I tried bringing it up to him again. After the draft, he spoke to me a lot about helping other kids in Harrison. 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. The play became known as the Stumble and Fumble, and Tennessee would go on to score the winning touchdown and eventually win the national championship at the end of the season. He was my brother and I just wanted everything for him. You dont lose your faith I had struggles because [Id think] why?, you know. 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. 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 . This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. "We want Brandon's message out there. Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. 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. 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. His final game with the team was in the 1999 Citrus Bowl. And I remembered to do what other agents had advised me to do, I kept multiple lines open. We drove it to death. 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? Nick Searcy plays an unnamed character who chats with Marty about the apparent absurdity of existence, and their discussion is a bold and unusual move, even a genre-bending move. We may still get one. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. He died instantly. The film covers the issues he had with his weight and his incredible work ethic that earned him a chance. Every week, Brandon made the drive home. 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. 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 . And that spring, the Burls boys found themselves in Indianapolis at the combine. I know it was hard. Two buses of Razorbacks players arrived. But as good as he was, Brandon was also a late bloomer he was only 17 his senior year and he was still a little undersized for college ball. 2022 by BBF. print and digital media outlets, dedicated to reporting the truth in light of the Gospel and the News. Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. If you followed the SEC back then, you may remember the Brandon Burlsworth story. 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. There just wasnt enough space anywhere else. Each Wednesday, he came back to take his mother, Barbara, to chapel. But Brandon would stay on campus, working painting the stadium, setting up dorms, things like that and taking classes. He played for the two SEC Western Division championship Razorback football teams in 1995 and 1998 and was named in the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll every single year during that period of time. It would take 11 years - with Reindl financing the independent production himself when other investors dried up - but in 2016, "Greater" hit the theaters. you, Subscribe to The Daily A couple of weeks before Brandon left for school, one of the Arkansas coaches called me. So Mom, Brandon and I piled into my minivan and we drove over to Fayetteville. Slain Los Angeles auxiliary bishop was remembered at the Mass of Christian burial as friend of Jesus Christ and of Mary, our Blessed Mother.. Walk-on player from Harrison, Ark., considered a long shot to get real playing time. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. 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. All-time overachiever Brandon Burlsworth had his life tragically cut short at the age of 22, but his impact lives on 17 years later . 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. Thats what its all about: What you do while you were here. (as David Hunt) (edited by) Casting By "I know Brandon would be super proud of that," Marty said . His Subaru clipped an incoming 18-wheeler and then collided head-on with a tractor-trailer in Alpena, Arkansas. The idea wasnt to be the greatest walk-on, Marty explained, it was to get a scholarship.. You know, Brandon, you could think about entering the draft. 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. 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. Follow him on Twitter. 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? I had about 212,000 miles on it by the time I got rid of it. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. And when its Friday night here in Harrison and the whole town is at the football game, I think about Brandon. The state with the most residents by this name is Arkansas, followed by Colorado. But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. In her free time she enjoys hiking, watching sports, riding motorcycles with her husband and catching up with friends. Asked what hes doing, Brandon says, Nothing, because he really hadnt given it a second thought. David Hunt, the movies director, also assisted with the screenplay. He just kicked it in, No, this is not happening.. This life demanded a movie. Locations and showtimes are available onwww.greaterthemovie.com. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. Real Estate. But as I turned the next corner onto Moms street and pulled up to her house, I got a good look at the car. Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. But he had his priorities right. The year is 1999 and Marty Burlsworth is awaiting the funeral of his 22-year-old brother, Brandon. Of course, he was my brother and you do anything for family, but things were a little tougher for him. A servant at heart, she also serves as president of their local foodbank, Ozark Share & Care. He may be gone, but I still want to do whatever I can to keep his dreams going, to keep his legacy going. Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. So a few months after his death, we started the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, where we do all of that and more. Brandon Burlsworth was known as an American professional football player. But before all that, Brandon made one last trip to Fayetteville to visit with his Razorbacks teammates. Its a simple but effective response, nicely underscored by the gospel anthem Ill Fly Awayrunning through the film. Or Drew Carey, the comedian. 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. 