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During Martys conversation with Searcy this metaphor is further developed; a pattern emerges that Marty cant appreciate without a higher perspective. The football fraternity had great expectations from the talented young man but fate had other plans and he was killed in an accident. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. | Apr 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. Sign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox. We understand that your home is important to you and we strive to walk you through the steps to get the most for your dollar. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American . 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. Always why. [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. I kept track of how many might be left for Brandon.O.K., they gave one to that boy, thats 12 so far. He earned 1st team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998 and was selected for the 1998 College Football All-America Team. His Subaru clipped an incoming 18-wheeler and then collided head-on with a tractor-trailer in Alpena, Arkansas. The odds were against him and nobody was looking his way. And I couldnt wait to be right there with him. Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Brandons family and friends came together to form the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in his honor. EIN 27-4581132 Greater, though, looks to something more than this: something greater than any loss or tragedy. I mean everybody knew. 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. Brandon was also the first Arkansas football player to complete his Masters Degree before playing his final college football game. 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. His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. You know, Brandon, you could think about entering the draft. So I think its normal. 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. Burlsworth Trophy Announces Nominees. 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. I never used to worry before Brandon died. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. ", Forgotten? barbaraann@burlsworth.com. But this was on a different level. French Monastery Survives War and Famine After 885 Years, the Basilica of St. Ambrose in Milan, and More Great Links! 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. The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. 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. And I could see a little white car parked in her driveway. The brothers age difference is the basis for one of the movies running gags, Martys discomfort at being mistaken for Brandons father. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. 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. company, Get valuable lists emailed directly On Aug. 26, the movie about his life, Greater, opens nationwide. Its unreal. But, you know, how would you make it where it wasnt basically depressing. We wont be there. He initially joined Arkansas Razorbacks as a walk-on but later he was handed an athletes scholarship and eventually became an all-American. That first year has been put into the way it comes off on screen his feelings and the way hes taking it and I mean it was a rough time and anyone thats had a family member thats passed unexpectedly or too soon can relate to that. Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. I dont even think he played one game. His screenplay grew out of the book Through the Eyes of a Champion: The Brandon Burlsworth Story, by Jeff Kinley. But now that my own boys are older, if theyre even ten minutes late, I get a little concerned and think that maybe theyre in trouble, maybe something went wrong. Burlsworth rouses 'big brother' actor. Another initiative announced was the creation of a memorial for victims of abuse. Slain Los Angeles auxiliary bishop was remembered at the Mass of Christian burial as friend of Jesus Christ and of Mary, our Blessed Mother.. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Arkansas Boone County Omaha Gass Cemetery George Leo Burlsworth print and digital media outlets, dedicated to reporting the truth in light of the Gospel and the Chris Severio plays Burlsworth (No. The Olympic Gold Medalist shines light on her Hispanic heritage fueling her career. On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. After his death, the Arkansas Razorbacks retired his jersey in his honor and encased his locker in glass for public display. We watched the game from this conference room at the top of the stadium. 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. We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. near you, Up-to-date reports of crimes near On top of that, Dad had trouble with drinking and wasnt really in our lives when Brandon was a little boy. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. By using BiJog.com you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 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. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. Named an All-American in 1998, he was drafted in 1999 by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round 11 days before being killed in a vehicular accident. 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. Release Dates She received her Bachelors in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. But I didnt have that natural talent. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. So you just walk down this side of the stadium, O.K.? That's an inadequate synopsis of an exemplary life. 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. This one painful scene is wiser than all the movies the Fireproof / Courageous people have made (including their football movie, Facing the Giants). As it turned out, it was a squad car, with officials there to convey the bad news. Had life turned out differently, Marty Burlsworth might be reflecting on his brother's pro football career during Super Bowl weekend. The phones calls started coming right after that. podcast interviews Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. He died instantly. He is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. So a few months after his death, we started the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, where we do all of that and more. (The devoutly Catholic McDonough, who also executive produced, has called Marty Burlsworth his favorite role.). 