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I dont how many times Id call to check in.Coach, ya need anything?Id sit every week with the newspaper. And I remembered to do what other agents had advised me to do, I kept multiple lines open. We planned to move out to Indianapolis with him. He put on weight before enrolling at Arkansas, but it was a bad 40 or so pounds that he eventually had to melt before. All this plays out in flashback, with all the usual sports-movie clichs, training sequences, montages, comic relief and so forth. And when its Friday night here in Harrison and the whole town is at the football game, I think about Brandon. 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. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. The 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church. Anything that wasnt right, wasnt real, wasnt what Brandon was about. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. But Id do anything for that kid. 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." The Passion of the Christ actor talks about the challenges of playing iconic roles and why good movies arent always family-friendly. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. In the award's twelfth year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas Walk . Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. 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. So I did whatever I could to be there for Brandon. MORE: Deserving teacher who received $530 from plane passengers surprised with more than . Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. By Carl Kozlowski. I was just so proud of him. We drove it to death. Its a simple but effective response, nicely underscored by the gospel anthem Ill Fly Awayrunning through the film. If there was anything inappropriate in it, of course that was all made up. He wasthatgood. 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 . We watched the game from this conference room at the top of the stadium. And then he walked out and there it was: BURLSWORTH. The National Junior Auxiliary awarded her Volunteer of the Year, and the Governor appointed her to the State Board of Dispensing Opticians. I know it was hard. And Ill get a photo of you in your uniform. 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. The Vols blocked a kick in that game and the football was picked up by linebacker Al Wilson, who started racing down the right sideline a good 40 yards down the sideline. 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. This one painful scene is wiser than all the movies the Fireproof / Courageous people have made (including their football movie, Facing the Giants). 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. In the movie Im learning from Brandon and I think weve all learned from Brandon but I was right there by his side all the way, you know, backing him and supporting him as far as what he was doing in school and football and the challenges. The idea wasnt to be the greatest walk-on, Marty explained, it was to get a scholarship.. We probably put 30,000 miles on my minivan each season. Hes always taking a knee, and he crosses himself (a curious gesture, since from his funeral his family is clearly not Catholic). Previously she worked for the Arkansas Travelers, USA Football, NFL, Athleta and the Outlets of Little Rock. Every chance he got, Burlsworth went home to Harrison, a town of about 10,000 in the Ozarks, near the Missouri state line. 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. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. Not like my younger brother Brandon. "It was a struggle similar to Brandon's struggle to play college football," Marty Burlsworth said. | 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. Now, I was taking calls from the same stations about Brandons death.. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Pig Trail Nation / Jun 1, 2021 / 04:30 PM CDT. "People are seeing it for the first time, and that's really cool," Marty said. You know, we established his foundation shortly thereafter [the accident]. Burlsworth was selected to be of the team captains by his junior season in 1997 for the University of Arkansas. It's "Greater." You know, Brandon, you could think about entering the draft. 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. by The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. - All Rights Reserved, VOL. Burlsworth was too small (260 pounds) when he finished high school. So Mom, Brandon and I piled into my minivan and we drove over to Fayetteville. MARTY BURLSWORTH CONTRIBUTOR Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. 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. He asked me to help him, but theres all this certification that goes into being an agent. So you just walk down this side of the stadium, O.K.? "We want Brandon's message out there. One, told in flashback, is a familiar, uplifting Rudy-like arc of an unpromising underdog who makes good despite enormous obstacles. Even an idea, you knowa script can sit on the shelf and never see the light of day. 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. He just kicked it in, No, this is not happening.. When he set his mind to something, you better believe you were going to witness him do it. So when he was two hours late that evening, Mom started to get worried. Selfishly, I don't want Brandon to be forgotten. He initially joined Arkansas Razorbacks as a walk-on but later he was handed an athletes scholarship and eventually became an all-American. But he had his priorities right. Brandon Burlsworth studied at the Harrison High School where he was an all-state selection. Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. Greaters response to the problem of evil, to disbelief and nihilism, is not an argument, but an action: a choice to trust. Marty is a resident of 3775 Savannah Drv, Harrison, AR 72601-9851. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. After interning at Super Bowl 46 in Indianapolis, she started full-time with USA Football, the NFLs non-profit partner which led her to her love of mega-events and non-profit work. That was very very tough. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. But as I turned the next corner onto Moms street and pulled up to her house, I got a good look at the car. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. 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? Brandon wanted to do more, though. 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. Predictably, trash-talking opponents laughed at him and called him names. To this day, people tell me where they were when they heard the news. 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. 