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? Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - He received many scholarship offers from smaller universities but eventually chose to become a walk-on football player for the University of Arkansas. 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. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? He and his wife Tresia have four children, Michael, Jordan, Brandon and Samantha. Harrison, Arkansas. Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. 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. 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. On Aug. 26, the movie about his life, Greater, opens nationwide. Lacking the football scholarship he absurdly hoped for, Brandon turns down full rides elsewhere to attend Arkansas. A coda sums up the impact of Brandons life: the programs, scholarships and so forth established in his name. That's what Brandon did. He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. Now, if you find yourself at that Colts shop, I told him, You make sure and get us some gear this time.. It would take 11 years - with Reindl financing the independent production himself when other investors dried up - but in 2016, "Greater" hit the theaters. His high school coaches couldnt believe his size when he came back for his junior season. The Passion of the Christ actor talks about the challenges of playing iconic roles and why good movies arent always family-friendly. 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. 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. Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. 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. I mean it was for me. Whether Im driving around town, past the baseball park where we used to play catch, past the Razorbacks signs on front lawns, I feel his presence. But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. 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. "He said, 'You'll have veto power,' " Marty Burlsworth remembered. Follow him on Twitter. 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. After his death, the Arkansas Razorbacks retired his jersey in his honor and encased his locker in glass for public display. 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. 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. Of course, he was my brother and you do anything for family, but things were a little tougher for him. Especially after it was all over and, you know, that was bad times. Mr. Severio sounds like a guy that Brandon Burlsworth would have been proud to have depict him in a movie, as a selfless, hard-working, humble, self-deprecating character. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. Most important to Marty and the Burlsworth family: They kept us in the loop.. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. Official Sites Company Credits She received her Bachelors in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. 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. By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. News. His age is 36. Today, those glasses remain the symbol of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation brandonburlsworth.org. Hes not going down.. 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. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. So that makes it quite a bit easier to revisit because weve never really gone away. 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. Greater, a film depicting the life and tragic death of Brandon Burlsworth will be released in theaters on August 26th. During Martys conversation with Searcy this metaphor is further developed; a pattern emerges that Marty cant appreciate without a higher perspective. I mean everybody knew. We planned to move out to Indianapolis with him. He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. Steven D. Greydanus is the Registers film critic and creator of Decent Films. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. Cindi Hagood is our Program Director of the Eyes of a Champion program. 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.. Even an idea, you knowa script can sit on the shelf and never see the light of day. He grew up in Barnstable, Massachusetts, graduated from Barnstable High School, and attended Syracuse University. He wasnt as tall or as heavy as D-I colleges wanted him to be. 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 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. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. COINCIDENCES. We didnt expect Brandon to go real high, and we had been told that he wouldnt. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. [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. 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. Not that it got him very far initially. Because we dont want to be there- that close- to some scenes thatll be tough to watch even being filmed. 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. podcast interviews Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. The 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known." So when Brandon got it in his mind that he was going to be a Razorback, I was all in. As for this film, Greater has been more than a decade in the making a labor of love for first-time Arkansas producer Brian Reindl. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. Hed tell me what it was like but hed never say it was really hard and Im not sure I can do this. EWTN News, Inc. is the worlds largest Catholic news organization, comprised of television, radio, 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. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American . Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth. It was 2005 and the . "I wanted Brandon's story to be known. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. 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? (as David Hunt) (directed by) Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification Produced by Music by Stephen Endelman . Neal McDonough (L) plays Marty Burlsworth in 'Greater' (Hammond Entertainment). There are few actors in Hollywood brave enough to wear their Catholic faith on . His final game with the team was in the 1999 Citrus Bowl. And boy, was he soaking it in. The brothers age difference is the basis for one of the movies running gags, Martys discomfort at being mistaken for Brandons father. Greater is currently playing in theaters and stars Neal McDonough, Christopher Severio, and Leslie Easterbrook. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. Not good at all. 