One, told in flashback, is a familiar, uplifting Rudy-like arc of an unpromising underdog who makes good despite enormous obstacles. Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - 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 was a Razorback. Thats the dream. 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. Brandon doesnt start out with all that promise. For someone who had worked so hard and not only did he work so hard, but [for] the family to be backing him and supporting him and talking to him everyday and seeing him everyday and [him] moving on and going on to greater things and then for that to- boom- [and be] over. After the season, over the holidays, we got a call. In 1999, he completed an MBA and was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree. The family respectfully declined. So that was kind of the stamp of approval there, plus theyre Christians and they didnt want to lose that faith aspect. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Now, at Arkansas and Indianapolis Burls Kids attend games for free. No Greater Love Than This: Foundation Carries On Legacy of - AMP Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. Directed by David L. Hunt . Portrait and Wedding Photographers Arkansas Its condensed. Lacking the football scholarship he absurdly hoped for, Brandon turns down full rides elsewhere to attend Arkansas. Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? You know, we established his foundation shortly thereafter [the accident]. 'GMA' surprises foundation helping young football lovers across And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. Out of nowhere, Brandon knocks him out of bounds, Marty said. Today, those glasses remain the symbol of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation brandonburlsworth.org. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. She enjoys singing on the worship team at church, riding motorcycles with her husband, photography, and scrapbooking. With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth - SECHARS "We want Brandon's message out there. He earned 1st team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998 and was selected for the 1998 College Football All-America Team. 'Greater' filmmaker proud to share Burlsworth's story with moviegoers Some of that was a little bit of filmmaking andwe were fine with it. 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. It was disappointing, but Brandon wanted to go to Arkansas more than anything and, well, he didnt want any regrets. Had you ever thought of Brandons story as a film? Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. He spent his first season of high school football as a sophomore on the sidelines. . I wanted everything for Brandon, and within a few moments, it had all been taken away. All this plays out in flashback, with all the usual sports-movie clichs, training sequences, montages, comic relief and so forth. He spent as many days as he could in the weight room getting stronger. And I dont want to say [it means] youre angry at God. Hell show up and everything will be fine.. You dont lose your faith I had struggles because [Id think] why?, you know. The film covers the issues he had with his weight and his incredible work ethic that earned him a chance. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. Marty is a resident of 3775 Savannah Drv, Harrison, AR 72601-9851. Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. John Corbett stars in a remarkable faith-based film, based on a true story, about a dying Tennessee church transformed by an encounter with refugees. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. Greater: Cast/Crew "I wanted Brandon's story to be known. During Martys conversation with Searcy this metaphor is further developed; a pattern emerges that Marty cant appreciate without a higher perspective. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? Share. If you followed the SEC back then, you may remember the Brandon Burlsworth story. Creative camerawork is another asset; consider a moment of rapprochement lit by car headlights and filmed through swishing windshield-wiper blades on a night of pouring rain. He's been gone to a better place for almost as long. 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. The family respectfully declined. But this was my brother. If it meant going over to Moms house to help him with homework, I wanted to be there. Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. And it was Brandons time. She then pursued her graduate degree at the University of Louisville where she interned for the athletic department. He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the 3rd round of the 1999 NFL draft, but sadly, after eleven days, he was involved in a road accident. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. Official Sites It was just one of those things when its time, its time. I would talk to him most every night. Currently you are able to watch "Greater" streaming on fuboTV, Hoopla, DIRECTV or for free with ads on Peacock, Peacock Premium, The Roku Channel, VUDU Free, Tubi TV, Redbox, Crackle, Pluto TV, Freevee. Yeah, lets go buy some Colts stuff.. There are about 11,000 people in town and one unspoken rule: If its Friday night, youre going to the Harrison High football game. Brandon Burlsworth age, bio, career, wife, net worth, married, weight I think it was in June [1999] I think [thats] kinda when that started. 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. The next week, Brandon flew to Indianapolis for minicamp. Price Range (last 24 months) $125K - $450K Areas Served Harrison Specializations Buyers Sellers Marty Burlsworth Burlsworth & Associates. 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/brandon-burlsworth-35134.php. The Burls Way: How a Denham Springs man got the lead in 'Greater I go straight to the sports and see if any scholarships were offered. SDG Reviews 'Greater'| National Catholic Register "I know Brandon would be super proud of that," Marty said . Walk-on player from Harrison, Ark., considered a long shot to get real playing time. Sign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox. That's an inadequate synopsis of an exemplary life. In the award's twelfth year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas Walk . In the end, Brandon got invited to be a walk-on. Vickie L Burlsworth is also associated with this address. It seemed as if the whole town was there to support Brandon and who he was and what he meant to everybody. And I could see a little white car parked in her driveway. 