And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. Another initiative announced was the creation of a memorial for victims of abuse. News. 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. I think Brandon would be proud of the work were doing in his name. Brandon doesnt start out with all that promise. Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Burlsworth Football Camps. The Olympic Gold Medalist shines light on her Hispanic heritage fueling her career. Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of. Brandon was also the first Arkansas football player to complete his Masters Degree before playing his final college football game. Black horn-rimmed glasses. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. What were the vital elements that you knew had to be involved in the movie, no matter who made it, in order to fully capture Brandons life? Starting the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation shortly after his death, even as the grief was overwhelming, just set those plans into motion sooner. Now, if you find yourself at that Colts shop, I told him, You make sure and get us some gear this time.. He put on weight before enrolling at Arkansas, but it was a bad 40 or so pounds that he eventually had to melt before. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. His jersey has been retired, his locker encased in glass, his spirit captured in a trophy awarded to the best college football player who started his career as a walk-on. print and digital media outlets, dedicated to reporting the truth in light of the Gospel and the They put it in more of a condensed form which is the way filmmaking generally always happens. SubscribeStart your Register subscription today. I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. The football fraternity had great expectations from the talented young man but fate had other plans and he was killed in an accident. Earlier this year in an interview with Christian Examiner, Reindl said: The film is as much about Martys journey as it is about Brandons. He did not survive the accident and passed away on April 28, 1999. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known." Cindi Hagood is our Program Director of the Eyes of a Champion program. Not as devout as his brother, Marty turns desperately to faith in a moment of crisis when he wants a miracle. The family respectfully declined. Greater than my limited understanding of the painful search for meaning every time a life ends so young. The next week, Brandon flew to Indianapolis for minicamp. I tried bringing it up to him again. Even his peers saw an innocent kid who just didnt understand why he couldnt make it in college football, and certainly not the NFL. Brandons family and friends came together to form the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in his honor. And then apparently that thought process was also out there in California we did hear from some that approached us but one thing I wasnt 100 percent sure [of] was the commitment level over there which was why when Reindls wife said [when] he sets his mind to it, he gets it done, you know, Ive always heard that in Hollywood [scripts] can sit on the shelf forever. In a few weeks hed be heading back. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. | Everybody knew. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. His jersey #77 was retired at the University of Arkansas as a gesture of honoring his memory. Or Drew Carey, the comedian. 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. Other boys would go home after school got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July. And I was equally impressed with Missy, his wife [They] live in Fayetteville and they drove over to Harris to meet with us and she said Whatever he sets his mind to, he gets done that resonates with me because that was like Brandon. (Marty Burlsworth) Neal McDonough was born on February 13, 1966 in Dorchester, Massachusetts, to Catherine (Bushe) and Frank McDonough, motel owners who were born in Ireland. I dont think I got there. By Carl Kozlowski. 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. 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. Burlsworth was selected to be of the team captains by his junior season in 1997 for the University of Arkansas. It's "Greater." Greater, though, looks to something more than this: something greater than any loss or tragedy. On Aug. 26, the movie about his life, Greater, opens nationwide. He was my brother and I just wanted everything for him. 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. Lacking the football scholarship he absurdly hoped for, Brandon turns down full rides elsewhere to attend Arkansas. I think it was in June [1999] I think [thats] kinda when that started. Real Estate. Ive kind of been planning it that way.. Apr 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. But Id do anything for that kid. [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. She enjoys singing on the worship team at church, riding motorcycles with her husband, photography, and scrapbooking. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. In the end, Brandon got invited to be a walk-on. The police could not determine the reason behind the tragic accident. Greater may not be in Rudys league cinematically, but Burlsworth was a far more gifted player than Daniel Rudy Ruettiger. 77 is one of just two numbers retired in the history of Arkansas football. His age is 36. "We want Brandon's message out there. And for the next three years, every Friday at 5:30 p.m., Id close up the photography studio I owned in Harrison, pick up my mom, and my wife and kids, and drive to Brandons football games. He initially joined Arkansas Razorbacks as a walk-on but later he was handed an athletes scholarship and eventually became an all-American. 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. Arkansas doesnt have a pro football team I dont even know if a pro team could survive here. Greater than my previous knowledge of a young man's winding road from small-town walk-on to home-state hero. The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference. Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different. As for this film, Greater has been more than a decade in the making a labor of love for first-time Arkansas producer Brian Reindl. Neal McDonough does an outstanding job as Marty Burlsworth. | As Brandon and I were standing out there, the offensive linemen came out, running on the field with their helmets on. Even an idea, you knowa script can sit on the shelf and never see the light of day. We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. He's been gone to a better place for almost as long. As the tagline proclaims, Greater tells the incredible true story of dreamer Brandon Burlsworth who set his mind to joining the University of Arkansas Razorbacks and through great effort and commitment, accomplished just that. He lauds Chris Severio for his measured portrayal of Brandon, and veteran actor Neal McDonough, he says, does a tremendous job as Marty Burlsworth. They can assist you with all your real estate needs. 