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. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. 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. She has 3 sons, Marty, Grady and the late Brandon Burlsworth. You take care of it, you get things done. You dont lose your faith I had struggles because [Id think] why?, you know. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. Theres no explanation for it. Eleven days later he passed on attending a Razorback ring presentation ceremony to drive to his hometown to take his mom to church. Sign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox. Even an idea, you knowa script can sit on the shelf and never see the light of day. 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. Channing Frye and Iman Shumpert are back to explain the stakes, place bets and analyze the most valuable players in the NBA Finals. As quarterback Clint Stoerner accepted the snap and backed away from the center his foot got tangled up with Burlsworth, who was to his right and was backing up, trying to hold his block. We didnt expect Brandon to go real high, and we had been told that he wouldnt. And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. 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. But I knew we still needed a scholarship. It demanded an audience larger than you could pack into Razorback Stadium for 60 minutes of weekend celebration in the fall - or into the Harrison High School gym on a spring day of mourning. 77 is one of just two numbers retired in the history of Arkansas football. 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 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. He knew he could. 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. We suddenly needed that gear, because we would be rooting for the Colts. The state with the most residents by this name is Arkansas, followed by Colorado. It just takes some time. But this was my brother. 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. He lauds Chris Severio for his measured portrayal of Brandon, and veteran actor Neal McDonough, he says, does a tremendous job as Marty Burlsworth. So Mom, Brandon and I piled into my minivan and we drove over to Fayetteville. 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. When Stoerner fell the ball came out and Tennessee recovered. He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. Boy, did he have the size and did he have the skills. In her free time she enjoys hiking, watching sports, riding motorcycles with her husband and catching up with friends. ", Trouble was, every time he asked "what input would the family have" in how the story was told, he got the same answer: "None.". But as I turned the next corner onto Moms street and pulled up to her house, I got a good look at the car. "Brian wouldn't let go.". He took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. 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. Another initiative announced was the creation of a memorial for victims of abuse. So when he was two hours late that evening, Mom started to get worried. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. We werent proactive at all in [making a movie]. Each Wednesday, he came back to take his mother, Barbara, to chapel. 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.". Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? 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 main [concern] was that it was going to go somewhere that really never happened. He is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. The 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church. Especially after it was all over and, you know, that was bad times. Brandon Burlsworth was known as an American professional football player. Marty Burlsworth and his agents have been and will continue to be trusted names in the real estate market. 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. At that moment, we both felt so close to his dream coming true something that wasnt even a possibility for a boy who had been sitting on the sidelines just two years ago. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. FAYETTEVILLE, AR, Nov. 2, 2021 - Today, the Burlsworth Trophy announced 89 players nominated from Division 1 (FBS) schools from across the country for the 2021 Burlsworth Trophy. Chris Severio plays Burlsworth (No. Thats what its all about: What you do while you were here. Locations and showtimes are available onwww.greaterthemovie.com. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. But me and friends that were close to me were like This is like a movie. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. She enjoys singing on the worship team at church, riding motorcycles with her husband, photography, and scrapbooking. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. Even his peers saw an innocent kid who just didn't understand why he couldn't make it in college football, and certainly not the NFL. The film covers the issues he had with his weight and his incredible work ethic that earned him a chance. And it was Brandons time. 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. Greater, a film about Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, opens Aug. 26. She started her career with Century 21 and then joined Jerry Jackson as he opened his office in 2001. 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. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. I wasnt sure. One, told in flashback, is a familiar, uplifting Rudy-like arc of an unpromising underdog who makes good despite enormous obstacles. (Now we see through a glass darkly ). French Monastery Survives War and Famine After 885 Years, the Basilica of St. Ambrose in Milan, and More Great Links! The fact that he was considerably overweight in his early years results in some teasing, fat-shaming, and bullying; there's also some use of words including "ass" and "s--t." The brothers age difference is the basis for one of the movies running gags, Martys discomfort at being mistaken for Brandons father. 