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. When we got back home to Harrison, the day of the draft was just filled with anxiety. EWTN News, Inc. is the worlds largest Catholic news organization, comprised of television, radio, Two buses of Razorbacks players arrived. I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. To this day, people tell me where they were when they heard the news. The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. That was very very tough. Theres never a day where I dont think about Brandon. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. I had about 212,000 miles on it by the time I got rid of it. 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. Vickie L Burlsworth is also associated with this address. His final game with the team was in the 1999 Citrus Bowl. This one painful scene is wiser than all the movies the Fireproof / Courageous people have made (including their football movie, Facing the Giants). He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. All this plays out in flashback, with all the usual sports-movie clichs, training sequences, montages, comic relief and so forth. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals. So I started calling coaches and seeing where he could play. There are few actors in Hollywood brave enough to wear their Catholic faith on . Locations and showtimes are available onwww.greaterthemovie.com. 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. Some of that was a little bit of filmmaking andwe were fine with it. In a few weeks hed be heading back. of prospects that meet your criteria, Monitor any person, property or It was composed and produced by Brian Reindl and David Hunt. Even in earthly terms it can be argued that Brandons life and achievements were not a waste. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Pig Trail Nation / Jun 1, 2021 / 04:30 PM CDT. I dont how many times Id call to check in.Coach, ya need anything?Id sit every week with the newspaper. 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? 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. Had you ever thought of Brandons story as a film? Burlsworth was too small (260 pounds) when he finished high school. And the first call I made was to the recruiting coordinator at Arkansas. The latest videos from KNWA FOX24. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. Sure, there's some creative license in the movie, but the message rings true. And I remembered to do what other agents had advised me to do, I kept multiple lines open. We didnt expect Brandon to go real high, and we had been told that he wouldnt. Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. 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. After his death, the Arkansas Razorbacks retired his jersey in his honor and encased his locker in glass for public display. print and digital media outlets, dedicated to reporting the truth in light of the Gospel and the Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. 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. Brandon Burlsworth, NFL player. While others, including Marty's mother, Barbara, have accepted the loss and put their faith in God, Marty can not do that as he does not understand why God would take away his brother on the cusp of his stardom in the NFL. We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. Harrison, Arkansas. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. Less than two weeks after he was chosen in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Brandon was driving home to go to church with his mother. Its a good story and, you know, Neal McDonough struggling in the aftermath thats absolutely true. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. I dont think anyone was at fault. There just wasnt enough space anywhere else. One, told in flashback, is a familiar, uplifting Rudy-like arc of an unpromising underdog who makes good despite enormous obstacles. Even his peers saw an innocent kid who just didnt understand why he couldnt make it in college football, and certainly not the NFL. company, Get valuable lists emailed directly Perhaps Martys favorite play from Brandons college career is one that occurred in the same game as the play he would most like to forget. "He said, 'You'll have veto power,' " Marty Burlsworth remembered. Brandon doesnt start out with all that promise. He goes through something we all face when we experience tragedy and trials: Which voices do we listen to? Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. 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. (as David Hunt) (directed by) Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification Produced by Music by Stephen Endelman . A coda sums up the impact of Brandons life: the programs, scholarships and so forth established in his name. You know, we established his foundation shortly thereafter [the accident]. Sign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox. When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. Harrison, Arkansas, United States. The brothers age difference is the basis for one of the movies running gags, Martys discomfort at being mistaken for Brandons father. As we walked by one of the pro shops, we joked to each other. On the way there, Burlsworth died an unthinkable death that shook the entire state. Price Range (last 24 months) $125K - $450K Areas Served Harrison Specializations Buyers Sellers Marty Burlsworth Burlsworth & Associates. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. Follow him on Twitter. 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. By that point he was about six-foot-two, over 200 pounds and still growing. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/brandon-burlsworth-35134.php. And when its Friday night here in Harrison and the whole town is at the football game, I think about Brandon. Trophy honors most outstanding Walk-On for twelfth year . Catholic actor Neal McDonough costars in a Rudy-like faith-based inspirational sports biopic that dares to explore doubt as well as belief. He believes by sheer word of mouth, the movie will develop a dedicated following. Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. He wasnt as tall or as heavy as D-I colleges wanted him to be. Barbara Burlsworth. 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. I wanted everything for Brandon, and within a few moments, it had all been taken away. She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. Dang, Marty, what have you been feedin that boy?. arkansas football. The family respectfully declined. 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. After the season, over the holidays, we got a call. interested in booking Marty for your event? 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. 