week.. Burlsworth was an All-American football player for the University of Arkansas, who died tragically in an automobile . It would take 11 years - with Reindl financing the independent production himself when other investors dried up - but in 2016, "Greater" hit the theaters. Marty Burlsworth remembers the day Brian Reindl came to Harrison to pitch his idea of making a movie about the life of Burlsworth's late brother, Brandon. Thats the dream. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Becoming a Razorback As the title suggests, this is the story of the most successful walk-on in the history of college football at the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. So that was kind of the stamp of approval there, plus theyre Christians and they didnt want to lose that faith aspect. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Pig Trail Nation / Jun 1, 2021 / 04:30 PM CDT. I'd traveled to Razorback Stadium for decades - long considered it the SEC's most hospitable hostile environment - so I thought I knew the story of Arkansas football legend Brandon Burlsworth. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. Real Estate. As the Burlsworth Trophy has become a success and now the film is being released, Marty said he and the Burlsworth family are thrilled to see Brandon's story continue to be told nationally. First, while the films hero is the celebrated Arkansas Razorbacks offensive guard Brandon Burlsworth (Christopher Severio) possibly the greatest walk-on player in college football history the protagonist is not Brandon, but his brother Marty, played by Neal McDonough of Arrow. Ive kind of been planning it that way.. On Aug. 26, the movie about his life, Greater, opens nationwide. He could finally reap the rewards of everything he put into the game all the training, all the schooling, all the dedication, all the hard work. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. After the draft, he spoke to me a lot about helping other kids in Harrison. He was my brother and I just wanted everything for him. https://www.ncregister.com/features/sdg-reviews-greater, Man of God A Film of Faith and Tranquility of the Soul for Our Troubled Time, Interview: Jim Caviezel Goes Back to the Bible in Paul, Apostle of Christ, Portuguese Bishops Announce Steps to End Sexual Abuse in the Church, We Know That Hes in Heaven: Thousands Gather for Funeral of Bishop David OConnell in Los Angeles, Archbishop Naumann and Bishop Paprocki Speak Out in Support of Traditional Latin Massgoers in Their Dioceses, Survey: Decline in Vocations to the Priesthood Is Worse Where Priests Serve Larger Flocks, Amber and Dave VanVickle on Finding God in the Midst of Suffering. French Monastery Survives War and Famine After 885 Years, the Basilica of St. Ambrose in Milan, and More Great Links! 2022 by BBF. 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. The former Arkansas hostile, Brandon Burlsworth was headed to his Harrison, Ark., home from Fayetteville, where he got a SEC West title ring alongside the remainder of the 1998 Razorbacks on April 28, 1999. The mindset, which is inspired by former student Brandon Burlsworth, is all about doing things "the best you can," high school football coach Tommy Tice told "GMA.". This life demanded a movie. His jersey #77 was retired at the University of Arkansas as a gesture of honoring his memory. Still, with each pick, even in the first round, you get more and more nervous. So was I. That looks good, doesnt it? I said. In a movie like Gods Not Dead, disbelief is a straw-man villain that exists solely to be vanquished and humiliated by the righteous hero. And in Arkansas it was a statewide tragedy. Brandons exceptional journey came to an abrupt, tragic end when a devastating car crash took his life, shocking his hometown, the state of Arkansas, and the national football community. He was determined to drive home the same day so he could attend evening church service with the family. That was very very tough. Pope Francis, Biden Commend Peacemaker Bishop OConnell as Memorial Services Begin. I think it was in June [1999] I think [thats] kinda when that started. She has 3 sons, Marty, Grady and the late Brandon Burlsworth. Evelyn Allen started as the Development and Social Media Director for the foundation in March of 2020. But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. Faith and family they meant everything to Brandon. Slain Los Angeles auxiliary bishop was remembered at the Mass of Christian burial as friend of Jesus Christ and of Mary, our Blessed Mother.. I think Brandon would be proud of the work were doing in his name. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. 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. Every week, Brandon made the drive home. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. Greater is currently playing in theaters and stars Neal McDonough, Christopher Severio, and Leslie Easterbrook. They love to interact with people of all communities and podcast interviews have become a wonderful outlet for that. There are about eleven,000 human beings in town and one unstated rule: If it's Friday night, you're going to the Harrison High soccer sport. During Martys conversation with Searcy this metaphor is further developed; a pattern emerges that Marty cant appreciate without a higher perspective. And if Brandon was doing whatever he could on the field, then I sure as heck would do whatever I could to help get my brother there. As they chat, Searcy whittles a face on a block of wood, a symbolic quirk with a meaning made nearly explicit in a startling line. That's what Brandon did. Less than two weeks before, I had watched as Brandon stood on the front lawn of Moms house and gave interviews to local TV crews about getting picked in the NFL draft. Harrison, Arkansas, is set as small town as it receives. It was composed and produced by Brian Reindl and David Hunt. He spent as many days as he could in the weight room getting stronger. Greater than my narrow expectation of "Rudy Calls the Hogs." to you, Keep an eye on trends and events you, Subscribe to The Daily monetization of National Catholic Register RSS feeds is strictly prohibited. There are about 11,000 people in town and one unspoken rule: If it's Friday night, you're going to the Harrison High football game. The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. [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. So I started calling coaches and seeing where he could play. Background Report. Id do anything I could for him. 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. Sign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox. In 1999, he completed an MBA and was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree. Greater has three surprises, which is three more than most faith-based films, particularly of the inspirational sports-movie variety. barbaraann@burlsworth.com. He knew he could. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference. At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". It was a terrible day for Harrison, it was a terrible day for the state. Follow him on Twitter. We planned to move out to Indianapolis with him. By the time he was a senior, we both knew that if we wanted to keep playing football he was going to have to enter the NFL draft. of prospects that meet your criteria, Monitor any person, property or Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. Everybody knew. Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. I was just so proud of him. It just takes some time. In a few weeks hed be heading back. The foundation, which symbolizes his ethics and values, works for the benefit of needy children and provides them with physical as well as spiritual support, something Brandon was known for. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. Brandon wanted to do more, though. That's an inadequate synopsis of an exemplary life. It was just something that we thought of, you know. Even when the coach is impressed with Brandons dedication, he isnt exactly nurturing: I cant think of another movie in which someone compares the hero to horse manure and its meant to be encouraging. Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. That's not a boast. If its difficult to describe the love for a brother, its impossible to explain the loss of a brother. 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. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Judea school district. Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. 2018 Burlsworth & Associates Real Estate in Harrison, AR This was the dream. He was a Razorback. Those were offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworths trademark, and they were prominent even behind the facemask of his Arkansas Razorbacks helmet. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. He asked me to help him, but theres all this certification that goes into being an agent. Directed by David L. Hunt . Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? Proudly created with Wix.com. Powered by WebJIVE ~ Featured on the Harrison Arkansas Network. Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - There just wasnt enough space anywhere else. Sure, bring him on up for a game, he said. Of course, he was my brother and you do anything for family, but things were a little tougher for him. 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. (Now we see through a glass darkly ). We understand that your home is important to you and we strive to walk you through the steps to get the most for your dollar. No, we just kind of kept that to ourselves. There were many times I know it was tough. Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and Brandon had seen the stadium and sat in the stands. Director David Hunt (from left) poses Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016, with producer Brian Reindl, and Marty Burlsworth, brother of Brandon Burlsworth, during a red carpet event ahead of the premiere of . There are few actors in Hollywood brave enough to wear their Catholic faith on . The Passion of the Christ actor talks about the challenges of playing iconic roles and why good movies arent always family-friendly. Second, while Brandons own faith never wavers, the film cross-examines Christian pieties and even faith itself to a greater degree than any other faith-based film I can think of. Every chance he got, Burlsworth went home to Harrison, a town of about 10,000 in the Ozarks, near the Missouri state line.