Burlsworth was also Arkansas' first All-American player since 1993 and was also on the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll from 1995 to 1998. Boy, did he have the size and did he have the skills. 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. I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. Release Dates View Marty Burlsworth's record in Harrison, AR including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known. Greater than my limited understanding of the painful search for meaning every time a life ends so young. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Arkansas Boone County Omaha Gass Cemetery George Leo Burlsworth 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.. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. 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." 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. A servant at heart, she also serves as president of their local foodbank, Ozark Share & Care. His brother Marty, 17 years his senior, berates him Cheesecake, he calls him for his indolence as well as their mother Barbara (Leslie Easterbrook) for her indulgence. Vickie L Burlsworth is also associated with this address. Sometimes Marty goes by various nicknames including Marty L Burlsworth and Marty Leo Burlsworth. 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. Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. Although he had only participated in a Colts mini-clinic before the accident, Burlsworth left such an impression that the team wore a decal with his Colts number, 66, on their helmets that season and they honored him and the family at a game. Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. Always why. So I think its normal. Out of nowhere, Brandon knocks him out of bounds, Marty said. "He said, 'You'll have veto power,' " Marty Burlsworth remembered. He spent as many days as he could in the weight room getting stronger. The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. "Brian wouldn't let go.". Lacking the football scholarship he absurdly hoped for, Brandon turns down full rides elsewhere to attend Arkansas. Renew or manage your subscription here. Share. They love to interact with people of all communities and podcast interviews have become a wonderful outlet for that. Not early or easily when it came to football, but eventually and powerfully. You take care of it, you get things done. On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. I kept gaming out who was left. 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 was high as a kite. Every chance he got, Burlsworth went home to Harrison, a town of about 10,000 in the Ozarks, near the Missouri state line. He was my brother and I just wanted everything for him. And boy, was he soaking it in. 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. With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth. I think Brandon would be proud of the work were doing in his name. He was a Razorback. We found 2 people in 2 states named Marty Burlsworth living in the US. When he set his mind to something, you better believe you were going to witness him do it. It was composed and produced by Brian Reindl and David Hunt. He called to check in a couple of times. So you just walk down this side of the stadium, O.K.? His jersey #77 was retired at the University of Arkansas as a gesture of honoring his memory. Hed call me or Id call him and we would talk about what practice was like that day. Brandon, the officer told us, had collided head-on with a semi. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. (as Stephen Raynor-Endelman) (music by) Cinematography by Gabe Mayhan . As Brandon and I were standing out there, the offensive linemen came out, running on the field with their helmets on. Each Wednesday, he came back to take his mother, Barbara, to chapel. After the draft, he spoke to me a lot about helping other kids in Harrison. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. 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. You dont lose your faith I had struggles because [Id think] why?, you know. By Carl Kozlowski. During his first year, he faced a delay in earning his eligibility and worked hard to transform his 300lb chubby physique into a moderate 260lb body. His faith, his family and his football, in that order. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Burlsworth Football Camps. 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. Greaters response to the problem of evil, to disbelief and nihilism, is not an argument, but an action: a choice to trust. (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. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? They put it in more of a condensed form which is the way filmmaking generally always happens. Burlsworth was selected to be of the team captains by his junior season in 1997 for the University of Arkansas. 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. The story unfolds in two strands. In a few weeks hed be heading back. It was disappointing, but Brandon wanted to go to Arkansas more than anything and, well, he didnt want any regrets. It's "Greater." Eleven days later he passed on attending a Razorback ring presentation ceremony to drive to his hometown to take his mom to church. But this was on a different level. 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. And I could see a little white car parked in her driveway. SubscribeStart your Register subscription today. I want him here, buthellknow andwellknow., Coach, dont worry about it. His Subaru clipped an incoming 18-wheeler and then collided head-on with a tractor-trailer in Alpena, Arkansas. ", Trouble was, every time he asked "what input would the family have" in how the story was told, he got the same answer: "None.". Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. I go straight to the sports and see if any scholarships were offered. The idea wasnt to be the greatest walk-on, Marty explained, it was to get a scholarship.. And it was Brandons time. 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 . We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. This story focuses on Burlsworth's ambition, work ethic, family relationships, and strong religious convictions; teamwork and courage are strong themes. Background Report. Itll be real cool.. 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. Brandon isnt a very interesting character, but hes a likable one. 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. All this plays out in flashback, with all the usual sports-movie clichs, training sequences, montages, comic relief and so forth. [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. At present, through the Burls Kids program, the foundation works towards providing underprivileged youths a chance to visit Razorback and Colts football games. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. Brandon did not get married before he passed away when he was only twenty-two years old. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Pig Trail Nation / Jun 1, 2021 / 04:30 PM CDT. 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. 