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. 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. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took 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. 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? Martys struggle is not entirely internal. Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Arkansas Boone County Omaha Gass Cemetery George Leo Burlsworth Thats pretty tough. He put on weight before enrolling at Arkansas, but it was a bad 40 or so pounds that he eventually had to melt before. monetization of National Catholic Register RSS feeds is strictly prohibited. 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. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. You know, we established his foundation shortly thereafter [the accident]. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. Greater has three surprises, which is three more than most faith-based films, particularly of the inspirational sports-movie variety. The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. 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. The University of Arkansas prides itself on doing things the "Burls Way.". His jersey #77 was retired at the University of Arkansas as a gesture of honoring his memory. Then I turned on Netflix and watched an honest, humble, earnest movie about the man called "Greater.". 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. The police could not determine the reason behind the tragic accident. He may be gone, but I still want to do whatever I can to keep his dreams going, to keep his legacy going. When we got back home to Harrison, the day of the draft was just filled with anxiety. See, Brandon started out a little scrawny. To this day, people tell me where they were when they heard the news. Third, its beautifully and atmospherically shot by director David Hunt and cinematographer Gabe Mayan. Public records for Marty Burlsworth range in age from 35 years old to 61 years old. Well if you had taken God out of it, it [wouldve] been fiction. Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. 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. 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. 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. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. But Arkansas was the dream. Man, you might get to play at the next level., Ah, I dont know, I just gotta focus on this season.. He found it in routine and repetition, in church and in the trenches, in that place where they call the Hogs and even an Alabama visitor can feel what it means for a young man from Harrison, Ark., to call himself a Razorback. Faith and family they meant everything to Brandon. And I couldnt wait to be right there with him. Powered by WebJIVE ~ Featured on the Harrison Arkansas Network. He never got there, dying in a car accident at age 22. Its a simple but effective response, nicely underscored by the gospel anthem Ill Fly Awayrunning through the film. Out of nowhere, Brandon knocks him out of bounds, Marty said. Vickie's love for children is hard to escape. He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. News. 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. One weekend when I was driving with Brandon to campus I think maybe it was his junior year a thought crossed my mind. But that first year after Brandons accident, that was- for the whole family, [especially] my mother and me- I mean it was just it was unreal. Bob has been active in the community for many years from volunteer coaching youth sports activities such as soccer, baseball and basketball and also serving in a leadership capacity in community organizations and boards such as United Way, North Arkansas Soccer Association and the Bergman School Board. 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. Everybody knew. Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and Brandon had seen the stadium and sat in the stands. Apr 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. So I did whatever I could to be there for Brandon. Marty Leo Burlsworth (age 62) is listed at 3775 Savannah Drive Harrison, Ar 72601 and is affiliated with the Optional Party. 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 Olympic Gold Medalist shines light on her Hispanic heritage fueling her career. Burlsworth was too small (260 pounds) when he finished high school. 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. Brandon isnt a very interesting character, but hes a likable one. director of photography Film Editing by David L. Hunt . A coda sums up the impact of Brandons life: the programs, scholarships and so forth established in his name. Where it doesnt have such a bad ending? | 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. Evelyn lives in North Little Rock, AR with her husband, Paul, two sons, Bo and Owen, and dog Layla. I had about 212,000 miles on it by the time I got rid of it. to you, Keep an eye on trends and events
By that point he was about six-foot-two, over 200 pounds and still growing. Arkansas doesnt have a pro football team I dont even know if a pro team could survive here. By all accounts, Burlsworth spent his 22 years on this earth showing everyone in his orbit how to do faith, family and football right. He goes through something we all face when we experience tragedy and trials: Which voices do we listen to? In 1999, he completed an MBA and was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree. Barbara Burlsworth. At present, through the Burls Kids program, the foundation works towards providing underprivileged youths a chance to visit Razorback and Colts football games. Its clear, though, that Martys harshness is meant as the tough love of an older brother obliged to assume a father-figure role in the absence of their alcoholic bum of a father (Michael Parks of the Kill Bill movies in a small but affecting role). We found 2 people in 2 states named Marty Burlsworth living in the US. By using BiJog.com you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The family respectfully declined. 