The University of Arkansas prides itself on doing things the "Burls Way.". It's a show of faith. Its condensed. 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. We suddenly needed that gear, because we would be rooting for the Colts. It was 2005 and the . Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Catholic actor Neal McDonough costars in a Rudy-like faith-based inspirational sports biopic that dares to explore doubt as well as belief. The movie will be shown on 800 screens throughout the U.S. on March 21 and March 28. He did not survive the accident and passed away on April 28, 1999. But [the death was] not the ending. It was disappointing, but Brandon wanted to go to Arkansas more than anything and, well, he didnt want any regrets. We didnt expect Brandon to go real high, and we had been told that he wouldnt. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. The 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? Still, with each pick, even in the first round, you get more and more nervous. 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. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the foundation and has been with the BBF since 2010. Everybody knew. Brandon Burlsworth was known as an American professional football player. Not early or easily when it came to football, but eventually and powerfully. Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. We want Brandon here, but if he cant handle it I can see what I can do to get him to a smaller school, he said. But this was my brother. Id do anything I could for him. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known." Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. 77 is one of just two numbers retired in the history of Arkansas football. The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. He loved football, Marty said. Lacking the football scholarship he absurdly hoped for, Brandon turns down full rides elsewhere to attend Arkansas. Evelyn lives in North Little Rock, AR with her husband, Paul, two sons, Bo and Owen, and dog Layla. The Passion of the Christ actor talks about the challenges of playing iconic roles and why good movies arent always family-friendly. He wasnt as tall or as heavy as D-I colleges wanted him to be. Today, those glasses remain the symbol of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation brandonburlsworth.org. And I dont want to say [it means] youre angry at God. Brandon was the kind of guy you win with.. We wont be there. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. Neal McDonough does an outstanding job as Marty Burlsworth. Why? There just wasnt enough space anywhere else. By that point he was about six-foot-two, over 200 pounds and still growing. 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. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. The odds were against him and nobody was looking his way. Chris Severio plays Burlsworth (No. 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 . And then apparently that thought process was also out there in California we did hear from some that approached us but one thing I wasnt 100 percent sure [of] was the commitment level over there which was why when Reindls wife said [when] he sets his mind to it, he gets it done, you know, Ive always heard that in Hollywood [scripts] can sit on the shelf forever. 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. Brandons number 77 became one of only two numbers retired in Arkansas Razorback football history. 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. Walk-on player from Harrison, Ark., considered a long shot to get real playing time. director of photography Film Editing by David L. Hunt . I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation. We planned to move out to Indianapolis with him. That's not a boast. 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 brothers age difference is the basis for one of the movies running gags, Martys discomfort at being mistaken for Brandons father. I was high as a kite. This life demanded a movie. Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. He took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. 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. Became a two-time All-SEC selection and a first-team All-American as a senior in 1998. 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. Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. He died instantly. Marty wont predict how the Razorbacks will finish in the SEC this season, but he will say that he believes Greater is the kind of film that people will want to see more than once because there are layers of life lessons. The year is 1999 and Marty Burlsworth is awaiting the funeral of his 22-year-old brother, Brandon. But I didnt have that natural talent. 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. 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. 166 | Friday, August 19, 2016, Arkansas All-American Walk-On Burlsworth Now the Subject of Film, You have entered an invalid email address, Research millions of people and Was there anything that you had to do for yourself spiritually or emotionally to prepare for the making of this movie? Cindi Hagood is our Program Director of the Eyes of a Champion program. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American . 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: 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 Company Credits 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. 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 Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. 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. 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. He earned All-SEC offensive guard in 1997 and 1998, was named first team All-American and was drafted for the Indiana Colts -- a role he didn't get to fulfill because a car wreck that ended his. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. Burlsworth was too small (260 pounds) when he finished high school. Of course, he was my brother and you do anything for family, but things were a little tougher for him. I had about 212,000 miles on it by the time I got rid of it. An expression that implied do it the correct way, in any event, when nobody is looking. One weekend when I was driving with Brandon to campus I think maybe it was his junior year a thought crossed my mind. Burlsworth rouses 'big brother' actor. I kept track of how many might be left for Brandon.O.K., they gave one to that boy, thats 12 so far. Vickie Burlsworth is the Executive Director of the Foundation that she and Marty founded honoring Brandon after his passing in 1999. Some of that was a little bit of filmmaking andwe were fine with it. 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. The National Junior Auxiliary awarded her Volunteer of the Year, and the Governor appointed her to the State Board of Dispensing Opticians. 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. Burlsworth Trophy Announces Nominees. Now, I was taking calls from the same stations about Brandons death.. 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. 