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 . We werent proactive at all in [making a movie]. All-time overachiever Brandon Burlsworth had his life tragically cut short at the age of 22, but his impact lives on 17 years later . She then pursued her graduate degree at the University of Louisville where she interned for the athletic department. In 2002, Brandon was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and later in 2004 he was inducted into the University of Arkansas Letterman's Association Hall of Honor. He died instantly. She received her Bachelors in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. Because we dont want to be there- that close- to some scenes thatll be tough to watch even being filmed. Only 30 of 175 dioceses ordained an average number of priests at or above replacement level over the five years from 2016 to 2021, according to the report. Greaters response to the problem of evil, to disbelief and nihilism, is not an argument, but an action: a choice to trust. 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.". He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. choose Christ at a young age and you will always be a winner in Christ's eyes; excelling at a sport is fine as . They love to interact with people of all communities and podcast interviews have become a wonderful outlet for that. But Arkansas was the dream. So we had talked to a group or two out of California that had pitched the idea but we just never were at peace or had any comfort. Thats what its all about: What you do while you were here. Caveat Spectator: Football roughness; some language; some thematic elements including alcoholism and religious questioning. Marty is registered to vote in Boone County, Arkansas. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. Hell show up and everything will be fine.. 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. Order Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization Marty Burlsworth and his agents have been and will continue to be trusted names in the real estate market. "Brian wouldn't let go.". Its a good story and, you know, Neal McDonough struggling in the aftermath thats absolutely true. He just kicked it in, No, this is not happening.. So was I. That looks good, doesnt it? I said. (as David Hunt) (directed by) Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification Produced by Music by Stephen Endelman . arkansas football. There he is, 300 pounds, and he just runs down this linebacker. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Pig Trail Nation / Jun 1, 2021 / 04:30 PM CDT. If it meant going over to Moms house to help him with homework, I wanted to be there. Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. 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 . 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. He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. 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 . 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. Predictably, trash-talking opponents laughed at him and called him names. The school was going to give Brandon a scholarship. I want him here, buthellknow andwellknow., Coach, dont worry about it. In November 1998, the Razorbacks were 8-0, ranked 10th in the country, and playing at No. The drive would always take around an hour and a half but he never made it. So I did whatever I could to be there for Brandon. Proudly created with Wix.com. Had you ever thought of Brandons story as a film? He had intended to help under advantaged children and the Burlsworth family settled the establishment that in his honor. He spent his first season of high school football as a sophomore on the sidelines. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Toggle header content 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. When he reached his junior season in 1997, he was selected as one of the captains of the team and in the next two years, he received All-SEC honors. Brandon isnt a very interesting character, but hes a likable one. I mean it was for me. Harrison, Arkansas. But now that my own boys are older, if theyre even ten minutes late, I get a little concerned and think that maybe theyre in trouble, maybe something went wrong. Was there anything that you had to do for yourself spiritually or emotionally to prepare for the making of this movie? And I remembered to do what other agents had advised me to do, I kept multiple lines open. His screenplay grew out of the book Through the Eyes of a Champion: The Brandon Burlsworth Story, by Jeff Kinley. It was 2005 and the . 1 Tennessee. Marty Leo Burlsworth's Arkansas Voter Registration. 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. Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. It seemed as if the whole town was there to support Brandon and who he was and what he meant to everybody. If there was anything inappropriate in it, of course that was all made up. Theres no explanation for it. 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. He told the family, "We don't want to take Brandon's faith out of this movie.". Share. Brandon Burlsworth found certainty in an uncertain world. 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. Every chance he got, Burlsworth went home to Harrison, a town of about 10,000 in the Ozarks, near the Missouri state line. The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. But I knew we still needed a scholarship. Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. We want Brandon here, but if he cant handle it I can see what I can do to get him to a smaller school, he said. In her free time she enjoys hiking, watching sports, riding motorcycles with her husband and catching up with friends. 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. 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. 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 went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. David Hunt, the movies director, also assisted with the screenplay. Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? 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. Then I turned on Netflix and watched an honest, humble, earnest movie about the man called "Greater.". Sure, bring him on up for a game, he said. But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and Brandon had seen the stadium and sat in the stands. Anything that wasnt right, wasnt real, wasnt what Brandon was about. 