Every week, Brandon made the drive home. Brandon also earned his masters degree at Arkansas before his playing career was done the first Razorback to do so. 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. His jersey has been retired, his locker encased in glass, his spirit captured in a trophy awarded to the best college football player who started his career as a walk-on. 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? I didn't see it in the theater. And I couldnt wait to be right there with him. | And Ill get a photo of you in your uniform. 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. Sure, there's some creative license in the movie, but the message rings true. So when Brandon got it in his mind that he was going to be a Razorback, I was all in. I think Brandon would be proud of the work were doing in his name. 1 Tennessee. 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. Where it doesnt have such a bad ending? Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. But before all that, Brandon made one last trip to Fayetteville to visit with his Razorbacks teammates. Im sure Josh Wheaton, the young apologist in Gods Not Dead, would know all the right things to say to Searcys character, but then Searcy wouldnt be permitted to make his case so eloquently in a movie like Gods Not Dead, if he were allowed to appear at all. If it meant bringing a basket of baseballs to the park so he could work on his hitting and pitching, I wanted to be there. He had planned to help underprivileged children, and his. All this plays out in flashback, with all the usual sports-movie clichs, training sequences, montages, comic relief and so forth. Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. podcast interviews Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's brother, with Neal McDonough, who portrayed Marty in Greater. Harrison, Arkansas. 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. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. Powered by WebJIVE ~ Featured on the Harrison Arkansas Network. Some of that was a little bit of filmmaking andwe were fine with it. 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. 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. In the film, we see a lot of moments where the Marty character is learning from the persistence and drive of Brandon. 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. Had life turned out differently, Marty Burlsworth might be reflecting on his brother's pro football career during Super Bowl weekend. Catholic actor Neal McDonough costars in a Rudy-like faith-based inspirational sports biopic that dares to explore doubt as well as belief. We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. This life demanded a movie. The next week, Brandon flew to Indianapolis for minicamp. I tried bringing it up to him again. I let out a little sigh of relief. When the pandemic started, I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us pass the time. For me, it was reading. Anything that wasnt right, wasnt real, wasnt what Brandon was about. It always seemed like a movie to me. I'd traveled to Razorback Stadium for decades - long considered it the SEC's most hospitable hostile environment - so I thought I knew the story of Arkansas football legend Brandon Burlsworth. Brandon knew what it was like to be doubted, to be told you werent good enough. Man, you might get to play at the next level., Ah, I dont know, I just gotta focus on this season.. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. (as David Hunt) (edited by) Casting By He goes through something we all face when we experience tragedy and trials: Which voices do we listen to? Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. So when he was two hours late that evening, Mom started to get worried. "It was a struggle similar to Brandon's struggle to play college football," Marty Burlsworth said. He wasthatgood. 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? 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. Not good at all. The present-day strand follows preparations for Brandons funeral and Martys internal struggle with doubt and nihilism, a struggle movingly realized by McDonough. The family respectfully declined. Thats the dream. 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. 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. Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. Sure, bring him on up for a game, he said. 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. 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 But I knew we still needed a scholarship. But me and friends that were close to me were like This is like a movie. She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. Brandon Burlsworth found certainty in an uncertain world. Directed by David L. Hunt . A servant at heart, she also serves as president of their local foodbank, Ozark Share & Care. This was the dream. Greaters response to the problem of evil, to disbelief and nihilism, is not an argument, but an action: a choice to trust. He played for the two SEC Western Division championship Razorback football teams in 1995 and 1998 and was named in the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll every single year during that period of time. By all accounts, Burlsworth spent his 22 years on this earth showing everyone in his orbit how to do faith, family and football right. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. EIN 27-4581132 Boy, did he have the size and did he have the skills. . Opposing teams made game plans just to handle Brandon. MORE: Deserving teacher who received $530 from plane passengers surprised with more than . And I dont want to say [it means] youre angry at God. Becoming a Razorback As the title suggests, this is the story of the most successful walk-on in the history of college football at the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. It just takes some time. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Burlsworth Football Camps. | Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. She started her career with Century 21 and then joined Jerry Jackson as he opened his office in 2001. "People are seeing it for the first time, and that's really cool," Marty said. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Toggle header content Just give us a call at 870-741-5111 . View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Arkansas Boone County Omaha Gass Cemetery George Leo Burlsworth Ive kind of been planning it that way.. It was my dream, too, and I sure worked hard at it. His final game with the team was in the 1999 Citrus Bowl. But as Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's 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. He just kicked it in, No, this is not happening.. I wasnt sure. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. 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. Was there anything that you had to do for yourself spiritually or emotionally to prepare for the making of this movie? So that makes it quite a bit easier to revisit because weve never really gone away. Hed be all over the line, right off the snap. Starting the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation shortly after his death, even as the grief was overwhelming, just set those plans into motion sooner. As it turned out, it was a squad car, with officials there to convey the bad news. After the season, over the holidays, we got a call. A couple of weeks before Brandon left for school, one of the Arkansas coaches called me. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to Do it the Burls Way. That's what Brandon did. In November 1998, the Razorbacks were 8-0, ranked 10th in the country, and playing at No. He may be gone, but I still want to do whatever I can to keep his dreams going, to keep his legacy going. Its unreal. But, you know, how would you make it where it wasnt basically depressing. Brandon was the kind of guy you win with.. Vickie Burlsworth is the Executive Director of the Foundation that she and Marty founded honoring Brandon after his passing in 1999. Martys struggle is not entirely internal. Black horn-rimmed glasses. near you, Up-to-date reports of crimes near We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. Here its a nagging voice in a grieving believers heart asking a question that admits no simple, final answer: Why do bad things happen to good people? And I didnt want him to always be wondering what could have been. Everybody knew. . Barbara Burlsworth. We wont be there. I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. 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. Barbara Burlsworth has been in real estate since 1997. Of course, he was my brother and you do anything for family, but things were a little tougher for him. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. But as I turned the next corner onto Moms street and pulled up to her house, I got a good look at the car. 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. After his death, the Arkansas Razorbacks retired his jersey in his honor and encased his locker in glass for public display. Follow him on Twitter. Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States, siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth, place of death: Alpena, Arkansas, United States. I dont how many times Id call to check in.Coach, ya need anything?Id sit every week with the newspaper. Brandon wanted to do more, though. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Pig Trail Nation / Jun 1, 2021 / 04:30 PM CDT. properties, Build a downloadable list The 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church. Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. barbaraann@burlsworth.com. 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. I was just so proud of him. 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.. Price Range (last 24 months) $125K - $450K Areas Served Harrison Specializations Buyers Sellers Marty Burlsworth Burlsworth & Associates. In a movie like Gods Not Dead, disbelief is a straw-man villain that exists solely to be vanquished and humiliated by the righteous hero. He asked me to help him, but theres all this certification that goes into being an agent. I mean it was for me. As we walked by one of the pro shops, we joked to each other. He did not survive the accident and passed away on April 28, 1999. Dramatic backlighting and silhouettes create a sense of foreboding and uncertainty, resonating with the themes of tragedy and doubt. The Burlsworth family created the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in honor of Brandon who was tragically killed in a car accident in 1999. He is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. It had this outdoor patio that you could stand on and look down on the field. Didn't buy it or rent it or watch it on DVD. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. He earned 1st team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998 and was selected for the 1998 College Football All-America Team. Jessica Mendoza's greatest pride is her background. If it meant going over to Moms house to help him with homework, I wanted to be there. They put it in more of a condensed form which is the way filmmaking generally always happens. 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. I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation. Or Kurt Rambis, the funny-looking center for the Los Angeles Lakers. We were going to Fayetteville for the game and I called him early in the week to tell him where our seats would be. See, Brandon started out a little scrawny. First, while the films hero is the celebrated Arkansas Razorbacks offensive guard Brandon Burlsworth (Christopher Severio) possibly the greatest walk-on player in college football history the protagonist is not Brandon, but his brother Marty, played by Neal McDonough of Arrow. "I . I wanted everything for Brandon, and within a few moments, it had all been taken away. Proudly created with Wix.com. director of photography Film Editing by David L. Hunt . Finally, in the third round Brandon answered the phone and gave us the thumbs-up. Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? His screenplay grew out of the book Through the Eyes of a Champion: The Brandon Burlsworth Story, by Jeff Kinley. A list of possible email addresses for Marty includes burlsworth@cox.net, mburlsworth@aol.com. Small sins lead to big sins, and big sins bring about a terrible spiritual darkness. 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. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. 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. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. Neal McDonough (L) plays Marty Burlsworth in 'Greater' (Hammond Entertainment). The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference. Brandon doesnt start out with all that promise. Not early or easily when it came to football, but eventually and powerfully. But that summer Brandon had two things going for him: His work ethic and, luckily, a pretty big growth spurt. Greater than my narrow expectation of "Rudy Calls the Hogs." We may still get one. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. Public records for Marty Burlsworth range in age from 35 years old to 61 years old. Eleven days later he passed on attending a Razorback ring presentation ceremony to drive to his hometown to take his mom to church. And we were concerned that his faith would take a big backseatAnd we just werent up for that at all. Its a simple but effective response, nicely underscored by the gospel anthem Ill Fly Awayrunning through the film. Most important to Marty and the Burlsworth family: They kept us in the loop.. His No. 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. But this was on a different level. 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. 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. 131 | NO. COINCIDENCES. He received many scholarship offers from smaller universities but eventually chose to become a walk-on football player for the University of Arkansas. And I remembered to do what other agents had advised me to do, I kept multiple lines open. And it was Brandons time. Because we dont want to be there- that close- to some scenes thatll be tough to watch even being filmed. So before he started his senior year, I started working on getting my certification. Slain Los Angeles auxiliary bishop was remembered at the Mass of Christian burial as friend of Jesus Christ and of Mary, our Blessed Mother.. We found 2 people in 2 states named Marty Burlsworth living in the US. But I didnt have that natural talent. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. The film covers the issues he had with his weight and his incredible work ethic that earned him a chance. Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. Renew or manage your subscription here. 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. Share. That was very very tough. 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. Sign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox. 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. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. Greater is currently playing in theaters and stars Neal McDonough, Christopher Severio, and Leslie Easterbrook. Previously she worked for the Arkansas Travelers, USA Football, NFL, Athleta and the Outlets of Little Rock. 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. One, told in flashback, is a familiar, uplifting Rudy-like arc of an unpromising underdog who makes good despite enormous obstacles. MARTY BURLSWORTH CONTRIBUTOR Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Marty Burlsworth, in the aftermath of Brandon's death, suffers a crisis of conscience that questions his . Always why. Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. I would talk to him most every night. Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. Cindi Hagood is our Program Director of the Eyes of a Champion program. Still, with each pick, even in the first round, you get more and more nervous. 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. ", Forgotten? 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. Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. 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. 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 was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. Even his peers saw an innocent kid who just didnt understand why he couldnt make it in college football, and certainly not the NFL. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known." 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. I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. He wasnt as tall or as heavy as D-I colleges wanted him to be. They love to interact with people of all communities and podcast interviews have become a wonderful outlet for that. 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. 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. Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different. 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 drove it to death. The drive would always take around an hour and a half but he never made it. It's "Greater." Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. you, Subscribe to The Daily His high school coaches couldnt believe his size when he came back for his junior season. The brothers age difference is the basis for one of the movies running gags, Martys discomfort at being mistaken for Brandons father. View Marty Burlsworth's record in Harrison, AR including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. to you, Keep an eye on trends and events Marty is a resident of 3775 Savannah Drv, Harrison, AR 72601-9851. 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. He was in the prime of his football career. Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. Trust. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. So I started calling coaches and seeing where he could play. 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. There are few actors in Hollywood brave enough to wear their Catholic faith on . Brandon Burlsworth was known as an American professional football player. The mindset, which is inspired by former student Brandon Burlsworth, is all about doing things "the best you can," high school football coach Tommy Tice told "GMA.". One weekend when I was driving with Brandon to campus I think maybe it was his junior year a thought crossed my mind. Hed call me or Id call him and we would talk about what practice was like that day. One of my sons, who was in my car with me, started asking what was wrong, what had happened. His story has been told in a movie that's not "Rudy.". So that was kind of the stamp of approval there, plus theyre Christians and they didnt want to lose that faith aspect. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. 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. Evelyn lives in North Little Rock, AR with her husband, Paul, two sons, Bo and Owen, and dog Layla. [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. So you didnt know if that was going to happen but that wasnt really the main [concern].