166 | Friday, August 19, 2016, Arkansas All-American Walk-On Burlsworth Now the Subject of Film, You have entered an invalid email address, Research millions of people and This has been a pretty big year for me tra. The school was going to give Brandon a scholarship. Follow him on Twitter. Instead, Marty is looking forward to next season, when the story of Brandon Burlsworth's astonishing rise to National Football League draftee will reach movie screens nationwide. His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. 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. Now, if you find yourself at that Colts shop, I told him, You make sure and get us some gear this time.. It always seemed like a movie to me. Black horn-rimmed glasses. [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. Twenty-One Years Later, Brandon Burlsworth Legacy Endures For Retired 'Greater': Neal McDonough Gets to Be a Good Man of Faith (Not Just in Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB When Marty asks Barbara how she justifies going deep into debt for Brandons quixotic dream, she says simply, My son knows I have faith. This could mean faith in God, but I took it to mean that money was no object if it meant Brandon knew his mother believed in him. Greater, a film about Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, opens Aug. 26. 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. Marty is registered to vote in Boone County, Arkansas. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. monetization of National Catholic Register RSS feeds is strictly prohibited. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was an American football player who played for the Arkansas Razorbacks as an offensive lineman between 1995 and 1998. by The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. - All Rights Reserved, VOL. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. [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. He received many scholarship offers from smaller universities but eventually chose to become a walk-on football player for the University of Arkansas. Bob is optimistic about the real estate market in Harrison and is looking forward to meeting the real estate needs of the clients and customers in the area in and surrounding Harrison. He never got there, dying in a car accident at age 22. His faith, his family and his football, in that order. Marty Burlsworth hasn't provided a bio yet. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. near you, Up-to-date reports of crimes near A coda sums up the impact of Brandons life: the programs, scholarships and so forth established in his name. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Arkansas Boone County Omaha Gass Cemetery George Leo Burlsworth Most important to Marty and the Burlsworth family: They kept us in the loop.. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Toggle header content The year is 1999 and Marty Burlsworth is awaiting the funeral of his 22-year-old brother, Brandon. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. Marty says the finished product doesnt get everything exact, such as speeding up the time of events and taking conversations that happened over the phone and making them into face-to-face exchanges, but thats not a criticism just a nod to the difference between a book and a screenplay. 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. Birthday: September 20, 1976 ( Virgo) Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States 113 30 American Football Players #138 Sportspersons #1083 Quick Facts Also Known As: Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth Died At Age: 22 Family: father: Leo Burlsworth mother: Barbara Burlsworth siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth Died Young American Football Players VIDEO: 'Becoming Greater' - Arkansas Online I want him here, buthellknow andwellknow., Coach, dont worry about it. Previously she worked for the Arkansas Travelers, USA Football, NFL, Athleta and the Outlets of Little Rock. This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. The Foundation also has operated the Eyes of a Champion program in cooperation with Wal-Mart/Sams Club optical departments to provide free vision exams and glasses to low-income, uninsured children in Arkansas; the program is now going nationwide. Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. 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. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. At the point when he hadn't shown up by 4, Brandon's brother, Marty got a concerned call from his mother and went to her home. He loved football, Marty said. Martys struggle is not entirely internal. 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. He was my brother and I just wanted everything for him. Catholic actor Neal McDonough costars in a Rudy-like faith-based inspirational sports biopic that dares to explore doubt as well as belief. The latest videos from KNWA FOX24. That first year has been put into the way it comes off on screen his feelings and the way hes taking it and I mean it was a rough time and anyone thats had a family member thats passed unexpectedly or too soon can relate to that. Hed tell me what it was like but hed never say it was really hard and Im not sure I can do this. Brandon was the kind of guy you win with.. 