Because we dont want to be there- that close- to some scenes thatll be tough to watch even being filmed. Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. 2018 Burlsworth & Associates Real Estate in Harrison, AR 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. Became a two-time All-SEC selection and a first-team All-American as a senior in 1998. The mindset, which is inspired by former student Brandon Burlsworth, is all about doing things "the best you can," high school football coach Tommy Tice told "GMA.". But Arkansas was the dream. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission, or unlicensed commercial use or Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. All-time overachiever Brandon Burlsworth had his life tragically cut short at the age of 22, but his impact lives on 17 years later . That's not a boast. He loved football, Marty said. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. 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. Well if you had taken God out of it, it [wouldve] been fiction. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. Finally, in the third round Brandon answered the phone and gave us the thumbs-up. He and his wife Tresia have four children, Michael, Jordan, Brandon and Samantha. Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known. 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. The movie will be shown on 800 screens throughout the U.S. on March 21 and March 28. I mean it was for me. There he is, 300 pounds, and he just runs down this linebacker. He goes through something we all face when we experience tragedy and trials: Which voices do we listen to? Then I turned on Netflix and watched an honest, humble, earnest movie about the man called "Greater.". On the way there, Burlsworth died an unthinkable death that shook the entire state. He told the family, "We don't want to take Brandon's faith out of this movie.". 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. Its a good story and, you know, Neal McDonough struggling in the aftermath thats absolutely true. If you followed the SEC back then, you may remember the Brandon Burlsworth story. 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. Burlsworth, 22, was a third-round draft choice (63rd overall) of the Indianapolis Colts just two weeks ago and he and his brother and agent, Marty Burlsworth, were negotiating a contract. Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. Marty Leo Burlsworth's Arkansas Voter Registration. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Burlsworth Football Camps. He lauds Chris Severio for his measured portrayal of Brandon, and veteran actor Neal McDonough, he says, does a tremendous job as Marty Burlsworth. Hed call me or Id call him and we would talk about what practice was like that day. I dont even think he played one game. He had intended to help under advantaged children and the Burlsworth family settled the establishment that in his honor. 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. Im sure he just got stuck in traffic, or maybe ran out of gas. So you didnt know if that was going to happen but that wasnt really the main [concern]. Another initiative announced was the creation of a memorial for victims of abuse. In a few weeks hed be heading back. He knew he could. We may still get one. But before all that, Brandon made one last trip to Fayetteville to visit with his Razorbacks teammates. 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. Renew or manage your subscription here. So I did whatever I could to be there for Brandon. As Brandon and I were standing out there, the offensive linemen came out, running on the field with their helmets on. He received many scholarship offers from smaller universities but eventually chose to become a walk-on football player for the University of Arkansas. It was my dream, too, and I sure worked hard at it. The family respectfully declined. The 22-year-old Burlsworth, who had been drafted by the Colts 11 days earlier in the wake of gaining first-group All-America respects as a fifth-year senior, was involved with a head-on crash with a tractor-trailer around 15 miles outside Harrison and was killed. 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 A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. His high school coaches couldnt believe his size when he came back for his junior season. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. | I think Brandon would be proud of the work were doing in his name. 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. Vickie Burlsworth is the Executive Director of the Foundation that she and Marty founded honoring Brandon after his passing in 1999. [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. 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. The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. I kept track of how many might be left for Brandon.O.K., they gave one to that boy, thats 12 so far. So a few months after his death, we started the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, where we do all of that and more. But this was my brother. We probably put 30,000 miles on my minivan each season. "We want Brandon's message out there. And would you believe, all these NFL agents started flying into Harrison wanting to sign Brandon. Burlsworth Trophy Announces Nominees. Lacking the football scholarship he absurdly hoped for, Brandon turns down full rides elsewhere to attend Arkansas. 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. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? 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. So you just walk down this side of the stadium, O.K.? Greater, a film about Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, opens Aug. 26. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Toggle header content I dont think anyone was at fault. ", Trouble was, every time he asked "what input would the family have" in how the story was told, he got the same answer: "None.". Had life turned out differently, Marty Burlsworth might be reflecting on his brother's pro football career during Super Bowl weekend. He asked me to help him, but theres all this certification that goes into being an agent. 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. She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. His screenplay grew out of the book Through the Eyes of a Champion: The Brandon Burlsworth Story, by Jeff Kinley. 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. Now, at Arkansas and Indianapolis Burls Kids attend games for free. We suddenly needed that gear, because we would be rooting for the Colts. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. Brandon Burlsworth, NFL player. 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. 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. So that was kind of the stamp of approval there, plus theyre Christians and they didnt want to lose that faith aspect. Director Yelena Popovic discusses why this film had to be made. On Aug. 26, the movie about his life, Greater, opens nationwide. Greater is currently playing in theaters and stars Neal McDonough, Christopher Severio, and Leslie Easterbrook. Price Range (last 24 months) $125K - $450K Areas Served Harrison Specializations Buyers Sellers Marty Burlsworth Burlsworth & Associates. Marty's current home is located at . The state with the most residents by this name is Arkansas, followed by Colorado. They put it in more of a condensed form which is the way filmmaking generally always happens. She started her career with Century 21 and then joined Jerry Jackson as he opened his office in 2001. Starting the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation shortly after his death, even as the grief was overwhelming, just set those plans into motion sooner. Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. 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. She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. Its condensed. 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. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. So when he was two hours late that evening, Mom started to get worried. As quarterback Clint Stoerner accepted the snap and backed away from the center his foot got tangled up with Burlsworth, who was to his right and was backing up, trying to hold his block. Small sins lead to big sins, and big sins bring about a terrible spiritual darkness. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. And that spring, the Burls boys found themselves in Indianapolis at the combine. Some of that was a little bit of filmmaking andwe were fine with it. Background Report. 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 . Surely, he reasons, God will be merciful; Marty would be, and he cant be more merciful than God. 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. 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. And the first call I made was to the recruiting coordinator at Arkansas. This story focuses on Burlsworth's ambition, work ethic, family relationships, and strong religious convictions; teamwork and courage are strong themes. Not good at all. Brandon wanted to do more, though. This one painful scene is wiser than all the movies the Fireproof / Courageous people have made (including their football movie, Facing the Giants). https://www.ncregister.com/features/sdg-reviews-greater, Man of God A Film of Faith and Tranquility of the Soul for Our Troubled Time, Interview: Jim Caviezel Goes Back to the Bible in Paul, Apostle of Christ, Portuguese Bishops Announce Steps to End Sexual Abuse in the Church, We Know That Hes in Heaven: Thousands Gather for Funeral of Bishop David OConnell in Los Angeles, Archbishop Naumann and Bishop Paprocki Speak Out in Support of Traditional Latin Massgoers in Their Dioceses, Survey: Decline in Vocations to the Priesthood Is Worse Where Priests Serve Larger Flocks, Amber and Dave VanVickle on Finding God in the Midst of Suffering. By using BiJog.com you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and Brandon had seen the stadium and sat in the stands. 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. 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. 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. We planned to move out to Indianapolis with him. A coda sums up the impact of Brandons life: the programs, scholarships and so forth established in his name. 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. monetization of National Catholic Register RSS feeds is strictly prohibited. We found 2 people in 2 states named Marty Burlsworth living in the US. But I knew we still needed a scholarship. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. Greaters response to the problem of evil, to disbelief and nihilism, is not an argument, but an action: a choice to trust. Man, you might get to play at the next level., Ah, I dont know, I just gotta focus on this season.. or school. Now, if you find yourself at that Colts shop, I told him, You make sure and get us some gear this time.. Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. 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? Even when the coach is impressed with Brandons dedication, he isnt exactly nurturing: I cant think of another movie in which someone compares the hero to horse manure and its meant to be encouraging. He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. Our parents divorced when Brandon was just two years old. Caveat Spectator: Football roughness; some language; some thematic elements including alcoholism and religious questioning. At present, through the Burls Kids program, the foundation works towards providing underprivileged youths a chance to visit Razorback and Colts football games. 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. He may be gone, but I still want to do whatever I can to keep his dreams going, to keep his legacy going. (Now we see through a glass darkly ). 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. 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. MORE: Deserving teacher who received $530 from plane passengers surprised with more than . He was my brother and I just wanted everything for him. That was very very tough. An expression that implied do it the correct way, in any event, when nobody is looking. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. Marty Burlsworth and his agents have been and will continue to be trusted names in the real estate market. 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. 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. Burlsworth was also Arkansas' first All-American player since 1993 and was also on the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll from 1995 to 1998. On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. Share. 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. He is married to Vickie who serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation. As we walked by one of the pro shops, we joked to each other. 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. 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 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church.