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. Director Yelena Popovic discusses why this film had to be made. How is the dynamic in reality versus how its shown in the film? 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? Brandons older brother Marty started the foundation after Brandons death in 1999. I kept track of how many might be left for Brandon.O.K., they gave one to that boy, thats 12 so far. you, Subscribe to The Daily [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. Channing Frye and Iman Shumpert are back to explain the stakes, place bets and analyze the most valuable players in the NBA Finals. 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.". Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. 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. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. 2018 Burlsworth & Associates Real Estate in Harrison, AR The state with the most residents by this name is Arkansas, followed by Colorado. "It was a struggle similar to Brandon's struggle to play college football," Marty Burlsworth said. Marty Leo Burlsworth (age 62) is listed at 3775 Savannah Drive Harrison, Ar 72601 and is affiliated with the Optional Party. Its condensed. Faith and family they meant everything to Brandon. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known. Proudly created with Wix.com. The story unfolds in two strands. 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. To this day, people tell me where they were when they heard the news. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. She started her career with Century 21 and then joined Jerry Jackson as he opened his office in 2001. No, we just kind of kept that to ourselves. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? 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 "He said, 'You'll have veto power,' " Marty Burlsworth remembered. There are few actors in Hollywood brave enough to wear their Catholic faith on . One weekend when I was driving with Brandon to campus I think maybe it was his junior year a thought crossed my mind. A couple of weeks before Brandon left for school, one of the Arkansas coaches called me. This has been a pretty big year for me tra. Not good at all. 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. Finally, in the third round Brandon answered the phone and gave us the thumbs-up. He was, with various modifiers, Clark Kent. Greater has three surprises, which is three more than most faith-based films, particularly of the inspirational sports-movie variety. Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. So that was kind of the stamp of approval there, plus theyre Christians and they didnt want to lose that faith aspect. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. 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. barbaraann@burlsworth.com. . We probably put 30,000 miles on my minivan each season. 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. As it turned out, it was a squad car, with officials there to convey the bad news. Now, I was taking calls from the same stations about Brandons death.. Greater, a film about Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, opens Aug. 26. That's not a boast. 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. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the foundation and has been with the BBF since 2010. 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. Our parents divorced when Brandon was just two years old. He wont be going down., Well, thats good, he said, sort of laughing. 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. In 1996, he earned himself a scholarship and also sealed his own starting place as a right guard on the offensive line for the Arkansas Razorbacks. And boy, was he soaking it in. Greater than my narrow expectation of "Rudy Calls the Hogs." A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. But almost every boy growing up in the state wants to be a Razorback. I wasnt sure. Especially after it was all over and, you know, that was bad times. Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. I know it was hard. But with no scholarship offer coming from Arkansas, Brandon bypassed offers from smaller schools and accepted the invitation to be a preferred walk-on at Arkansas. Evelyn lives in North Little Rock, AR with her husband, Paul, two sons, Bo and Owen, and dog Layla. Trust. Company Credits 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. 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. Filming & Production Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States, siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth, place of death: Alpena, Arkansas, United States. 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. With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth. You know, we established his foundation shortly thereafter [the accident]. I was just so proud of him. A coda sums up the impact of Brandons life: the programs, scholarships and so forth established in his name. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. Each Wednesday, he came back to take his mother, Barbara, to chapel. Evelyn Allen started as the Development and Social Media Director for the foundation in March of 2020. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. He goes through something we all face when we experience tragedy and trials: Which voices do we listen to? We had to have the funeral at the high school gym. And it paid off. I would talk to him most every night. After the draft, he spoke to me a lot about helping other kids in Harrison. 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. She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. Brandon was so single-minded, so focused. | Directed by David L. Hunt . In the award's twelfth year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas Walk . There were many times I know it was tough. EIN 27-4581132 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. His faith is what he relied on. Named an All-American in 1998, he was drafted in 1999 by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round 11 days before being killed in a vehicular accident. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ. Unassuming, devout and a little dense, he never drinks, never swears and never takes anything personally. We planned to move out to Indianapolis with him. Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. 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 composed and produced by Brian Reindl and David Hunt. He is married to Vickie who serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation.
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