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. 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. 'Greater' filmmaker proud to share Burlsworth's story with moviegoers The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. Greater (2016) - Greater (2016) - User Reviews - IMDb But this was on a different level. 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? Greater than my previous knowledge of a young man's winding road from small-town walk-on to home-state hero. 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. It's a show of faith. In a few weeks hed be heading back. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. or school. Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. I want him here, buthellknow andwellknow., Coach, dont worry about it. He's been gone to a better place for almost as long. Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. Brandon Burlsworth studied at the Harrison High School where he was an all-state selection. Brandon was so single-minded, so focused. For Burlsworth filmmaker, Netflix distribution a thrill And I dont want to say [it means] youre angry at God. My Brother Brandon | By Marty Burlsworth - The Players' Tribune Trust. 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. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. Most important to Marty and the Burlsworth family: They kept us in the loop.. Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. "Greater": The Incredible God-story Behind College a Football Legend Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different. I dont even think he played one game. 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 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. You take care of it, you get things done. 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. 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 is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. 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. 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. Portrait and Wedding Photographers Arkansas 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. Brandon isnt a very interesting character, but hes a likable one. If you followed the SEC back then, you may remember the Brandon Burlsworth story. Vickie's love for children is hard to escape. I know it was hard. We watched the game from this conference room at the top of the stadium. He wasthatgood. Where it doesnt have such a bad ending? Jessica Mendoza's greatest pride is her background. Twenty-One Years Later, Brandon Burlsworth Legacy Endures For Retired 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 be all over the line, right off the snap. Im sure he just got stuck in traffic, or maybe ran out of gas. The family respectfully declined. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. monetization of National Catholic Register RSS feeds is strictly prohibited. Other boys would go home after school got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July. On top of that, Dad had trouble with drinking and wasnt really in our lives when Brandon was a little boy. They put it in more of a condensed form which is the way filmmaking generally always happens. During Martys conversation with Searcy this metaphor is further developed; a pattern emerges that Marty cant appreciate without a higher perspective. I think it was in June [1999] I think [thats] kinda when that started. Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. Yeah, lets go buy some Colts stuff.. And would you believe, all these NFL agents started flying into Harrison wanting to sign Brandon. Burlsworth rouses 'big brother' actor. But Id do anything for that kid. Brandon was also the first Arkansas football player to complete his Masters Degree before playing his final college football game. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. 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. 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. Marty Burlsworth, in the aftermath of Brandon's death, suffers a crisis of conscience that questions his . Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. So when Brandon got it in his mind that he was going to be a Razorback, I was all in. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the foundation and has been with the BBF since 2010. I would talk to him most every night. Greater is currently playing in theaters and stars Neal McDonough, Christopher Severio, and Leslie Easterbrook. Dang, Marty, what have you been feedin that boy?. As floodwaters washed away his Louisiana home, the pretend Brandon He was a Razorback. This life demanded a movie. Walk-on player from Harrison, Ark., considered a long shot to get real playing time. 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. But I didnt have that natural talent. To this day, people tell me where they were when they heard the news. Opposing teams made game plans just to handle Brandon. 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. 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. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. By that point he was about six-foot-two, over 200 pounds and still growing. 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. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and Brandon had seen the stadium and sat in the stands. We were going to Fayetteville for the game and I called him early in the week to tell him where our seats would be. of prospects that meet your criteria, Monitor any person, property or The drive would always take around an hour and a half but he never made it. The idea wasnt to be the greatest walk-on, Marty explained, it was to get a scholarship.. He initially joined Arkansas Razorbacks as a walk-on but later he was handed an athletes scholarship and eventually became an all-American. After the draft, he spoke to me a lot about helping other kids in Harrison. 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), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. COINCIDENCES. Previously she worked for the Arkansas Travelers, USA Football, NFL, Athleta and the Outlets of Little Rock. In 2007, she and her son Marty ventured out to open Burlsworth and Associates. Even an idea, you knowa script can sit on the shelf and never see the light of day. Its a family-friendly film carrying a PG rating and, ultimately, an inspirational message despite the tragedy no one in the Burlsworth family or his football families at Arkansas or in Indianapolis could have imagined. Catholic actor Neal McDonough costars in a Rudy-like faith-based inspirational sports biopic that dares to explore doubt as well as belief. Judea school district. The University of Arkansas prides itself on doing things the "Burls Way.". I dont think anyone was at fault. Price Range (last 24 months) $125K - $450K Areas Served Harrison Specializations Buyers Sellers Marty Burlsworth Burlsworth & Associates. 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. 77 is one of just two numbers retired in the history of Arkansas football. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. Man, you might get to play at the next level., Ah, I dont know, I just gotta focus on this season.. 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. Lacking the football scholarship he absurdly hoped for, Brandon turns down full rides elsewhere to attend Arkansas. Follow him on Twitter. Greater, though, looks to something more than this: something greater than any loss or tragedy. 