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. He is married to Vickie who serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission, or unlicensed commercial use or Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. EWTN News, Inc. is the worlds largest Catholic news organization, comprised of television, radio, 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. And in Arkansas it was a statewide tragedy. Brandon Burlsworth, NFL player. Eleven days later he passed on attending a Razorback ring presentation ceremony to drive to his hometown to take his mom to church. The main [concern] was that it was going to go somewhere that really never happened. 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. Each Wednesday, he came back to take his mother, Barbara, to chapel. Two buses of Razorbacks players arrived. Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. The brothers age difference is the basis for one of the movies running gags, Martys discomfort at being mistaken for Brandons father. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. Brandon was also the first Arkansas football player to complete his Masters Degree before playing his final college football game. When he set his mind to something, you better believe you were going to witness him do it. Currently you are able to watch "Greater" streaming on fuboTV, Hoopla, DIRECTV or for free with ads on Peacock, Peacock Premium, The Roku Channel, VUDU Free, Tubi TV, Redbox, Crackle, Pluto TV, Freevee. Portrait and Wedding Photographers Arkansas For Burlsworth filmmaker, Netflix distribution a thrill 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. 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. Marty is registered to vote in Boone County, Arkansas. But almost every boy growing up in the state wants to be a Razorback. Walk-on player from Harrison, Ark., considered a long shot to get real playing time. His faith, his family and his football, in that order. Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth. 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. 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. Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? It would take 11 years - with Reindl financing the independent production himself when other investors dried up - but in 2016, "Greater" hit the theaters. I kept gaming out who was left. You take care of it, you get things done. Today, those glasses remain the symbol of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation brandonburlsworth.org. Not like my younger brother Brandon. 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. Greater Movie Review | Common Sense Media Another initiative announced was the creation of a memorial for victims of abuse. Even his peers saw an innocent kid who just didnt understand why he couldnt make it in college football, and certainly not the NFL. Hed call me or Id call him and we would talk about what practice was like that day. Brandon Burlsworth found certainty in an uncertain world. From anyone who is struggling with God because of a loss theyve faced, especially one as devastating as a close family member, what wisdom would you share with them? Greater, a film about Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, opens Aug. 26. And the only element bigger than excessive faculty soccer in Harrison or anywhere else . How is the dynamic in reality versus how its shown in the film? This life demanded a movie. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. It was 2005, and the Burlsworth family . He lauds Chris Severio for his measured portrayal of Brandon, and veteran actor Neal McDonough, he says, does a tremendous job as Marty Burlsworth. In the end, Brandon got invited to be a walk-on. We were going to Fayetteville for the game and I called him early in the week to tell him where our seats would be. His Subaru clipped an incoming 18-wheeler and then collided head-on with a tractor-trailer in Alpena, Arkansas. Boy, did he have the size and did he have the skills. View Marty Burlsworth's record in Harrison, AR including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. arkansas football. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. 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. 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. She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. Along with Brandons rise, Greater equally focuses on the loss experienced by Brandons family, especially his brother Marty, and the questions about Gods goodness that are stirred by the heartache and grief. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. (Now we see through a glass darkly ). 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 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. Burlsworth was also Arkansas' first All-American player since 1993 and was also on the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll from 1995 to 1998. So a few months after his death, we started the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, where we do all of that and more. Brandon wanted to do more, though. I wasnt sure. Marty Burlsworth remembers the day Brian Reindl came to Harrison to pitch his idea of making a movie about the life of Burlsworth's late brother, Brandon. The film covers the issues he had with his weight and his incredible work ethic that earned him a chance. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. That's an inadequate synopsis of an exemplary life. 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. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. It was 2005 and the . Beliefnet Exclusive Interview: Marty Burlsworth on "Greater" 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. He initially joined Arkansas Razorbacks as a walk-on but later he was handed an athletes scholarship and eventually became an all-American. He was determined to drive home the same day so he could attend evening church service with the family. Brandon was home. There are about 11,000 people in town and one unspoken rule: If its Friday night, youre going to the Harrison High football game. Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. There are few actors in Hollywood brave enough to wear their Catholic faith on . And I dont want to say [it means] youre angry at God. Burlsworth was selected in the 3rd round of the 1999 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts but he was killed eleven days later in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas on April 28, 1999. . They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ. At that moment, we both felt so close to his dream coming true something that wasnt even a possibility for a boy who had been sitting on the sidelines just two years ago. 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. Anything that wasnt right, wasnt real, wasnt what Brandon was about. Greater: Brandon Burlsworth movie as unlikely as Razorback career I was high as a kite. Neal McDonough (L) plays Marty Burlsworth in 'Greater' (Hammond Entertainment). It was disappointing, but Brandon wanted to go to Arkansas more than anything and, well, he didnt want any regrets. Every week, Brandon made the drive home. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. 