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. Unassuming, devout and a little dense, he never drinks, never swears and never takes anything personally. Third, its beautifully and atmospherically shot by director David Hunt and cinematographer Gabe Mayan. Follow him on Twitter. Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States, siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth, place of death: Alpena, Arkansas, United States. When we got back home to Harrison, the day of the draft was just filled with anxiety. Brandon Burlsworth was known as an American professional football player. He died instantly. | [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. His faith, his family and his football, in that order. barbaraann@burlsworth.com. I kept gaming out who was left. And it was Brandons time. But that summer Brandon had two things going for him: His work ethic and, luckily, a pretty big growth spurt. The voices of faith, hope and trust or the voices of doubt, disbelief and despair?. Sometimes Marty goes by various nicknames including Marty L Burlsworth and Marty Leo Burlsworth. He goes through something we all face when we experience tragedy and trials: Which voices do we listen to? Because we dont want to be there- that close- to some scenes thatll be tough to watch even being filmed. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. It was a terrible day for Harrison, it was a terrible day for the state. By all accounts, Burlsworth spent his 22 years on this earth showing everyone in his orbit how to do faith, family and football right. Hed tell me what it was like but hed never say it was really hard and Im not sure I can do this. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. Dang, Marty, what have you been feedin that boy?. I mean everybody knew. The movie will be shown on 800 screens throughout the U.S. on March 21 and March 28. Public records for Marty Burlsworth range in age from 35 years old to 61 years old. 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. Director Yelena Popovic discusses why this film had to be made. 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. Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and Brandon had seen the stadium and sat in the stands. He said he wanted to hold football camps and bring kids to his NFL games. He spent his first season of high school football as a sophomore on the sidelines. 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. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. Official Sites Had life turned out differently, Marty Burlsworth might be reflecting on his brother's pro football career during Super Bowl weekend. She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. In the making of [the movie], sometimes we were able to be on set some days they didnt want us there and we didnt want to be there. Greater has three surprises, which is three more than most faith-based films, particularly of the inspirational sports-movie variety. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. I dont even think he played one game. He was my brother and I just wanted everything for him. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. Asked what hes doing, Brandon says, Nothing, because he really hadnt given it a second thought. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. Sure, bring him on up for a game, he said. 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. Hed call me or Id call him and we would talk about what practice was like that day. Greater is playing in limited release (find theaters). Now, at Arkansas and Indianapolis Burls Kids attend games for free. In November 1998, the Razorbacks were 8-0, ranked 10th in the country, and playing at No. | He believes by sheer word of mouth, the movie will develop a dedicated following. Slain Los Angeles auxiliary bishop was remembered at the Mass of Christian burial as friend of Jesus Christ and of Mary, our Blessed Mother.. Vickie Burlsworth is the Executive Director of the Foundation that she and Marty founded honoring Brandon after his passing in 1999. 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. Brandon Burlsworth, NFL player. They love to interact with people of all communities and podcast interviews have become a wonderful outlet for that. 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. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. | Greater than my narrow expectation of "Rudy Calls the Hogs." When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. Sure, there's some creative license in the movie, but the message rings true. 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. His jersey #77 was retired at the University of Arkansas as a gesture of honoring his memory. He took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. 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. Marty Burlsworth, 55, and who was 38 when Brandon died, says they were approached by Hollywood about making a film around Brandon's story many years ago. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. Teens and up. By the time he was a senior, we both knew that if we wanted to keep playing football he was going to have to enter the NFL draft. In a few weeks hed be heading back. Over the next two years he reformed his body to become more muscular and went back to a 300lb physique. company, Get valuable lists emailed directly Brandon isnt a very interesting character, but hes a likable one. Had you ever thought of Brandons story as a film? arkansas football. He was, with various modifiers, Clark Kent. Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. 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. 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. 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. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Arkansas Boone County Omaha Gass Cemetery George Leo Burlsworth Today, those glasses remain the symbol of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation brandonburlsworth.org. Burlsworth and Associates. 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. The odds were against him and nobody was looking his way. Bob is optimistic about the real estate market in Harrison and is looking forward to meeting the real estate needs of the clients and customers in the area in and surrounding Harrison. He spent as many days as he could in the weight room getting stronger. So I started calling coaches and seeing where he could play. Opposing teams made game plans just to handle Brandon. Thats the dream. He was buried at the Gass Cemetery in Omaha, Arkansas, on May 2, 1999. The phones calls started coming right after that. She started her career with Century 21 and then joined Jerry Jackson as he opened his office in 2001. ", Forgotten? Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different.