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. Not good at all. Marty Leo Burlsworth (age 62) is listed at 3775 Savannah Drive Harrison, Ar 72601 and is affiliated with the Optional Party. Burlsworth and Associates. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. 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. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. Surely, he reasons, God will be merciful; Marty would be, and he cant be more merciful than God. Its what he leaned on to work as hard. 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. We wont be there. Predictably, trash-talking opponents laughed at him and called him names. It would take 11 years - with Reindl financing the independent production himself when other investors dried up - but in 2016, "Greater" hit the theaters. She then pursued her graduate degree at the University of Louisville where she interned for the athletic department. He may be gone, but I still want to do whatever I can to keep his dreams going, to keep his legacy going. People were swinging by all day. So I did whatever I could to be there for Brandon. An expression that implied do it the correct way, in any event, when nobody is looking. 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. He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. He had planned to help underprivileged children, and his. But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. The voices of faith, hope and trust or the voices of doubt, disbelief and despair?. The Olympic Gold Medalist shines light on her Hispanic heritage fueling her career. 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. Not like my younger brother Brandon. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. Greater, though, looks to something more than this: something greater than any loss or tragedy. Greater is playing in limited release (find theaters). Chris Severio plays Burlsworth (No. Brandons family and friends came together to form the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in his honor. The family respectfully declined. Pope Francis, Biden Commend Peacemaker Bishop OConnell as Memorial Services Begin. 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. This one painful scene is wiser than all the movies the Fireproof / Courageous people have made (including their football movie, Facing the Giants). Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. 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. Steven D. Greydanus is the Registers film critic and creator of Decent Films. I mean it was for me. Its a simple but effective response, nicely underscored by the gospel anthem Ill Fly Awayrunning through the film. Marty is a resident of 3775 Savannah Drv, Harrison, AR 72601-9851. 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. 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. How is the dynamic in reality versus how its shown in the film? I would talk to him most every night. 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. MARTY BURLSWORTH CONTRIBUTOR Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Toggle header content Brandons short-lived career involved true honor and character, and thanks to the new film, his legacy will go further and live on as a model for others. Hes not going down.. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. Ive kind of been planning it that way.. "I know Brandon would be super proud of that," Marty said . 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. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. 2023 It was a terrible day for Harrison, it was a terrible day for the state. I let out a little sigh of relief. 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. 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 . His final game with the team was in the 1999 Citrus Bowl. So that makes it quite a bit easier to revisit because weve never really gone away. You know, we established his foundation shortly thereafter [the accident]. Theres no explanation for it. by The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. - All Rights Reserved, VOL. At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". arkansas football. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. Brandon Burlsworth found certainty in an uncertain world. 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. When the pandemic started, I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us pass the time. For me, it was reading. Another initiative announced was the creation of a memorial for victims of abuse. Marty is registered to vote in Boone County, Arkansas. 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? Jessica Mendoza's greatest pride is her background. "People are seeing it for the first time, and that's really cool," Marty said. And I dont want to say [it means] youre angry at God. Even his peers saw an innocent kid who just didnt understand why he couldnt make it in college football, and certainly not the NFL. And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. MORE: Deserving teacher who received $530 from plane passengers surprised with more than . is 61 years old today because Marty's birthday is on 11/13/1960. Marty's current home is located at . When Stoerner fell the ball came out and Tennessee recovered. 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? 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 I dont think anyone was at fault. 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 . He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. 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. Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and Brandon had seen the stadium and sat in the stands. Brandons older brother Marty started the foundation after Brandons death in 1999. We watched the game from this conference room at the top of the stadium. They couldnt give us any assurances that there wouldnt be a lot of Hollywood going into it. 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. Caveat Spectator: Football roughness; some language; some thematic elements including alcoholism and religious questioning. But he had his priorities right. In her free time she enjoys hiking, watching sports, riding motorcycles with her husband and catching up with friends. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was an American football player who played for the Arkansas Razorbacks as an offensive lineman between 1995 and 1998. Or Drew Carey, the comedian. He and his wife Tresia have four children, Michael, Jordan, Brandon and Samantha. Marty Burlsworth: Burlsworth Photography: Address: 117 W Central Harrison AR 72601 map Phone: 870-741-5111 : Branch Photography : Keith Branch: Branch Photography: Address: 4850 Mission Blvd Fayetteville AR 72703 map Phone: 479-973-0012 As they chat, Searcy whittles a face on a block of wood, a symbolic quirk with a meaning made nearly explicit in a startling line. 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. See, Brandon started out a little scrawny. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. You know, Brandon, you could think about entering the draft. Greater may not be in Rudys league cinematically, but Burlsworth was a far more gifted player than Daniel Rudy Ruettiger. 