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. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. We suddenly needed that gear, because we would be rooting for the Colts. His jersey #77 was retired at the University of Arkansas as a gesture of honoring his memory. (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. Greater reflects that relentless energy we need in order to be the best people we can and, at times, to push further than anyone suspects we can go. And it paid off. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. 2023 Some of that was a little bit of filmmaking andwe were fine with it. It was just one of those things when its time, its time. But before all that, Brandon made one last trip to Fayetteville to visit with his Razorbacks teammates. Not early or easily when it came to football, but eventually and powerfully. 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. It took some time for his skill to catch up to his will, but along the way, he turned doubters into believers and a walk-on opportunity into a scholarship and All-American honors. Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. It's a show of faith. Greater is playing in limited release (find theaters). The foundation has also worked with Walmart/Sam's Optical Department and independent optometrists throughout Arkansas to provide eye care to thousands of school students. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. He asked me to help him, but theres all this certification that goes into being an agent. monetization of National Catholic Register RSS feeds is strictly prohibited. Hes always taking a knee, and he crosses himself (a curious gesture, since from his funeral his family is clearly not Catholic). I mean it was for me. When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. Its clear, though, that Martys harshness is meant as the tough love of an older brother obliged to assume a father-figure role in the absence of their alcoholic bum of a father (Michael Parks of the Kill Bill movies in a small but affecting role). He was buried at the Gass Cemetery in Omaha, Arkansas, on May 2, 1999. But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. Marty's current home is located at . He said he wanted to hold football camps and bring kids to his NFL games. He wasthatgood. "We want Brandon's message out there. 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? Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. Background Report. Instead, Marty is looking forward to next season, when the story of Brandon Burlsworth's astonishing rise to National Football League draftee will reach movie screens nationwide. If it meant going over to Moms house to help him with homework, I wanted to be there. to you, Keep an eye on trends and events The family respectfully declined. 2022 by BBF. Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. He was a Razorback. 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. You dont lose your faith I had struggles because [Id think] why?, you know. That was very very tough. Third, its beautifully and atmospherically shot by director David Hunt and cinematographer Gabe Mayan. So when Brandon got it in his mind that he was going to be a Razorback, I was all in. 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. 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 She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and Brandon had seen the stadium and sat in the stands. SubscribeStart your Register subscription today. Price Range (last 24 months) $125K - $450K Areas Served Harrison Specializations Buyers Sellers Marty Burlsworth Burlsworth & Associates. 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. "It was a struggle similar to Brandon's struggle to play college football," Marty Burlsworth said. He grew up in Barnstable, Massachusetts, graduated from Barnstable High School, and attended Syracuse University. The family respectfully declined. | Youll have all your coursework done and can graduate at the end of the year anyway., Yeah, he said with a smile. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals. You know, we established his foundation shortly thereafter [the accident]. The main [concern] was that it was going to go somewhere that really never happened. The present-day strand follows preparations for Brandons funeral and Martys internal struggle with doubt and nihilism, a struggle movingly realized by McDonough. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known." So Mom, Brandon and I piled into my minivan and we drove over to Fayetteville. Sure, bring him on up for a game, he said. Harrison, Arkansas. 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. 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 . 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. By that point he was about six-foot-two, over 200 pounds and still growing. He spent as many days as he could in the weight room getting stronger. Marty is a resident of 3775 Savannah Drv, Harrison, AR 72601-9851. Thats pretty tough. 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. (Now we see through a glass darkly ). Well if you had taken God out of it, it [wouldve] been fiction. Renew or manage your subscription here. 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. 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. 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. We didnt expect Brandon to go real high, and we had been told that he wouldnt. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? of prospects that meet your criteria, Monitor any person, property or He received many scholarship offers from smaller universities but eventually chose to become a walk-on football player for the University of Arkansas. They put it in more of a condensed form which is the way filmmaking generally always happens. I dont think anyone was at fault. I dont how many times Id call to check in.Coach, ya need anything?Id sit every week with the newspaper. It was a terrible day for Harrison, it was a terrible day for the state. Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. Not like my younger brother Brandon. And in Arkansas it was a statewide tragedy. 