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. He is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. They can assist you with all your real estate needs. Marty Burlsworth | Brandon Burlsworth Foundation | Public Appearances 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. As it turned out, it was a squad car, with officials there to convey the bad news. 2023 | Where it doesnt have such a bad ending? "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. So you just walk down this side of the stadium, O.K.? This one painful scene is wiser than all the movies the Fireproof / Courageous people have made (including their football movie, Facing the Giants). The voices of faith, hope and trust or the voices of doubt, disbelief and despair?. But me and friends that were close to me were like This is like a movie. As indicated by the police report, Burlsworth's vehicle floated somewhat over the middle line on U.S. 412, cut the front bumper of a tractor-trailer, and afterward, while he was probably attempting to recover control, crossed the inside line again and hit another tractor-trailer. He said he wanted to hold football camps and bring kids to his NFL games. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. 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? The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. Brandon isnt a very interesting character, but hes a likable one. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the foundation and has been with the BBF since 2010. 2018 Burlsworth & Associates Real Estate in Harrison, AR Being Catholic in Hollywood: it's possible. Just ask Neal McDonough Brandon doesnt start out with all that promise. Birthday: September 20, 1976 ( Virgo) Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States 113 30 American Football Players #138 Sportspersons #1083 Quick Facts Also Known As: Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth Died At Age: 22 Family: father: Leo Burlsworth mother: Barbara Burlsworth siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth Died Young American Football Players Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. 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. properties, Build a downloadable list Was there anything that you had to do for yourself spiritually or emotionally to prepare for the making of this movie? Harrison, Arkansas, is set as small town as it receives. I kept track of how many might be left for Brandon.O.K., they gave one to that boy, thats 12 so far. And I didnt want him to always be wondering what could have been. When I turned on to the street behind Moms house, I could see her driveway through this little opening between houses. 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.. 'Greater' filmmaker proud to share Burlsworth's story with moviegoers With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth - SECHARS Ive heard the director say many times what weve done is [put] that [whole] first year [after the accident] in Neals piece in this movie. In the film, we see a lot of moments where the Marty character is learning from the persistence and drive of Brandon. And we were concerned that his faith would take a big backseatAnd we just werent up for that at all. The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. Brazilian Charity Caring for Children Who Survived Abortions Issues Urgent Appeal, Memento Mori: Remember You Are Going to Die, The Meat of the Matter: St. Patricks Day and the Lenten Fast, Pope Francis Inexhaustible Font of Words: 10 Gems From the Heart Over 10 Years. Greaters response to the problem of evil, to disbelief and nihilism, is not an argument, but an action: a choice to trust. Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different. "People are seeing it for the first time, and that's really cool," Marty said. Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. 'Greater': Neal McDonough Gets to Be a Good Man of Faith (Not Just in Greater than my limited understanding of the painful search for meaning every time a life ends so young. Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. 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. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. [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. His No. Im sure he just got stuck in traffic, or maybe ran out of gas. His story has been told in a movie that's not "Rudy.". He took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. Directed by David L. Hunt . 2022 by BBF. Every chance he got, Burlsworth went home to Harrison, a town of about 10,000 in the Ozarks, near the Missouri state line. We werent proactive at all in [making a movie]. SDG Reviews 'Greater'| National Catholic Register A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. 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. 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. On top of that, Dad had trouble with drinking and wasnt really in our lives when Brandon was a little boy. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. He was a Razorback. He had planned to help underprivileged children, and his. 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. Greater (2016) - Greater (2016) - User Reviews - IMDb If its difficult to describe the love for a brother, its impossible to explain the loss of a brother. Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States, siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth, place of death: Alpena, Arkansas, United States. . We first meet him as an overweight young couch potato (Ethan Waller) with apparent delusions of grandeur: Hes convinced hes going to attend the University of Arkansas and play for the Razorbacks. He wont be going down., Well, thats good, he said, sort of laughing. 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. It's a show of faith. As we walked by one of the pro shops, we joked to each other. He never got there, dying in a car accident at age 22. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. I think Brandon would be proud of the work were doing in his name. Our Team | Brandon Burlsworth Foundation - The BBF Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. It was just one of those things when its time, its time. While the film might not give Burlsworth enough credit for what talent he did have no one goes from walk-on to All-American without some ability he did always seem to have a knack for doing what seemed impossible. 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. 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. 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 I think its normal. Hell show up and everything will be fine.. 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. Predictably, trash-talking opponents laughed at him and called him names. 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. Barbara Burlsworth has been in real estate since 1997. The family respectfully declined. This was the dream. 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. His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. The phone number for him is (870) 741-7472 (Windstream Arkansas, Inc). Greater has three surprises, which is three more than most faith-based films, particularly of the inspirational sports-movie variety. VIDEO: 'Becoming Greater' - Arkansas Online All-time overachiever Brandon Burlsworth had his life tragically cut short at the age of 22, but his impact lives on 17 years later . Black horn-rimmed glasses. Greater, a film depicting the life and tragic death of Brandon Burlsworth will be released in theaters on August 26th. Marty Leo Burlsworth's Arkansas Voter Registration. People were swinging by all day. Brandon didnt dress the first two games of his freshman season, but we found out that hed be on the field for the third. Greater (film) - Wikipedia After the draft, he spoke to me a lot about helping other kids in Harrison. It was just something that we thought of, you know. Cindi Hagood is our Program Director of the Eyes of a Champion program. 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. As floodwaters washed away his Louisiana home, the pretend Brandon

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