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. The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference. Jessica Mendoza's greatest pride is her background. 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. Over the next two years he reformed his body to become more muscular and went back to a 300lb physique. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. 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 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. Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". Follow him on Twitter. Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. 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. COINCIDENCES. Powered by WebJIVE ~ Featured on the Harrison Arkansas Network. One, told in flashback, is a familiar, uplifting Rudy-like arc of an unpromising underdog who makes good despite enormous obstacles. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. Even an idea, you knowa script can sit on the shelf and never see the light of day. 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. And I remembered to do what other agents had advised me to do, I kept multiple lines open. Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. 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. The film covers the issues he had with his weight and his incredible work ethic that earned him a chance. 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. Especially after it was all over and, you know, that was bad times. (as David Hunt) (edited by) Casting By I dont think I got there. Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different. That was very very tough. Thats the dream. In 1998 he was selected for the College Football All-America Team and became the first player from Arkansas to be selected for College Football All-America Team since 1993. He was buried at the Gass Cemetery in Omaha, Arkansas, on May 2, 1999. He was a Razorback. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. | 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. The next week, Brandon flew to Indianapolis for minicamp. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Pig Trail Nation / Jun 1, 2021 / 04:30 PM CDT. Hes always taking a knee, and he crosses himself (a curious gesture, since from his funeral his family is clearly not Catholic). Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and Brandon had seen the stadium and sat in the stands. 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. 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. 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. 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. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. Even his peers saw an innocent kid who just didnt understand why he couldnt make it in college football, and certainly not the NFL. Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. She started her career with Century 21 and then joined Jerry Jackson as he opened his office in 2001. Dramatic backlighting and silhouettes create a sense of foreboding and uncertainty, resonating with the themes of tragedy and doubt. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. This one painful scene is wiser than all the movies the Fireproof / Courageous people have made (including their football movie, Facing the Giants). In the film, we see a lot of moments where the Marty character is learning from the persistence and drive of Brandon. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. Marty Burlsworth and his agents have been and will continue to be trusted names in the real estate market. Marty Burlsworth hasn't provided a bio yet. to you, Keep an eye on trends and events 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 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. And then he walked out and there it was: BURLSWORTH. Hed be all over the line, right off the snap. "It was a struggle similar to Brandon's struggle to play college football," Marty Burlsworth said. After interning at Super Bowl 46 in Indianapolis, she started full-time with USA Football, the NFLs non-profit partner which led her to her love of mega-events and non-profit work. I didn't see it in the theater. Background Report. Steven D. Greydanus is the Registers film critic and creator of Decent Films. He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. Not that it got him very far initially. What was your first thought when someone approached you about making Greater? Out of nowhere, Brandon knocks him out of bounds, Marty said. Then I turned on Netflix and watched an honest, humble, earnest movie about the man called "Greater.". In November 1998, the Razorbacks were 8-0, ranked 10th in the country, and playing at No. Greaters response to the problem of evil, to disbelief and nihilism, is not an argument, but an action: a choice to trust. Im sure he just got stuck in traffic, or maybe ran out of gas. I tried bringing it up to him again. Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's brother, with Neal McDonough, who portrayed Marty in Greater. The voices of faith, hope and trust or the voices of doubt, disbelief and despair?. He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. Trust. By all accounts, Burlsworth spent his 22 years on this earth showing everyone in his orbit how to do faith, family and football right. Burlsworth was selected to be of the team captains by his junior season in 1997 for the University of Arkansas. 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. you, Subscribe to The Daily Real Estate. Burlsworth died in a car accident on April 28, 1999, and his story of faith and conviction has been gaining recognition in recent years due to various programs and a new biopic called "Greater.". He said he wanted to hold football camps and bring kids to his NFL games. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. His screenplay grew out of the book Through the Eyes of a Champion: The Brandon Burlsworth Story, by Jeff Kinley. I wanted everything for Brandon, and within a few moments, it had all been taken away. We watched the game from this conference room at the top of the stadium. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. Its a simple but effective response, nicely underscored by the gospel anthem Ill Fly Awayrunning through the film. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. And I didnt want him to always be wondering what could have been. By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. On Aug. 26, the movie about his life, Greater, opens nationwide. Now, at Arkansas and Indianapolis Burls Kids attend games for free. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. But Id do anything for that kid. Just give us a call at 870-741-5111 . I wasnt sure. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. [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. Weve felt like weve been very involved and kept up to date on what was going on and were very happy with the outcome. 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. Because we dont want to be there- that close- to some scenes thatll be tough to watch even being filmed. 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. 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..
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