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. FAYETTEVILLE 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.. When I turned on to the street behind Moms house, I could see her driveway through this little opening between houses. Weve felt like weve been very involved and kept up to date on what was going on and were very happy with the outcome. And the only element bigger than excessive faculty soccer in Harrison or anywhere else . Its a good story and, you know, Neal McDonough struggling in the aftermath thats absolutely true. Film depicting ex-Arkansas Razorbacks star Brandon Burlsworth to - ESPN Those were offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworths trademark, and they were prominent even behind the facemask of his Arkansas Razorbacks helmet. The SEC Blog: The inspiring story of Burlsworth He was born on 31-08-1986. During his first year, he faced a delay in earning his eligibility and worked hard to transform his 300lb chubby physique into a moderate 260lb body. I was just so proud of him. But [the death was] not the ending. Our Team | Brandon Burlsworth Foundation - The 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. His faith is what he relied on. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Burlsworth 2022 by BBF. He asked me to help him, but theres all this certification that goes into being an agent. But Arkansas was the dream. Almost Perfect ARKANSAS LINEMAN BRANDON BURLSWORTH - Sports Illustrated The 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church. 131 | NO. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. Greater Movie Review | Common Sense Media His age is 36. Barbara Burlsworth. Not like my younger brother Brandon. I didn't see it in the theater. From anyone who is struggling with God because of a loss theyve faced, especially one as devastating as a close family member, what wisdom would you share with them? Obese, unathletic and clumsy, Brandon confronts his shortcomings as sports-underdog movie heroes have ever done: through determination, hard work and a limitless capacity to absorb punishment, both physical and social. Greater than my previous knowledge of a young man's winding road from small-town walk-on to home-state hero. Hed be all over the line, right off the snap. That's not a boast. Marty's ethnicity is Caucasian, whose political affiliation is unknown; and religious views are listed as Christian. 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. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals! Not good at all. In her free time she enjoys hiking, watching sports, riding motorcycles with her husband and catching up with friends. 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. An expression that implied do it the correct way, in any event, when nobody is looking. Brandon Burlsworth studied at the Harrison High School where he was an all-state selection. Possible relatives for Marty Burlsworth include Roselee Arnold, Keshia Flowers, Brady Burlsworth and several . So when he was two hours late that evening, Mom started to get worried. "It was a struggle similar to Brandon's struggle to play college football," Marty Burlsworth said. Greater than my narrow expectation of "Rudy Calls the Hogs." Director Yelena Popovic discusses why this film had to be made. On top of that, Dad had trouble with drinking and wasnt really in our lives when Brandon was a little boy. He lauds Chris Severio for his measured portrayal of Brandon, and veteran actor Neal McDonough, he says, does a tremendous job as Marty Burlsworth. Bob Edmonson is a lifelong native of Harrison. We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. Sure, bring him on up for a game, he said. Brandon Burlsworth Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. He called to check in a couple of times. But he had his priorities right. Not that it got him very far initially. He wont be going down., Well, thats good, he said, sort of laughing. 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? It was 2005, and the Burlsworth family . Over the next two years he reformed his body to become more muscular and went back to a 300lb physique. Burlsworth died in a car accident on April 28, 1999, and his story of faith and conviction has been gaining recognition in recent years due to various programs and a new biopic called "Greater.". Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. This was the dream. Sometimes Marty goes by various nicknames including Marty L Burlsworth and Marty Leo Burlsworth. 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. Trust. Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. Its a simple but effective response, nicely underscored by the gospel anthem Ill Fly Awayrunning through the film. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 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. Now, I was taking calls from the same stations about Brandons death.. I was high as a kite. That game was, in a way, a symbol for the highest highs, the lowest lows and the unforeseen. Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States, siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth, place of death: Alpena, Arkansas, United States. On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. We werent proactive at all in [making a movie]. And the first call I made was to the recruiting coordinator at Arkansas. His jersey #77 was retired at the University of Arkansas as a gesture of honoring his memory. And then he walked out and there it was: BURLSWORTH. News. Faith and family they meant everything to Brandon. If it meant bringing a basket of baseballs to the park so he could work on his hitting and pitching, I wanted to be there. He was, with various modifiers, Clark Kent. The University of Arkansas prides itself on doing things the "Burls Way.". It would take 11 years - with Reindl financing the independent production himself when other investors dried up - but in 2016, "Greater" hit the theaters. Brandon Burlsworth found certainty in an uncertain world. Greater may not be in Rudys league cinematically, but Burlsworth was a far more gifted player than Daniel Rudy Ruettiger. On Aug. 26, the movie about his life, Greater, opens nationwide. And would you believe, all these NFL agents started flying into Harrison wanting to sign Brandon. | Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. It was my dream, too, and I sure worked hard at it. 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. I kept track of how many might be left for Brandon.O.K., they gave one to that boy, thats 12 so far. By Carl Kozlowski. That's what Brandon did. Itll be real cool.. 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.