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. He lauds Chris Severio for his measured portrayal of Brandon, and veteran actor Neal McDonough, he says, does a tremendous job as Marty Burlsworth. He knew he could. 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. 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. | McDonough plays Marty, Brandon's big brother and father figure in the film, and he . And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. Dramatic backlighting and silhouettes create a sense of foreboding and uncertainty, resonating with the themes of tragedy and doubt. Bob is optimistic about the real estate market in Harrison and is looking forward to meeting the real estate needs of the clients and customers in the area in and surrounding Harrison. It was just something that we thought of, you know. I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. It always seemed like a movie to me. And I remembered to do what other agents had advised me to do, I kept multiple lines open. Burlsworth Trophy Announces Nominees. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. 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. His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. They can assist you with all your real estate needs. near you, Up-to-date reports of crimes near So was I. That looks good, doesnt it? I said. Brandon was the kind of guy you win with.. And it paid off. But Arkansas was the dream. There he is, 300 pounds, and he just runs down this linebacker. Unassuming, devout and a little dense, he never drinks, never swears and never takes anything personally. In November 1998, the Razorbacks were 8-0, ranked 10th in the country, and playing at No. Teens and up. "Brian wouldn't let go.". 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. But Id do anything for that kid. He is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. 2023 Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. 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. His faith, his family and his football, in that order. By all accounts, Burlsworth spent his 22 years on this earth showing everyone in his orbit how to do faith, family and football right. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. Filming & Production Use tab to navigate through the menu items. This life demanded a movie. We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. And I could see a little white car parked in her driveway. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. FAYETTEVILLE, AR, Nov. 2, 2021 - Today, the Burlsworth Trophy announced 89 players nominated from Division 1 (FBS) schools from across the country for the 2021 Burlsworth Trophy. But [the death was] not the ending. Marty Burlsworth and his agents have been and will continue to be trusted names in the real estate market. So I started calling coaches and seeing where he could play. He had intended to help under advantaged children and the Burlsworth family settled the establishment that in his honor. You know, Brandon, you could think about entering the draft. 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. His Subaru clipped an incoming 18-wheeler and then collided head-on with a tractor-trailer in Alpena, Arkansas. 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. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. Or Kurt Rambis, the funny-looking center for the Los Angeles Lakers. 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. Our parents divorced when Brandon was just two years old. It just takes some time. No, we just kind of kept that to ourselves. 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. Leslie Easterbrook plays Burlsworth's mother, Barbar. 2022 by BBF. Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's brother, with Neal McDonough, who portrayed Marty in Greater. As Brandon and I were standing out there, the offensive linemen came out, running on the field with their helmets on. Aug 26, 2016. Burlsworth and Associates. 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. Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different. "It was a passion project for everyone who was involved," actor Neal McDonough told CBN News. He wont be going down., Well, thats good, he said, sort of laughing. They tackle that query via Burlsworth's much-older brother Marty (Neal McDonough), who, on the cusp of his sibling's funeral, struggles to understand why awful things happen to the innocent . Sign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox. We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. But this was on a different level. 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. "It was a struggle similar to Brandon's struggle to play college football," Marty Burlsworth said. Walk-on player from Harrison, Ark., considered a long shot to get real playing time. 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. Not early or easily when it came to football, but eventually and powerfully. 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 . It's "Greater." We suddenly needed that gear, because we would be rooting for the Colts. Weve felt like weve been very involved and kept up to date on what was going on and were very happy with the outcome. 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. And in Arkansas it was a statewide tragedy. If you followed the SEC back then, you may remember the Brandon Burlsworth story. Not as devout as his brother, Marty turns desperately to faith in a moment of crisis when he wants a miracle. In a few weeks hed be heading back. So by his fourth year at Arkansas, he was already finishing his masters degree. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Greater is playing in limited release (find theaters). Vickie Burlsworth is the Executive Director of the Foundation that she and Marty founded honoring Brandon after his passing in 1999. Or Drew Carey, the comedian. I used to want the longest life, perfect health and happiness, but really it is that feeling that I am so glad that this isnt all there is and that we have heaven to wait for, and that well be with Jesus, and there will be no more tears Amber VanVickle (1982-2023), The headquarters of the charity, which serves as a consecrated family to 46 disabled children, were badly damaged in major flooding near Rio de Janeiro last year. Release Dates I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation. There are about eleven,000 human beings in town and one unstated rule: If it's Friday night, you're going to the Harrison High soccer sport. As the Burlsworth Trophy has become a success and now the film is being released, Marty said he and the Burlsworth family are thrilled to see Brandon's story continue to be told nationally. The Olympic Gold Medalist shines light on her Hispanic heritage fueling her career. Judea school district. 