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. Not as devout as his brother, Marty turns desperately to faith in a moment of crisis when he wants a miracle. The year is 1999 and Marty Burlsworth is awaiting the funeral of his 22-year-old brother, Brandon. 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. Greater, a film about Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, opens Aug. 26. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. We had to have the funeral at the high school gym. And would you believe, all these NFL agents started flying into Harrison wanting to sign Brandon. 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 . Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. 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. 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. The idea wasnt to be the greatest walk-on, Marty explained, it was to get a scholarship.. Catholic actor Neal McDonough costars in a Rudy-like faith-based inspirational sports biopic that dares to explore doubt as well as belief. This life demanded a movie. 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. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. His age is 36. Brandon Burlsworth was known as an American professional football player. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Even his peers saw an innocent kid who just didn't understand why he couldn't make it in college football, and certainly not the NFL. 2022 by BBF. So that was kind of the stamp of approval there, plus theyre Christians and they didnt want to lose that faith aspect. Lacking the football scholarship he absurdly hoped for, Brandon turns down full rides elsewhere to attend Arkansas. Steven D. Greydanus is the Registers film critic and creator of Decent Films. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. His final game with the team was in the 1999 Citrus Bowl. Greater has three surprises, which is three more than most faith-based films, particularly of the inspirational sports-movie variety. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference. A list of possible email addresses for Marty includes burlsworth@cox.net, mburlsworth@aol.com. David Hunt, the movies director, also assisted with the screenplay. I would talk to him most every night. 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." He and his wife Tresia have four children, Michael, Jordan, Brandon and Samantha. Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. Because we dont want to be there- that close- to some scenes thatll be tough to watch even being filmed. Itll be real cool.. Caveat Spectator: Football roughness; some language; some thematic elements including alcoholism and religious questioning. I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. I let out a little sigh of relief. Brandon doesnt start out with all that promise. Only 30 of 175 dioceses ordained an average number of priests at or above replacement level over the five years from 2016 to 2021, according to the report. Arkansas doesnt have a pro football team I dont even know if a pro team could survive here. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. It seemed as if the whole town was there to support Brandon and who he was and what he meant to everybody. properties, Build a downloadable list Sure, there's some creative license in the movie, but the message rings true. Marty's ethnicity is Caucasian, whose political affiliation is unknown; and religious views are listed as Christian. 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. In November 1998, the Razorbacks were 8-0, ranked 10th in the country, and playing at No. 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. 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. His high school coaches couldnt believe his size when he came back for his junior season. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. Im sure he just got stuck in traffic, or maybe ran out of gas. There are about 11,000 people in town and one unspoken rule: If it's Friday night, you're going to the Harrison High football game. MARTY BURLSWORTH CONTRIBUTOR Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. He knew he could. When the pandemic started, I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us pass the time. For me, it was reading. By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. 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. The film covers the issues he had with his weight and his incredible work ethic that earned him a chance. Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. One weekend when I was driving with Brandon to campus I think maybe it was his junior year a thought crossed my mind. Vickie's love for children is hard to escape. There just wasnt enough space anywhere else. Small sins lead to big sins, and big sins bring about a terrible spiritual darkness. EWTN News, Inc. is the worlds largest Catholic news organization, comprised of television, radio, 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. 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. 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. The school was going to give Brandon a scholarship. Its a good story and, you know, Neal McDonough struggling in the aftermath thats absolutely true. 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. They can assist you with all your real estate needs. It was 2005, and the Burlsworth family . He just kicked it in, No, this is not happening.. I know it was hard. One, told in flashback, is a familiar, uplifting Rudy-like arc of an unpromising underdog who makes good despite enormous obstacles. 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.. I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. Predictably, trash-talking opponents laughed at him and called him names. 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. He took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. He spent his first season of high school football as a sophomore on the sidelines. He told the family, "We don't want to take Brandon's faith out of this movie.". Trophy honors most outstanding Walk-On for twelfth year . Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - Greater may not be in Rudys league cinematically, but Burlsworth was a far more gifted player than Daniel Rudy Ruettiger.