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. It had this outdoor patio that you could stand on and look down on the field. That's what Brandon did. He was the kind of guy that we would have plugged in our offensive line for 10-plus years, said then-Colts general manager Bill Polian. One, told in flashback, is a familiar, uplifting Rudy-like arc of an unpromising underdog who makes good despite enormous obstacles. Proudly created with Wix.com. We planned to move out to Indianapolis with him. He died instantly. Burlsworth was too small (260 pounds) when he finished high school. Just give us a call at 870-741-5111 . We suddenly needed that gear, because we would be rooting for the Colts. 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? Proudly created with Wix.com. This was the dream. I dont even think he played one game. Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? Possible relatives for Marty Burlsworth include Roselee Arnold, Keshia Flowers, Brady Burlsworth and several . He just kicked it in, No, this is not happening.. But that first year after Brandons accident, that was- for the whole family, [especially] my mother and me- I mean it was just it was unreal. 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. Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. Burlsworth rouses 'big brother' actor. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. Cindi Hagood is our Program Director of the Eyes of a Champion program. 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. Had life turned out differently, Marty Burlsworth might be reflecting on his brother's pro football career during Super Bowl weekend. Marty says the finished product doesnt get everything exact, such as speeding up the time of events and taking conversations that happened over the phone and making them into face-to-face exchanges, but thats not a criticism just a nod to the difference between a book and a screenplay. 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. We probably put 30,000 miles on my minivan each season. Brandon wanted to do more, though. 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. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. "We want Brandon's message out there. 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. So before he started his senior year, I started working on getting my certification. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. That's an inadequate synopsis of an exemplary life. 131 | NO. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. Greater has three surprises, which is three more than most faith-based films, particularly of the inspirational sports-movie variety. Some of that was a little bit of filmmaking andwe were fine with it. He was born on 31-08-1986. And when its Friday night here in Harrison and the whole town is at the football game, I think about Brandon. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. So when Brandon got it in his mind that he was going to be a Razorback, I was all in. Small sins lead to big sins, and big sins bring about a terrible spiritual darkness. Thats pretty tough. Today, those glasses remain the symbol of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation brandonburlsworth.org. The family respectfully declined. Catholic actor Neal McDonough costars in a Rudy-like faith-based inspirational sports biopic that dares to explore doubt as well as belief. Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. They can assist you with all your real estate needs. Greater, a film depicting the life and tragic death of Brandon Burlsworth will be released in theaters on August 26th. He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. interested in booking Marty for your event? 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. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. Over the next two years he reformed his body to become more muscular and went back to a 300lb physique. 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 believes by sheer word of mouth, the movie will develop a dedicated following. So a few months after his death, we started the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, where we do all of that and more. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. And for the next three years, every Friday at 5:30 p.m., Id close up the photography studio I owned in Harrison, pick up my mom, and my wife and kids, and drive to Brandons football games. Trust. Technical Specs, See agents for this cast & crew on IMDbPro, executive producer / producer (produced by), Managing Director: My Spotlight Independent & MY Production, hair stylist: additional photography / makeup artist: additional photography, second second assistant director (as Izzy Cowell), assistant stunt coordinator / stunt performer, casting director: Arkansas / extras casting / local casting, assistant to composer / music preparation, driver / driver: cast / production driver, production accountant (as Andrew Grey Johnson), very special thanks: the fayetteville volunteer fire department, very special thanks: the arkansas state film commission, special thanks (as Sheriff Steve Grundek), special thanks (as Pastor Ervin Hutchinson), special thanks (as Prinicpal Bill Keaster), special thanks (as Coach Norman Mitchell), very special thanks: the university of arkansas and the university athletic department. Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States, siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth, place of death: Alpena, Arkansas, United States. He was buried at the Gass Cemetery in Omaha, Arkansas, on May 2, 1999. . It was just one of those things when its time, its time. Now, I was taking calls from the same stations about Brandons death.. I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known." His brother Marty, 17 years his senior, berates him "Cheesecake," he calls him for his indolence as well as their mother Barbara (Leslie Easterbrook) for her indulgence. Harrison, Arkansas, is set as small town as it receives. 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. Although he never played a down in the NFL, he had impressed Mudd enough during mini-camp that the . 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. Had you ever thought of Brandons story as a film? She received her Bachelors in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. His No. Official Sites Became a two-time All-SEC selection and a first-team All-American as a senior in 1998. I dont think I got there. He initially joined Arkansas Razorbacks as a walk-on but later he was handed an athletes scholarship and eventually became an all-American. 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. 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. Brandon Burlsworth was known as an American professional football player. 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. Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. monetization of National Catholic Register RSS feeds is strictly prohibited.

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