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. Greater than my narrow expectation of "Rudy Calls the Hogs." 2022 by BBF. Or Drew Carey, the comedian. Mr. Severio sounds like a guy that Brandon Burlsworth would have been proud to have depict him in a movie, as a selfless, hard-working, humble, self-deprecating character. https://www.ncregister.com/features/sdg-reviews-greater, Man of God A Film of Faith and Tranquility of the Soul for Our Troubled Time, Interview: Jim Caviezel Goes Back to the Bible in Paul, Apostle of Christ, Portuguese Bishops Announce Steps to End Sexual Abuse in the Church, We Know That Hes in Heaven: Thousands Gather for Funeral of Bishop David OConnell in Los Angeles, Archbishop Naumann and Bishop Paprocki Speak Out in Support of Traditional Latin Massgoers in Their Dioceses, Survey: Decline in Vocations to the Priesthood Is Worse Where Priests Serve Larger Flocks, Amber and Dave VanVickle on Finding God in the Midst of Suffering. When he set his mind to something, you better believe you were going to witness him do it. In 1999, he completed an MBA and was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree. Marty Burlsworth Phone Number, Address, Public Records | Radaris The football fraternity had great expectations from the talented young man but fate had other plans and he was killed in an accident. I kept gaming out who was left. Asked what hes doing, Brandon says, Nothing, because he really hadnt given it a second thought. Cindi Hagood is our Program Director of the Eyes of a Champion program. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. It was just one of those things when its time, its time. He wont be going down., Well, thats good, he said, sort of laughing. Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. 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. There were many times I know it was tough. Hed call me or Id call him and we would talk about what practice was like that day. 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. Those were offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworths trademark, and they were prominent even behind the facemask of his Arkansas Razorbacks helmet. 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. He is married to Vickie who serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? (as David Hunt) (edited by) Casting By 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. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. Burlsworth Character Award Brandons older brother Marty started the foundation after Brandons death in 1999. But that summer Brandon had two things going for him: His work ethic and, luckily, a pretty big growth spurt. So before he started his senior year, I started working on getting my certification. It is also possible to rent "Greater" on Redbox, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Apple TV, Microsoft Store online and to . The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference. We may still get one. Brandon, the officer told us, had collided head-on with a semi. 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). Brandon's passionate yet painful faith story is now captured in a film called "Greater" which is inspired by the book written about the life of number 77. Channing Frye and Iman Shumpert are back to explain the stakes, place bets and analyze the most valuable players in the NBA Finals. I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. Evelyn lives in North Little Rock, AR with her husband, Paul, two sons, Bo and Owen, and dog Layla. I was just so proud of him. He may be gone, but I still want to do whatever I can to keep his dreams going, to keep his legacy going. Marty's ethnicity is Caucasian, whose political affiliation is unknown; and religious views are listed as Christian. Marty Burlsworth | Brandon Burlsworth Foundation | Public Appearances 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. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. is 61 years old today because Marty's birthday is on 11/13/1960. Not like my younger brother Brandon. This one painful scene is wiser than all the movies the Fireproof / Courageous people have made (including their football movie, Facing the Giants). Brandon Burlsworth was known as an American professional football player. 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. You dont lose your faith I had struggles because [Id think] why?, you know. At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". There are about 11,000 people in town and one unspoken rule: If its Friday night, youre going to the Harrison High football game. He died instantly. 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. (as Stephen Raynor-Endelman) (music by) Cinematography by Gabe Mayhan . Not that it got him very far initially. I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation. 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 was too small (260 pounds) when he finished high school. That's an inadequate synopsis of an exemplary life. Every week, Brandon made the drive home. 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. He grew up in Barnstable, Massachusetts, graduated from Barnstable High School, and attended Syracuse University. We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. (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. 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. 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. But Brandon would stay on campus, working painting the stadium, setting up dorms, things like that and taking classes. If there was anything inappropriate in it, of course that was all made up. But Arkansas was the dream. It was 2005, and the Burlsworth family . Marty Leo Burlsworth's Arkansas Voter Registration. This was the dream. Barbara Burlsworth has been in real estate since 1997. The school was going to give Brandon a scholarship. Burlsworth, 22, was a third-round draft choice (63rd overall) of the Indianapolis Colts just two weeks ago and he and his brother and agent, Marty Burlsworth, were negotiating a contract. In 1998 he was selected for the College Football All-America Team and became the first player from Arkansas to be selected for College Football All-America Team since 1993. So by his fourth year at Arkansas, he was already finishing his masters degree. Burlsworth Trophy Announces Nominees - Burlsworth Trophy Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - I mean it was for me. It was a terrible day for Harrison, it was a terrible day for the state. Boy, did he have the size and did he have the skills. Brandons number 77 became one of only two numbers retired in Arkansas Razorback football history. Burlsworth was selected in the 3rd round of the 1999 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts but he was killed eleven days later in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas on April 28, 1999. Brandon wanted to do more, though. 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. Theres never a day where I dont think about Brandon. On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. We found 2 people in 2 states named Marty Burlsworth living in the US. Greater reflects that relentless energy we need in order to be the best people we can and, at times, to push further than anyone suspects we can go. Release Dates 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. Named an All-American in 1998, he was drafted in 1999 by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round 11 days before being killed in a vehicular accident. 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. And in Arkansas it was a statewide tragedy. That's not a boast. 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. 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