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. Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. Vickie's love for children is hard to escape. 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. barbaraann@burlsworth.com. There are about 11,000 people in town and one unspoken rule: If its Friday night, youre going to the Harrison High football game. Third, its beautifully and atmospherically shot by director David Hunt and cinematographer Gabe Mayan. There just wasnt enough space anywhere else. By using BiJog.com you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? He took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. Brandon was home. Trophy honors most outstanding Walk-On for twelfth year . His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. And I couldnt wait to be right there with him. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals. So that was kind of the stamp of approval there, plus theyre Christians and they didnt want to lose that faith aspect. How is the dynamic in reality versus how its shown in the film? Hed call me or Id call him and we would talk about what practice was like that day. It was just something that we thought of, you know. Had life turned out differently, Marty Burlsworth might be reflecting on his brother's pro football career during Super Bowl weekend. Black horn-rimmed glasses. 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. Weve felt like weve been very involved and kept up to date on what was going on and were very happy with the outcome. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States, siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth, place of death: Alpena, Arkansas, United States. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. But Id do anything for that kid. His jersey #77 was retired at the University of Arkansas as a gesture of honoring his memory. I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation. 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). And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. Asked what hes doing, Brandon says, Nothing, because he really hadnt given it a second thought. I was high as a kite. 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. It would take 11 years - with Reindl financing the independent production himself when other investors dried up - but in 2016, "Greater" hit the theaters. 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. He did not survive the accident and passed away on April 28, 1999. When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. "He said, 'You'll have veto power,' " Marty Burlsworth remembered. Bob Edmonson is a lifelong native of Harrison. 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. Bob has worked in the business community for many years, but his love for working with kids brought him into a teaching career where he is also a teacher in the Mt. He just kicked it in, No, this is not happening.. His story has been told in a movie that's not "Rudy.". But Brandon would stay on campus, working painting the stadium, setting up dorms, things like that and taking classes. 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? Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. He asked me to help him, but theres all this certification that goes into being an agent. I dont even think he played one game. 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. 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. I let out a little sigh of relief. This life demanded a movie. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. We drove it to death. I would talk to him most every night. If you followed the SEC back then, you may remember the Brandon Burlsworth story. Greater is playing in limited release (find theaters). 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 Small sins lead to big sins, and big sins bring about a terrible spiritual darkness. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. Im sure he just got stuck in traffic, or maybe ran out of gas. Catholic Church. When he set his mind to something, you better believe you were going to witness him do it. Over the next two years he reformed his body to become more muscular and went back to a 300lb physique. News. That's not a boast. The phones calls started coming right after that. 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. Marty Burlsworth hasn't provided a bio yet. Still, with each pick, even in the first round, you get more and more nervous. It was composed and produced by Brian Reindl and David Hunt. At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". 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. The next week, Brandon flew to Indianapolis for minicamp. Marty Leo Burlsworth (age 62) is listed at 3775 Savannah Drive Harrison, Ar 72601 and is affiliated with the Optional Party. Greater has three surprises, which is three more than most faith-based films, particularly of the inspirational sports-movie variety. 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. His high school coaches couldnt believe his size when he came back for his junior season. A couple of weeks before Brandon left for school, one of the Arkansas coaches called me. Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. | When I turned on to the street behind Moms house, I could see her driveway through this little opening between houses. Hed tell me what it was like but hed never say it was really hard and Im not sure I can do this. 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. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. We werent proactive at all in [making a movie]. Another initiative announced was the creation of a memorial for victims of abuse. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known." We watched the game from this conference room at the top of the stadium. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. Chris Severio plays Burlsworth (No. No, we just kind of kept that to ourselves. So I started calling coaches and seeing where he could play. 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. 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. 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. I want him here, buthellknow andwellknow., Coach, dont worry about it. 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. print and digital media outlets, dedicated to reporting the truth in light of the Gospel and the Some of that was a little bit of filmmaking andwe were fine with it. And he justdominatedon the field didnt matter if he was on defense or offense. 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. An expression that implied do it the correct way, in any event, when nobody is looking. She has 3 sons, Marty, Grady and the late Brandon Burlsworth. Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. 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. near you, Up-to-date reports of crimes near He's been gone to a better place for almost as long. As it turned out, it was a squad car, with officials there to convey the bad news. Brandon Burlsworth found certainty in an uncertain world. Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. Today, those glasses remain the symbol of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation brandonburlsworth.org. I tried bringing it up to him again. When we got back home to Harrison, the day of the draft was just filled with anxiety. You take care of it, you get things done. Even an idea, you knowa script can sit on the shelf and never see the light of day. And that spring, the Burls boys found themselves in Indianapolis at the combine. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was an American football player who played for the Arkansas Razorbacks as an offensive lineman between 1995 and 1998. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. 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. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. [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. Aug 26, 2016. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission, or unlicensed commercial use or 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. Finally, in the third round Brandon answered the phone and gave us the thumbs-up. choose Christ at a young age and you will always be a winner in Christ's eyes; excelling at a sport is fine as . 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. 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. Because we dont want to be there- that close- to some scenes thatll be tough to watch even being filmed. By Carl Kozlowski. He was, with various modifiers, Clark Kent. Hes always taking a knee, and he crosses himself (a curious gesture, since from his funeral his family is clearly not Catholic). Steven D. Greydanus is the Registers film critic and creator of Decent Films. And boy, was he soaking it in. Real Estate. 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. Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. This story focuses on Burlsworth's ambition, work ethic, family relationships, and strong religious convictions; teamwork and courage are strong themes. 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. Proudly created with Wix.com. "We want Brandon's message out there. Always why. 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. Greater than my previous knowledge of a young man's winding road from small-town walk-on to home-state hero. 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. Brandons older brother Marty started the foundation after Brandons death in 1999. 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. Opposing teams made game plans just to handle Brandon. His age is 36. 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. Starting the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation shortly after his death, even as the grief was overwhelming, just set those plans into motion sooner. 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 . Renew or manage your subscription here. The police could not determine the reason behind the tragic accident. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/brandon-burlsworth-35134.php. 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. This has been a pretty big year for me tra. And it was Brandons time. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. 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. He is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. He earned 1st team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998 and was selected for the 1998 College Football All-America Team. Harrison, Arkansas, United States. Unassuming, devout and a little dense, he never drinks, never swears and never takes anything personally. Where it doesnt have such a bad ending? 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. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. French Monastery Survives War and Famine After 885 Years, the Basilica of St. Ambrose in Milan, and More Great Links! Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. His faith is what he relied on. He and his wife Tresia have four children, Michael, Jordan, Brandon and Samantha. 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. And the first call I made was to the recruiting coordinator at Arkansas. We suddenly needed that gear, because we would be rooting for the Colts. 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. Sometimes Marty goes by various nicknames including Marty L Burlsworth and Marty Leo Burlsworth. The present-day strand follows preparations for Brandons funeral and Martys internal struggle with doubt and nihilism, a struggle movingly realized by McDonough. She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. 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. Theres no explanation for it. 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. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. 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. His final game with the team was in the 1999 Citrus Bowl. Share. Burlsworth Trophy Announces Nominees. Judea school district. This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. You know, we established his foundation shortly thereafter [the accident]. The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. Two buses of Razorbacks players arrived. In the film, we see a lot of moments where the Marty character is learning from the persistence and drive of Brandon. Currently you are able to watch "Greater" streaming on fuboTV, Hoopla, DIRECTV or for free with ads on Peacock, Peacock Premium, The Roku Channel, VUDU Free, Tubi TV, Redbox, Crackle, Pluto TV, Freevee. Perhaps Martys favorite play from Brandons college career is one that occurred in the same game as the play he would most like to forget. A coda sums up the impact of Brandons life: the programs, scholarships and so forth established in his name. Leslie Easterbrook plays Burlsworth's mother, Barbar. I think it was in June [1999] I think [thats] kinda when that started. We had to have the funeral at the high school gym. However, even from a young age, Brandon Burlsworth (Christopher Severio) knew in his heart he would one day play college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks, and dedicated his life to making a difference for himself and his teammates. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. MARTY BURLSWORTH CONTRIBUTOR Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Well if you had taken God out of it, it [wouldve] been fiction. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. Even his peers saw an innocent kid who just didnt understand why he couldnt make it in college football, and certainly not the NFL. 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.". If there was anything inappropriate in it, of course that was all made up. Predictably, trash-talking opponents laughed at him and called him names. He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. Marty Burlsworth, in the aftermath of Brandon's death, suffers a crisis of conscience that questions his . 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. Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. One of my sons, who was in my car with me, started asking what was wrong, what had happened. He wasthatgood. 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 . 2018 Burlsworth & Associates Real Estate in Harrison, AR 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. [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. Previously she worked for the Arkansas Travelers, USA Football, NFL, Athleta and the Outlets of Little Rock. Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. It is also possible to rent "Greater" on Redbox, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Apple TV, Microsoft Store online and to . Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. Earlier this year in an interview with Christian Examiner, Reindl said: The film is as much about Martys journey as it is about Brandons. We probably put 30,000 miles on my minivan each season. Marty Burlsworth and his agents have been and will continue to be trusted names in the real estate market. 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. And Ill get a photo of you in your uniform. Company Credits But I didnt have that natural talent. Brandons family and friends came together to form the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in his honor. But that summer Brandon had two things going for him: His work ethic and, luckily, a pretty big growth spurt. Ive kind of been planning it that way.. There were many times I know it was tough. Brandon wanted to do more, though. 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. And I could see a little white car parked in her driveway. He said he wanted to hold football camps and bring kids to his NFL games. 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. 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. At the point when he showed up, he saw the rear of a white vehicle that he from the start thought was Brandon's. Brandon was the kind of guy you win with..