131 | NO. 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. He wasthatgood. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. . 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. We probably put 30,000 miles on my minivan each season. 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. 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. Vickie Burlsworth is the Executive Director of the Foundation that she and Marty founded honoring Brandon after his passing in 1999. Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. is 61 years old today because Marty's birthday is on 11/13/1960. I mean everybody knew. We planned to move out to Indianapolis with him. 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. There just wasnt enough space anywhere else. When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. Finally, in the third round Brandon answered the phone and gave us the thumbs-up. A list of possible email addresses for Marty includes burlsworth@cox.net, mburlsworth@aol.com. I know it was hard. In the award's twelfth year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas Walk . COINCIDENCES. He is married to Vickie who serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation. It was composed and produced by Brian Reindl and David Hunt. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. It was disappointing, but Brandon wanted to go to Arkansas more than anything and, well, he didnt want any regrets. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. He was born on 31-08-1986. Asked what hes doing, Brandon says, Nothing, because he really hadnt given it a second thought. Aug 26, 2016. She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. So when Brandon got it in his mind that he was going to be a Razorback, I was all in. Its a good story and, you know, Neal McDonough struggling in the aftermath thats absolutely true. by The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. - All Rights Reserved, VOL. David Hunt, the movies director, also assisted with the screenplay. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. 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. But I didnt have that natural talent. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. He asked me to help him, but theres all this certification that goes into being an agent. At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. It seemed as if the whole town was there to support Brandon and who he was and what he meant to everybody. I kept track of how many might be left for Brandon.O.K., they gave one to that boy, thats 12 so far. That was very very tough. Greater may not be in Rudys league cinematically, but Burlsworth was a far more gifted player than Daniel Rudy Ruettiger. We watched the game from this conference room at the top of the stadium. What was your first thought when someone approached you about making Greater? Now, if you find yourself at that Colts shop, I told him, You make sure and get us some gear this time.. Catholic Church. | 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. Background Report. 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 . Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. Itll be real cool.. He had intended to help under advantaged children and the Burlsworth family settled the establishment that in his honor. Brandons number 77 became one of only two numbers retired in Arkansas Razorback football history. 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. 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 Price Range (last 24 months) $125K - $450K Areas Served Harrison Specializations Buyers Sellers Marty Burlsworth Burlsworth & Associates. 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. I was just so proud of him. The next week, Brandon flew to Indianapolis for minicamp. I go straight to the sports and see if any scholarships were offered. choose Christ at a young age and you will always be a winner in Christ's eyes; excelling at a sport is fine as . 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. Hes not going down.. Follow him on Twitter. That's an inadequate synopsis of an exemplary life. 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. Even his peers saw an innocent kid who just didnt understand why he couldnt make it in college football, and certainly not the NFL. Didn't buy it or rent it or watch it on DVD. 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. 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
Brandon Burlsworth found certainty in an uncertain world. 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. 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 . It was 2005 and the . Marty Leo Burlsworth's Arkansas Voter Registration. So that was kind of the stamp of approval there, plus theyre Christians and they didnt want to lose that faith aspect. Youll have all your coursework done and can graduate at the end of the year anyway., Yeah, he said with a smile. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. 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. Other boys would go home after school got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known. They put it in more of a condensed form which is the way filmmaking generally always happens. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. Or Drew Carey, the comedian. 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. With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth. Always why. Walk-on player from Harrison, Ark., considered a long shot to get real playing time. Sure, bring him on up for a game, he said. Was there anything that you had to do for yourself spiritually or emotionally to prepare for the making of this movie? 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. 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.