His Subaru clipped an incoming 18-wheeler and then collided head-on with a tractor-trailer in Alpena, Arkansas. 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 and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. When he set his mind to something, you better believe you were going to witness him do it. Sure, bring him on up for a game, he said. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. Brandon isnt a very interesting character, but hes a likable 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. So when he was two hours late that evening, Mom started to get worried. But Arkansas was the dream. Pope Francis, Biden Commend Peacemaker Bishop OConnell as Memorial Services Begin. By Carl Kozlowski. Cindi Hagood is our Program Director of the Eyes of a Champion program. 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. During the summer of 2007, Bob acquired his real estate license and in 2010 acquired his brokers license and is currently the Executive Broker for Burlsworth and Associates. Brandon doesnt start out with all that promise. The football fraternity had great expectations from the talented young man but fate had other plans and he was killed in an accident. you, Subscribe to The Daily But this was on a different level. Brandon also earned his masters degree at Arkansas before his playing career was done the first Razorback to do so. We werent proactive at all in [making a movie]. His No. He is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. I can only hope I did as much as I could to help 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 . But me and friends that were close to me were like This is like a movie. 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). He spent his first season of high school football as a sophomore on the sidelines. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. by The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. - All Rights Reserved, VOL. Official Sites That's not a boast. 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. Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. 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. 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. Greater, though, looks to something more than this: something greater than any loss or tragedy. And we were concerned that his faith would take a big backseatAnd we just werent up for that at all. He told the family, "We don't want to take Brandon's faith out of this movie.". Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. So that makes it quite a bit easier to revisit because weve never really gone away. If it meant going over to Moms house to help him with homework, I wanted to be there. FAYETTEVILLE 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.. 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. In 2002, Brandon was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and later in 2004 he was inducted into the University of Arkansas Letterman's Association Hall of Honor. [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. Sometimes Marty goes by various nicknames including Marty L Burlsworth and Marty Leo Burlsworth. He was determined to drive home the same day so he could attend evening church service with the family. The 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church. Neal McDonough (L) plays Marty Burlsworth in 'Greater' (Hammond Entertainment). 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. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. A list of possible email addresses for Marty includes burlsworth@cox.net, mburlsworth@aol.com. By that point he was about six-foot-two, over 200 pounds and still growing. 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. Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - "I wanted Brandon's story to be known. Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. This life demanded a movie. 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 main [concern] was that it was going to go somewhere that really never happened. We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. She then pursued her graduate degree at the University of Louisville where she interned for the athletic department. Our parents divorced when Brandon was just two years old. 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. Dramatic backlighting and silhouettes create a sense of foreboding and uncertainty, resonating with the themes of tragedy and doubt. Leslie Easterbrook plays Burlsworth's mother, Barbar. She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. 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. It was my dream, too, and I sure worked hard at it. Brandons exceptional journey came to an abrupt, tragic end when a devastating car crash took his life, shocking his hometown, the state of Arkansas, and the national football community. Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. COINCIDENCES. Public records for Marty Burlsworth range in age from 35 years old to 61 years old. 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. We were going to Fayetteville for the game and I called him early in the week to tell him where our seats would be. 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. 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. Burlsworth Trophy Announces Nominees. Evelyn lives in North Little Rock, AR with her husband, Paul, two sons, Bo and Owen, and dog Layla. Ive kind of been planning it that way.. Its condensed. Today, those glasses remain the symbol of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation brandonburlsworth.org. I kept track of how many might be left for Brandon.O.K., they gave one to that boy, thats 12 so far. Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. 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. Earlier this year in an interview with Christian Examiner, Reindl said: The film is as much about Martys journey as it is about Brandons. 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. 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. Brandons family and friends came together to form the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in his honor. 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. Brandon was home. And I didnt want him to always be wondering what could have been. Jessica Mendoza's greatest pride is her background. Brandon, the officer told us, had collided head-on with a semi. Catholic Church. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. 131 | NO. Dang, Marty, what have you been feedin that boy?. Judea school district. Became a two-time All-SEC selection and a first-team All-American as a senior in 1998. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. His final game with the team was in the 1999 Citrus Bowl. Greater than my previous knowledge of a young man's winding road from small-town walk-on to home-state hero. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different. Even when the coach is impressed with Brandons dedication, he isnt exactly nurturing: I cant think of another movie in which someone compares the hero to horse manure and its meant to be encouraging. is 61 years old today because Marty's birthday is on 11/13/1960. This one painful scene is wiser than all the movies the Fireproof / Courageous people have made (including their football movie, Facing the Giants). There are few actors in Hollywood brave enough to wear their Catholic faith on . Didn't buy it or rent it or watch it on DVD. It had this outdoor patio that you could stand on and look down on the field. Channing Frye and Iman Shumpert are back to explain the stakes, place bets and analyze the most valuable players in the NBA Finals. But [the death was] not the ending. In 1999, he completed an MBA and was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree. And when its Friday night here in Harrison and the whole town is at the football game, I think about Brandon. 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. The school was going to give Brandon a scholarship. This has been a pretty big year for me tra. 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. Third, its beautifully and atmospherically shot by director David Hunt and cinematographer Gabe Mayan. The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. Arkansas doesnt have a pro football team I dont even know if a pro team could survive here. Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. The story unfolds in two strands. See, Brandon started out a little scrawny. 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. The latest videos from KNWA FOX24. Every week, Brandon made the drive home. He wasthatgood. He earned All-SEC offensive guard in 1997 and 1998, was named first team All-American and was drafted for the Indiana Colts -- a role he didn't get to fulfill because a car wreck that ended his. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. You know, Brandon, you could think about entering the draft. His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. 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. But he had his priorities right. Trophy honors most outstanding Walk-On for twelfth year . And I remembered to do what other agents had advised me to do, I kept multiple lines open. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Brandon was the kind of guy you win with.. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. 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. Because we dont want to be there- that close- to some scenes thatll be tough to watch even being filmed. 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. Those were offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworths trademark, and they were prominent even behind the facemask of his Arkansas Razorbacks helmet. 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. I dont even think he played one game. He spent as many days as he could in the weight room getting stronger. 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 . His age is 36. It is also possible to rent "Greater" on Redbox, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Apple TV, Microsoft Store online and to . 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. The family respectfully declined. Sign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox. And then he walked out and there it was: BURLSWORTH. Man, you might get to play at the next level., Ah, I dont know, I just gotta focus on this season.. Teens and up. He wasnt as tall or as heavy as D-I colleges wanted him to be. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. After his death at a young age, the football community came together to pay tribute to his achievements and his family and friends built a foundation in his name. He knew he could. He lauds Chris Severio for his measured portrayal of Brandon, and veteran actor Neal McDonough, he says, does a tremendous job as Marty Burlsworth. Harrison, Arkansas, is set as small town as it receives. Brandon wanted to do more, though. The next week, Brandon flew to Indianapolis for minicamp. There he is, 300 pounds, and he just runs down this linebacker. We suddenly needed that gear, because we would be rooting for the Colts. By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. Two buses of Razorbacks players arrived. 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. And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. Renew or manage your subscription here. They can assist you with all your real estate needs. Hell show up and everything will be fine.. Possible relatives for Marty Burlsworth include Roselee Arnold, Keshia Flowers, Brady Burlsworth and several . Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. Eleven days later he passed on attending a Razorback ring presentation ceremony to drive to his hometown to take his mom to church. Theres no explanation for it. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. choose Christ at a young age and you will always be a winner in Christ's eyes; excelling at a sport is fine as . After the draft, he spoke to me a lot about helping other kids in Harrison. This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. "I know Brandon would be super proud of that," Marty said . This was the dream. One of my sons, who was in my car with me, started asking what was wrong, what had happened. Every chance he got, Burlsworth went home to Harrison, a town of about 10,000 in the Ozarks, near the Missouri state line. Proudly created with Wix.com. He said he wanted to hold football camps and bring kids to his NFL games. 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. Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American . Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. 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. 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. Evelyn Allen started as the Development and Social Media Director for the foundation in March of 2020. 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. And then apparently that thought process was also out there in California we did hear from some that approached us but one thing I wasnt 100 percent sure [of] was the commitment level over there which was why when Reindls wife said [when] he sets his mind to it, he gets it done, you know, Ive always heard that in Hollywood [scripts] can sit on the shelf forever. Creative camerawork is another asset; consider a moment of rapprochement lit by car headlights and filmed through swishing windshield-wiper blades on a night of pouring rain. 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. ", Trouble was, every time he asked "what input would the family have" in how the story was told, he got the same answer: "None.". (The devoutly Catholic McDonough, who also executive produced, has called Marty Burlsworth his favorite role.). 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? Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. An expression that implied do it the correct way, in any event, when nobody is looking. I tried bringing it up to him again. 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. Hed call me or Id call him and we would talk about what practice was like that day. Twenty-one years ago this month, the big book of SEC football added a chapter so powerful that, to this day, it can grow your heart three sizes and then, an instant later, snap it in two. Vickie Burlsworth is the Executive Director of the Foundation that she and Marty founded honoring Brandon after his passing in 1999. He never got there, dying in a car accident at age 22. 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. 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.
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