Every week, Brandon made the drive home. Judea school district. There are about 11,000 people in town and one unspoken rule: If its Friday night, youre going to the Harrison High football game. I think the overall message of the film is we can learn from this and my character in the movie may not be 100 percent the way it is or the way it was, but that doesnt really matter. Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. We were going to Fayetteville for the game and I called him early in the week to tell him where our seats would be. Brandon also earned his masters degree at Arkansas before his playing career was done the first Razorback to do so. Arkansas All-American Walk-On Burlsworth Now the Subject of Film Channing Frye and Iman Shumpert are back to explain the stakes, place bets and analyze the most valuable players in the NBA Finals. Almost Perfect ARKANSAS LINEMAN BRANDON BURLSWORTH - Sports Illustrated 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. Harrison, Arkansas. | By Carl Kozlowski. His story has been told in a movie that's not "Rudy.". Public records for Marty Burlsworth range in age from 35 years old to 61 years old. To this day, people tell me where they were when they heard the news. We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. Unassuming, devout and a little dense, he never drinks, never swears and never takes anything personally. Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? 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. The voices of faith, hope and trust or the voices of doubt, disbelief and despair?. Opposing teams made game plans just to handle Brandon. You dont lose your faith I had struggles because [Id think] why?, you know. It was a terrible day for Harrison, it was a terrible day for the state. Although he never played a down in the NFL, he had impressed Mudd enough during mini-camp that the . Burlsworth was also Arkansas' first All-American player since 1993 and was also on the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll from 1995 to 1998. We watched the game from this conference room at the top of the stadium. SDG Reviews 'Greater'| National Catholic Register 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. Vickie Burlsworth is the Executive Director of the Foundation that she and Marty founded honoring Brandon after his passing in 1999. So when Brandon got it in his mind that he was going to be a Razorback, I was all in. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. Especially after it was all over and, you know, that was bad times. Every chance he got, Burlsworth went home to Harrison, a town of about 10,000 in the Ozarks, near the Missouri state line. Teens and up. 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 Burlsworth, 55, and who was 38 when Brandon died, says they were approached by Hollywood about making a film around Brandons story many years ago. At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". He was my brother and I just wanted everything for him. Although he had only participated in a Colts mini-clinic before the accident, Burlsworth left such an impression that the team wore a decal with his Colts number, 66, on their helmets that season and they honored him and the family at a game. Company Credits So I did whatever I could to be there for Brandon. 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? He loved football, Marty said. Being Catholic in Hollywood: it's possible. Just ask Neal McDonough Today, those glasses remain the symbol of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation brandonburlsworth.org. It's a show of faith. 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. On the way there, Burlsworth died an unthinkable death that shook the entire state. Eleven days later he passed on attending a Razorback ring presentation ceremony to drive to his hometown to take his mom to church. Some of his teammates have since told me how red his face would be during practice, how hard he went, how he never gave up. And I could see a little white car parked in her driveway. Sure, there's some creative license in the movie, but the message rings true. Bob Edmonson is a lifelong native of Harrison. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? So before he started his senior year, I started working on getting my certification. Brandon Burlsworth studied at the Harrison High School where he was an all-state selection. Greater (2016) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb Even in earthly terms it can be argued that Brandons life and achievements were not a waste. Burlsworth was too small (260 pounds) when he finished high school. So you didnt know if that was going to happen but that wasnt really the main [concern]. We drove it to death. And then he walked out and there it was: BURLSWORTH. So we really did have a good comfort level with them plus the agreement with Brian and them having the movie made was that the family would have some say so if something wasnt just right as far as the script goes and things like that and theyve kept us in the loop all along. The main [concern] was that it was going to go somewhere that really never happened. Faith, Trust and Character: The Life and Legacy of Brandon Burlsworth And that spring, the Burls boys found themselves in Indianapolis at the combine. 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. 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. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. Marty Burlsworth Phone Number, Address, Public Records | Radaris barbaraann@burlsworth.com. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. When we got back home to Harrison, the day of the draft was just filled with anxiety. That's not a boast. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. Theres no explanation for it. See, Brandon started out a little scrawny. It had this outdoor patio that you could stand on and look down on the field. So I think its normal. "I know Brandon would be super proud of that," Marty said . Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. 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. "He said, 'You'll have veto power,' " Marty Burlsworth remembered. Burlsworth rouses 'big brother' actor. Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and Brandon had seen the stadium and sat in the stands. If you followed the SEC back then, you may remember the Brandon Burlsworth story. Brandon wanted to do more, though. Thats the dream. 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. . I was high as a kite. "People are seeing it for the first time, and that's really cool," Marty said. The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference. Greater than my previous knowledge of a young man's winding road from small-town walk-on to home-state hero. 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? Steven D. Greydanus is the Registers film critic and creator of Decent Films. View Marty Burlsworth's record in Harrison, AR including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. He may be gone, but I still want to do whatever I can to keep his dreams going, to keep his legacy going. 