It's a show of faith. Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. It was my dream, too, and I sure worked hard at it. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known. So that was kind of the stamp of approval there, plus theyre Christians and they didnt want to lose that faith aspect. If it meant going over to Moms house to help him with homework, I wanted to be there. Each Wednesday, he came back to take his mother, Barbara, to chapel. This was the dream. 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? Now, at Arkansas and Indianapolis Burls Kids attend games for free. Greater may not be in Rudys league cinematically, but Burlsworth was a far more gifted player than Daniel Rudy Ruettiger. The film promotes Burlsworth as the greatest walk-on in the history of college football and there is an award the Brandon Burlsworth Trophy, which Marty oversees that is given annually to college footballs best player who began his career as a walk-on. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. Why? I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. Everybody knew. Brandon did not get married before he passed away when he was only twenty-two years old. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. In November 1998, the Razorbacks were 8-0, ranked 10th in the country, and playing at No. 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. 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 or school. Greaters response to the problem of evil, to disbelief and nihilism, is not an argument, but an action: a choice to trust. Brandons number 77 became one of only two numbers retired in Arkansas Razorback football history. No, we just kind of kept that to ourselves. Burlsworth was too small (260 pounds) when he finished high school. Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. He was in the prime of his football career. The movie wouldn't get made until a non-Hollywood type, an Arkansas real estate developer named Brian Reindl, decided this was a story worth telling onscreen with the Burlsworth family's input - and then some. ", Trouble was, every time he asked "what input would the family have" in how the story was told, he got the same answer: "None.". 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 . Judea school district. Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. He was born on 31-08-1986. 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. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. The movie will be shown on 800 screens throughout the U.S. on March 21 and March 28. See, Brandon started out a little scrawny. 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. I mean everybody knew. (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. So you just walk down this side of the stadium, O.K.? Reproduction of material from this website without written permission, or unlicensed commercial use or He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. Aug 26, 2016. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Arkansas Boone County Omaha Gass Cemetery George Leo Burlsworth Renew or manage your subscription here. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. 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. David Hunt, the movies director, also assisted with the screenplay. We wont be there. She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. It was just something that we thought of, you know. Boy, did he have the size and did he have the skills. A coda sums up the impact of Brandons life: the programs, scholarships and so forth established in his name. I didn't see it in the theater. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. Greater than my narrow expectation of "Rudy Calls the Hogs." 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. 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. Its unreal. But, you know, how would you make it where it wasnt basically depressing. He told the family, "We don't want to take Brandon's faith out of this movie.". 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. Burlsworth and Associates. It was a terrible day for Harrison, it was a terrible day for the state. 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." Greater has three surprises, which is three more than most faith-based films, particularly of the inspirational sports-movie variety. This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. I think it was in June [1999] I think [thats] kinda when that started. Greater is currently playing in theaters and stars Neal McDonough, Christopher Severio, and Leslie Easterbrook. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals. View Marty Burlsworth's record in Harrison, AR including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. They love to interact with people of all communities and podcast interviews have become a wonderful outlet for that. Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's brother, with Neal McDonough, who portrayed Marty in Greater. Marty Burlsworth, in the aftermath of Brandon's death, suffers a crisis of conscience that questions his . I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. 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. People were swinging by all day. 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. Im sure he just got stuck in traffic, or maybe ran out of gas. Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. . 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. At the point when he showed up, he saw the rear of a white vehicle that he from the start thought was Brandon's. You dont lose your faith I had struggles because [Id think] why?, you know. 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 . "It was a struggle similar to Brandon's struggle to play college football," Marty Burlsworth said. But this was my brother. Surely, he reasons, God will be merciful; Marty would be, and he cant be more merciful than God. is 61 years old today because Marty's birthday is on 11/13/1960. And in Arkansas it was a statewide tragedy. Not as devout as his brother, Marty turns desperately to faith in a moment of crisis when he wants a miracle. As Brandon and I were standing out there, the offensive linemen came out, running on the field with their helmets on. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. 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. They put it in more of a condensed form which is the way filmmaking generally always happens. Sometimes Marty goes by various nicknames including Marty L Burlsworth and Marty Leo Burlsworth. To this day, people tell me where they were when they heard the news. 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. Brandons family and friends came together to form the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in his honor. company, Get valuable lists emailed directly That's not a boast. 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. But as it got later in the evening and Mom got more and more worked up, I hopped into my own car to head over and see if we could find out what had happened. "Brian wouldn't let go.". At present, through the Burls Kids program, the foundation works towards providing underprivileged youths a chance to visit Razorback and Colts football games. You know, Brandon, you could think about entering the draft. Brandon wanted to do more, though. 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. I used to want the longest life, perfect health and happiness, but really it is that feeling that I am so glad that this isnt all there is and that we have heaven to wait for, and that well be with Jesus, and there will be no more tears Amber VanVickle (1982-2023), The headquarters of the charity, which serves as a consecrated family to 46 disabled children, were badly damaged in major flooding near Rio de Janeiro last year. 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 didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. 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. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. We probably put 30,000 miles on my minivan each season. Brandon was the kind of guy you win with.. Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. Especially after it was all over and, you know, that was bad times. The present-day strand follows preparations for Brandons funeral and Martys internal struggle with doubt and nihilism, a struggle movingly realized by McDonough. He died instantly. Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. You take care of it, you get things done. Brandon Burlsworth was known as an American professional football player. Just give us a call at 870-741-5111 . I was just so proud of him. The next week, Brandon flew to Indianapolis for minicamp. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. near you, Up-to-date reports of crimes near The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. 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. The Passion of the Christ actor talks about the challenges of playing iconic roles and why good movies arent always family-friendly. But almost every boy growing up in the state wants to be a Razorback. Powered by WebJIVE ~ Featured on the Harrison Arkansas Network. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. Greater, though, looks to something more than this: something greater than any loss or tragedy. 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. What Marty thinks about now, though, is that even when Brandon was in college and then after he was drafted by the Colts, he had all these ideas for how he wanted to help people. Had life turned out differently, Marty Burlsworth might be reflecting on his brother's pro football career during Super Bowl weekend. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. 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. So because you and your close ones felt like this story could be a film, did you make that known and/or start looking for filmmakers to bring it to life? He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American . 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 . He wont be going down., Well, thats good, he said, sort of laughing. Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. They couldnt give us any assurances that there wouldnt be a lot of Hollywood going into it. Brandon, the officer told us, had collided head-on with a semi. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. 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. He's been gone to a better place for almost as long. Thats what its all about: What you do while you were here. With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth. 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. We may still get one. 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. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. We had to have the funeral at the high school gym. But as Marty Burlsworth, Brandons older brother and companion through it all, emphasized in an exclusive interview with The Daily Wire, Brandon made his football goals happen because he was relentless. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. The National Junior Auxiliary awarded her Volunteer of the Year, and the Governor appointed her to the State Board of Dispensing Opticians. But me and friends that were close to me were like This is like a movie. I let out a little sigh of relief. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. So I did whatever I could to be there for Brandon. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. He knew he could. Dramatic backlighting and silhouettes create a sense of foreboding and uncertainty, resonating with the themes of tragedy and doubt. [email protected]. Opposing teams made game plans just to handle Brandon. The story unfolds in two strands. And I remembered to do what other agents had advised me to do, I kept multiple lines open. Yeah, lets go buy some Colts stuff.. Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and Brandon had seen the stadium and sat in the stands. 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. 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. 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. Previously she worked for the Arkansas Travelers, USA Football, NFL, Athleta and the Outlets of Little Rock. At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". Greater than my previous knowledge of a young man's winding road from small-town walk-on to home-state hero.