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. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. He was also named to the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll 1995-1998 and was the first football player in the entire history of his university to earn a Master's degree "before" playing his last game. The play became known as the Stumble and Fumble, and Tennessee would go on to score the winning touchdown and eventually win the national championship at the end of the season. He was my brother and I just wanted everything for him. Although the Razorbacks led 21-3 at one point and were up 24-22 with less than two minutes to go, the game turned on an even crazier play that also involved Burlsworth. I dont think I got there. Brandon, the officer told us, had collided head-on with a semi. When Marty asks Barbara how she justifies going deep into debt for Brandons quixotic dream, she says simply, My son knows I have faith. This could mean faith in God, but I took it to mean that money was no object if it meant Brandon knew his mother believed in him. Didn't buy it or rent it or watch it on DVD. (as Stephen Raynor-Endelman) (music by) Cinematography by Gabe Mayhan . But me and friends that were close to me were like This is like a movie. Marty Leo Burlsworth's Arkansas Voter Registration. When he set his mind to something, you better believe you were going to witness him do it. Asked what hes doing, Brandon says, Nothing, because he really hadnt given it a second thought. She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. When Stoerner fell the ball came out and Tennessee recovered. He put on weight before enrolling at Arkansas, but it was a bad 40 or so pounds that he eventually had to melt before. (as David Hunt) (edited by) Casting By Brandon Burlsworth was known as an American professional football player. The odds were against him and nobody was looking his way. 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. That game was, in a way, a symbol for the highest highs, the lowest lows and the unforeseen. 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. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. 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. The family respectfully declined. He goes through something we all face when we experience tragedy and trials: Which voices do we listen to? Id do anything I could for him. It was 2005, and the Burlsworth family . Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. So you just walk down this side of the stadium, O.K.? He's been gone to a better place for almost as long. Brandon knew what it was like to be doubted, to be told you werent good enough. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. And he justdominatedon the field didnt matter if he was on defense or offense. Other boys would go home after school got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July. I didn't see it in the theater. His story has been told in a movie that's not "Rudy.". We werent proactive at all in [making a movie]. 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. Marty Burlsworth hasn't provided a bio yet. In the wake of new restrictions on the traditional Latin Mass, two American bishops spoke with EWTNs Raymond Arroyo Thursday about how their dioceses have responded. Evelyn Allen started as the Development and Social Media Director for the foundation in March of 2020. I was just so proud of him. Although he never played a down in the NFL, he had impressed Mudd enough during mini-camp that the . I wanted everything for Brandon, and within a few moments, it had all been taken away. Brandons family and friends came together to form the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in his honor. This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. He called to check in a couple of times. I kept gaming out who was left. And we were concerned that his faith would take a big backseatAnd we just werent up for that at all. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. barbaraann@burlsworth.com. Possible relatives for Marty Burlsworth include Roselee Arnold, Keshia Flowers, Brady Burlsworth and several . Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. So I think its normal. Order Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization So you didnt know if that was going to happen but that wasnt really the main [concern]. 2022 by BBF. Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? 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. Greater than my previous knowledge of a young man's winding road from small-town walk-on to home-state hero. It was disappointing, but Brandon wanted to go to Arkansas more than anything and, well, he didnt want any regrets. I kept track of how many might be left for Brandon.O.K., they gave one to that boy, thats 12 so far. But as good as he was, Brandon was also a late bloomer he was only 17 his senior year and he was still a little undersized for college ball. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. 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. Brandons older brother Marty started the foundation after Brandons death in 1999. The football fraternity had great expectations from the talented young man but fate had other plans and he was killed in an accident. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals. It seemed as if the whole town was there to support Brandon and who he was and what he meant to everybody. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. 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. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? choose Christ at a young age and you will always be a winner in Christ's eyes; excelling at a sport is fine as . Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and Brandon had seen the stadium and sat in the stands. 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. Marty's current home is located at . 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. 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. 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. 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. He believes by sheer word of mouth, the movie will develop a dedicated following. The next week, Brandon flew to Indianapolis for minicamp. He was born on 31-08-1986. 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? 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. Still, with each pick, even in the first round, you get more and more nervous. If it meant going over to Moms house to help him with homework, I wanted to be there. 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."
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