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. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. I know it was hard. Those were offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworths trademark, and they were prominent even behind the facemask of his Arkansas Razorbacks helmet. Brandon was also the first Arkansas football player to complete his Masters Degree before playing his final college football game. The family respectfully declined. So that was kind of the stamp of approval there, plus theyre Christians and they didnt want to lose that faith aspect. Portrait and Wedding Photographers Arkansas And it paid off. He called to check in a couple of times. 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. Vickie's love for children is hard to escape. arkansas football. 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. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. It was just something that we thought of, you know. [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. 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. He played for the two SEC Western Division championship Razorback football teams in 1995 and 1998 and was named in the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll every single year during that period of time. His No. 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. 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. There he is, 300 pounds, and he just runs down this linebacker. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. I tried bringing it up to him again. Marty and Vickie Burlsworth - Owner - LinkedIn 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? Each Wednesday, he came back to take his mother, Barbara, to chapel. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals! But Brandon would stay on campus, working painting the stadium, setting up dorms, things like that and taking classes. It was all over ESPN. I wasnt sure. He told the family, "We don't want to take Brandon's faith out of this movie.". I think Brandon would be proud of the work were doing in his name. "It was a passion project for everyone who was involved," actor Neal McDonough told CBN News. He never got there, dying in a car accident at age 22. Because we dont want to be there- that close- to some scenes thatll be tough to watch even being filmed. He and his wife Tresia have four children, Michael, Jordan, Brandon and Samantha. No Greater Love Than This: Foundation Carries On Legacy of - AMP You know, we established his foundation shortly thereafter [the accident]. But [the death was] not the ending. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. 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). All this plays out in flashback, with all the usual sports-movie clichs, training sequences, montages, comic relief and so forth. Third, its beautifully and atmospherically shot by director David Hunt and cinematographer Gabe Mayan. 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. Still, with each pick, even in the first round, you get more and more nervous. Weve felt like weve been very involved and kept up to date on what was going on and were very happy with the outcome. 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. podcast interviews Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. Just give us a call at 870-741-5111 . The school was going to give Brandon a scholarship. But I knew we still needed a scholarship. Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to Do it the Burls Way. Brandon Burlsworth movie 'Greater' finally hits theaters - Sports And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. 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. Over the next two years he reformed his body to become more muscular and went back to a 300lb physique. Brandon's passionate yet painful faith story is now captured in a film called "Greater" which is inspired by the book written about the life of number 77. Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. That's an inadequate synopsis of an exemplary life. Trophy honors most outstanding Walk-On for twelfth year . And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. Brandon didnt dress the first two games of his freshman season, but we found out that hed be on the field for the third. Man, you might get to play at the next level., Ah, I dont know, I just gotta focus on this season.. Our parents divorced when Brandon was just two years old. 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. She received her Bachelors in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's brother, with Neal McDonough, who portrayed Marty in Greater. Greater, a 2016 release, tells the life story of Burlsworth, who rose from mediocrity to greatness depending on his faith.Just 10 days after being drafted by the NFL's Indianapolis . But I didnt have that natural talent. Burlsworth was selected to be of the team captains by his junior season in 1997 for the University of Arkansas. He was determined to drive home the same day so he could attend evening church service with the family. I want him here, buthellknow andwellknow., Coach, dont worry about it. In the film, we see a lot of moments where the Marty character is learning from the persistence and drive of Brandon. The Olympic Gold Medalist shines light on her Hispanic heritage fueling her career. 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. He's been gone to a better place for almost as long. How is the dynamic in reality versus how its shown in the film? We werent proactive at all in [making a movie]. A servant at heart, she also serves as president of their local foodbank, Ozark Share & Care. Marty L Burlsworth, Harrison Public Records Instantly 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. Brandons family and friends came together to form the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in his honor. 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. The phones calls started coming right after that. EWTN News, Inc. is the worlds largest Catholic news organization, comprised of television, radio, Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. He was born on 31-08-1986. The idea wasnt to be the greatest walk-on, Marty explained, it was to get a scholarship.. 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. 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. Two buses of Razorbacks players arrived. Greater streaming: where to watch movie online? - JustWatch Some of that was a little bit of filmmaking andwe were fine with it. As it turned out, it was a squad car, with officials there to convey the bad news. He asked me to help him, but theres all this certification that goes into being an agent. This one painful scene is wiser than all the movies the Fireproof / Courageous people have made (including their football movie, Facing the Giants). 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. Apr 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. Im sure he just got stuck in traffic, or maybe ran out of gas.