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. Hed tell me what it was like but hed never say it was really hard and Im not sure I can do this. Burlsworth was selected to be of the team captains by his junior season in 1997 for the University of Arkansas. He slept either in his little room at his mother's house or at his brother Marty's, to be close to his three nephews. Youll have all your coursework done and can graduate at the end of the year anyway., Yeah, he said with a smile. I think the overall message of the film is we can learn from this and my character in the movie may not be 100 percent the way it is or the way it was, but that doesnt really matter. Hes always taking a knee, and he crosses himself (a curious gesture, since from his funeral his family is clearly not Catholic). Sure, there's some creative license in the movie, but the message rings true. It was my dream, too, and I sure worked hard at it. Not that it got him very far initially. [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. podcast interviews Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Pig Trail Nation / Jun 1, 2021 / 04:30 PM CDT. Brandon wanted to do more, though. At the point when he showed up, he saw the rear of a white vehicle that he from the start thought was Brandon's. (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. Caveat Spectator: Football roughness; some language; some thematic elements including alcoholism and religious questioning. Vickie's love for children is hard to escape. "Brian wouldn't let go.". 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? French Monastery Survives War and Famine After 885 Years, the Basilica of St. Ambrose in Milan, and More Great Links! Its what he leaned on to work as hard. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. MARTY BURLSWORTH CONTRIBUTOR Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Brandon did not get married before he passed away when he was only twenty-two years old. As Brandon and I were standing out there, the offensive linemen came out, running on the field with their helmets on. Marty's ethnicity is Caucasian, whose political affiliation is unknown; and religious views are listed as Christian. The 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church. A coda sums up the impact of Brandons life: the programs, scholarships and so forth established in his name. In November 1998, the Razorbacks were 8-0, ranked 10th in the country, and playing at No. Burlsworth and Associates. As we walked by one of the pro shops, we joked to each other. Marty is a resident of 3775 Savannah Drv, Harrison, AR 72601-9851. And if Brandon was doing whatever he could on the field, then I sure as heck would do whatever I could to help get my brother there. 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. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. Im sure he just got stuck in traffic, or maybe ran out of gas. She started her career with Century 21 and then joined Jerry Jackson as he opened his office in 2001. Itll be real cool.. Greater than my limited understanding of the painful search for meaning every time a life ends so young. The phones calls started coming right after that. Marty Leo Burlsworth (age 62) is listed at 3775 Savannah Drive Harrison, Ar 72601 and is affiliated with the Optional Party. The former Arkansas hostile, Brandon Burlsworth was headed to his Harrison, Ark., home from Fayetteville, where he got a SEC West title ring alongside the remainder of the 1998 Razorbacks on April 28, 1999. I was 16 years older than Brandon, so I was already out of the house, married and raising my own boys by the time he was of any age. Surely God will hear Brandons prayer, if not his own; the prayer of a righteous man avails much, and if anyone is righteous, its Brandon. interested in booking Marty for your event? 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. When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. Black horn-rimmed glasses. This has been a pretty big year for me tra. . Then I turned on Netflix and watched an honest, humble, earnest movie about the man called "Greater.". Whether Im driving around town, past the baseball park where we used to play catch, past the Razorbacks signs on front lawns, I feel his presence. Official Sites | The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. His faith is what he relied on. On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. Evelyn Allen started as the Development and Social Media Director for the foundation in March of 2020. Although he never played a down in the NFL, he had impressed Mudd enough during mini-camp that the . But [the death was] not the ending. Brandon Burlsworth found certainty in an uncertain world. In 1999, he completed an MBA and was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree. At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". Today, those glasses remain the symbol of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation brandonburlsworth.org. He believes by sheer word of mouth, the movie will develop a dedicated following. He is married to Vickie who serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation. Brandon knew what it was like to be doubted, to be told you werent good enough. How is the dynamic in reality versus how its shown in the film? His age is 36. Not early or easily when it came to football, but eventually and powerfully. Another initiative announced was the creation of a memorial for victims of abuse. 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. Not good at all. 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. . He was determined to drive home the same day so he could attend evening church service with the family. I kept gaming out who was left. Greater than my previous knowledge of a young man's winding road from small-town walk-on to home-state hero. This story focuses on Burlsworth's ambition, work ethic, family relationships, and strong religious convictions; teamwork and courage are strong themes. But Id do anything for that kid. The family respectfully declined. No, we just kind of kept that to ourselves. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. I think it was in June [1999] I think [thats] kinda when that started. of prospects that meet your criteria, Monitor any person, property or I go straight to the sports and see if any scholarships were offered. We probably put 30,000 miles on my minivan each season. What was your first thought when someone approached you about making Greater? This was the dream. I would talk to him most every night. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. 2018 Burlsworth & Associates Real Estate in Harrison, AR Most important to Marty and the Burlsworth family: They kept us in the loop.. His faith, his family and his football, in that order. Catholic Church. Why? Release Dates | Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was an American football player who played for the Arkansas Razorbacks as an offensive lineman between 1995 and 1998. Had life turned out differently, Marty Burlsworth might be reflecting on his brother's pro football career during Super Bowl weekend. Director Yelena Popovic discusses why this film had to be made. To this day, people tell me where they were when they heard the news. In a few weeks hed be heading back. Now, I was taking calls from the same stations about Brandons death.. In the wake of new restrictions on the traditional Latin Mass, two American bishops spoke with EWTNs Raymond Arroyo Thursday about how their dioceses have responded. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. Or Kurt Rambis, the funny-looking center for the Los Angeles Lakers. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. So we really did have a good comfort level with them plus the agreement with Brian and them having the movie made was that the family would have some say so if something wasnt just right as far as the script goes and things like that and theyve kept us in the loop all along. Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. 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. It was 2005, and the Burlsworth family . 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. "It was a struggle similar to Brandon's struggle to play college football," Marty Burlsworth said. Became a two-time All-SEC selection and a first-team All-American as a senior in 1998. 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. Sometimes Marty goes by various nicknames including Marty L Burlsworth and Marty Leo Burlsworth. Yeah, lets go buy some Colts stuff.. 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. Greater is currently playing in theaters and stars Neal McDonough, Christopher Severio, and Leslie Easterbrook. And I could see a little white car parked in her driveway. 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. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. Price Range (last 24 months) $125K - $450K Areas Served Harrison Specializations Buyers Sellers Marty Burlsworth Burlsworth & Associates. We had to have the funeral at the high school gym. The police could not determine the reason behind the tragic accident. One, told in flashback, is a familiar, uplifting Rudy-like arc of an unpromising underdog who makes good despite enormous obstacles. I wasnt sure. So I think its normal. In the end, Brandon got invited to be a walk-on. 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. Had you ever thought of Brandons story as a film? Id do anything I could for him. Possible relatives for Marty Burlsworth include Roselee Arnold, Keshia Flowers, Brady Burlsworth and several . When I turned on to the street behind Moms house, I could see her driveway through this little opening between houses. 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. Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and Brandon had seen the stadium and sat in the stands. Neal McDonough (L) plays Marty Burlsworth in 'Greater' (Hammond Entertainment). 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. Leslie Easterbrook plays Burlsworth's mother, Barbar. Third, its beautifully and atmospherically shot by director David Hunt and cinematographer Gabe Mayan. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. 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. He told the family, "We don't want to take Brandon's faith out of this movie.". Proudly created with Wix.com. And in Arkansas it was a statewide tragedy. The odds were against him and nobody was looking his way. 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. It was just one of those things when its time, its time. His screenplay grew out of the book Through the Eyes of a Champion: The Brandon Burlsworth Story, by Jeff Kinley. 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. Harrison, Arkansas, United States. Out of nowhere, Brandon knocks him out of bounds, Marty said. Hed be all over the line, right off the snap. In 2007, she and her son Marty ventured out to open Burlsworth and Associates. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Arkansas Boone County Omaha Gass Cemetery George Leo Burlsworth Now, at Arkansas and Indianapolis Burls Kids attend games for free. Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. 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. Marty Burlsworth, in the aftermath of Brandon's death, suffers a crisis of conscience that questions his . He took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. 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. Brandon was also the first Arkansas football player to complete his Masters Degree before playing his final college football game. I want him here, buthellknow andwellknow., Coach, dont worry about it. He received many scholarship offers from smaller universities but eventually chose to become a walk-on football player for the University of Arkansas. We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. He put on weight before enrolling at Arkansas, but it was a bad 40 or so pounds that he eventually had to melt before. 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. He asked me to help him, but theres all this certification that goes into being an agent. By that point he was about six-foot-two, over 200 pounds and still growing. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American . She enjoys singing on the worship team at church, riding motorcycles with her husband, photography, and scrapbooking. We suddenly needed that gear, because we would be rooting for the Colts. The University of Arkansas prides itself on doing things the "Burls Way.". He spent his first season of high school football as a sophomore on the sidelines. 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. MORE: Deserving teacher who received $530 from plane passengers surprised with more than . So you didnt know if that was going to happen but that wasnt really the main [concern]. Less than two weeks after he was chosen in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Brandon was driving home to go to church with his mother. Opposing teams made game plans just to handle Brandon. Bob Edmonson is a lifelong native of Harrison. 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. Order Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization 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. 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 . 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." Earlier this year in an interview with Christian Examiner, Reindl said: The film is as much about Martys journey as it is about Brandons. Judea school district. He grew up in Barnstable, Massachusetts, graduated from Barnstable High School, and attended Syracuse University. Brandon doesnt start out with all that promise. Thats the dream. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. It had this outdoor patio that you could stand on and look down on the field. He knew he could. Still, with each pick, even in the first round, you get more and more nervous.
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