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 called to check in a couple of times. I kept gaming out who was left. SubscribeStart your Register subscription today. It was 2005 and the . I think it was in June [1999] I think [thats] kinda when that started. 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. Walk-on player from Harrison, Ark., considered a long shot to get real playing time. I mean it was for me. Apr 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. He just kicked it in, No, this is not happening.. Brandon was home. Not like my younger brother Brandon. Trust. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. But that first year after Brandons accident, that was- for the whole family, [especially] my mother and me- I mean it was just it was unreal. 2023 By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. Official Sites She enjoys singing on the worship team at church, riding motorcycles with her husband, photography, and scrapbooking. 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. Real Estate. Background Report. Sure, bring him on up for a game, he said. He spent as many days as he could in the weight room getting stronger. You dont lose your faith I had struggles because [Id think] why?, you know. Its condensed. Hed be all over the line, right off the snap. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. 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. All-time overachiever Brandon Burlsworth had his life tragically cut short at the age of 22, but his impact lives on 17 years later . 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. I kept track of how many might be left for Brandon.O.K., they gave one to that boy, thats 12 so far. Thats what its all about: What you do while you were here. 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. And I was equally impressed with Missy, his wife [They] live in Fayetteville and they drove over to Harris to meet with us and she said Whatever he sets his mind to, he gets done that resonates with me because that was like Brandon. The foundation, which symbolizes his ethics and values, works for the benefit of needy children and provides them with physical as well as spiritual support, something Brandon was known for. But [the death was] not the ending. Greater, though, looks to something more than this: something greater than any loss or tragedy. Now, at Arkansas and Indianapolis Burls Kids attend games for free. 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 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. Its a simple but effective response, nicely underscored by the gospel anthem Ill Fly Awayrunning through the film. by The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. - All Rights Reserved, VOL. 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. In the film, we see a lot of moments where the Marty character is learning from the persistence and drive of Brandon. director of photography Film Editing by David L. Hunt . Its what he leaned on to work as hard. In the end, Brandon got invited to be a walk-on. In 2007, she and her son Marty ventured out to open Burlsworth and Associates. That's an inadequate synopsis of an exemplary life. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American . I was just so proud of him. The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. In November 1998, the Razorbacks were 8-0, ranked 10th in the country, and playing at No. Brandon was so single-minded, so focused. 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. At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". Greater has three surprises, which is three more than most faith-based films, particularly of the inspirational sports-movie variety. 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. 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? He spent his first season of high school football as a sophomore on the sidelines. Jessica Mendoza's greatest pride is her background. 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. Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? It's "Greater." 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. "It was a passion project for everyone who was involved," actor Neal McDonough told CBN News. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. 131 | NO. Marty's ethnicity is Caucasian, whose political affiliation is unknown; and religious views are listed as Christian. He asked me to help him, but theres all this certification that goes into being an agent. Boy, did he have the size and did he have the skills. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the foundation and has been with the BBF since 2010. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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? MORE: Deserving teacher who received $530 from plane passengers surprised with more than . The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. 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. This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. 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. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Toggle header content 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. Man, you might get to play at the next level., Ah, I dont know, I just gotta focus on this season.. Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. 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. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 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 kind of guy you win with.. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. It's a show of faith. So Mom, Brandon and I piled into my minivan and we drove over to Fayetteville. COINCIDENCES. McDonough plays Marty, Brandon's big brother and father figure in the film, and he . They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. Well if you had taken God out of it, it [wouldve] been fiction. And if Brandon was doing whatever he could on the field, then I sure as heck would do whatever I could to help get my brother there. 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. The Olympic Gold Medalist shines light on her Hispanic heritage fueling her career. He loved football, Marty said. "Brian wouldn't let go.". (Now we see through a glass darkly ). I never used to worry before Brandon died. After the draft, he spoke to me a lot about helping other kids in Harrison. However, even from a young age, Brandon Burlsworth (Christopher Severio) knew in his heart he would one day play college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks, and dedicated his life to making a difference for himself and his teammates. Dramatic backlighting and silhouettes create a sense of foreboding and uncertainty, resonating with the themes of tragedy and doubt. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. Not that it got him very far initially. That's what Brandon did. 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.
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