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. 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. No Greater Love Than This: Foundation Carries On Legacy of - AMP I mean everybody knew. Small sins lead to big sins, and big sins bring about a terrible spiritual darkness. I was just so proud of him. He believes by sheer word of mouth, the movie will develop a dedicated following. Marty Burlsworth and his agents have been and will continue to be trusted names in the real estate market. He lauds Chris Severio for his measured portrayal of Brandon, and veteran actor Neal McDonough, he says, does a tremendous job as Marty Burlsworth. All-time overachiever Brandon Burlsworth had his life tragically cut short at the age of 22, but his impact lives on 17 years later . He spent his first season of high school football as a sophomore on the sidelines. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. He wasnt as tall or as heavy as D-I colleges wanted him to be. He put on weight before enrolling at Arkansas, but it was a bad 40 or so pounds that he eventually had to melt before. The family respectfully declined. Neal McDonough (L) plays Marty Burlsworth in 'Greater' (Hammond Entertainment). As it turned out, it was a squad car, with officials there to convey the bad news. The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. 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. I dont how many times Id call to check in.Coach, ya need anything?Id sit every week with the newspaper. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. SubscribeStart your Register subscription today. But Id do anything for that kid. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. As floodwaters washed away his Louisiana home, the pretend Brandon Brandon didnt dress the first two games of his freshman season, but we found out that hed be on the field for the third. So by his fourth year at Arkansas, he was already finishing his masters degree. And Ill get a photo of you in your uniform. Its a simple but effective response, nicely underscored by the gospel anthem Ill Fly Awayrunning through the film. Unassuming, devout and a little dense, he never drinks, never swears and never takes anything personally. On Aug. 26, the movie about his life, Greater, opens nationwide. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Thats pretty tough. He knew he could. Even his peers saw an innocent kid who just didnt understand why he couldnt make it in college football, and certainly not the NFL. On the way there, Burlsworth died an unthinkable death that shook the entire state. 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. 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. He asked me to help him, but theres all this certification that goes into being an agent. [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. Brandon also earned his masters degree at Arkansas before his playing career was done the first Razorback to do so. Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. So that was kind of the stamp of approval there, plus theyre Christians and they didnt want to lose that faith aspect. "People are seeing it for the first time, and that's really cool," Marty said. He said he wanted to hold football camps and bring kids to his NFL games. Well if you had taken God out of it, it [wouldve] been fiction. So when Brandon got it in his mind that he was going to be a Razorback, I was all in. She started her career with Century 21 and then joined Jerry Jackson as he opened his office in 2001. EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Marty Burlsworth of New Faith-Based Film We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. 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. We had to have the funeral at the high school gym. 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. 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. Becoming a Razorback As the title suggests, this is the story of the most successful walk-on in the history of college football at the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. SDG Reviews 'Greater'| National Catholic Register So we had talked to a group or two out of California that had pitched the idea but we just never were at peace or had any comfort. The movie wouldn't get made until a non-Hollywood type, an Arkansas real estate developer named Brian Reindl, decided this was a story worth telling onscreen with the Burlsworth family's input - and then some. Even in earthly terms it can be argued that Brandons life and achievements were not a waste. 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. Film depicting ex-Arkansas Razorbacks star Brandon Burlsworth to - ESPN French Monastery Survives War and Famine After 885 Years, the Basilica of St. Ambrose in Milan, and More Great Links! 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.". 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. It always seemed like a movie to me. In the end, Brandon got invited to be a walk-on. Hed be all over the line, right off the snap. The family respectfully declined. Harrison, Arkansas, is set as small town as it receives. The Olympic Gold Medalist shines light on her Hispanic heritage fueling her career. Didn't buy it or rent it or watch it on DVD. They love to interact with people of all communities and podcast interviews have become a wonderful outlet for that. choose Christ at a young age and you will always be a winner in Christ's eyes; excelling at a sport is fine as . Vickie Burlsworth is the Executive Director of the Foundation that she and Marty founded honoring Brandon after his passing in 1999. And it paid off. I would talk to him most every night. Anything that wasnt right, wasnt real, wasnt what Brandon was about. Today, those glasses remain the symbol of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation brandonburlsworth.org. Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. MORE: Deserving teacher who received $530 from plane passengers surprised with more than . He did not survive the accident and passed away on April 28, 1999. Where it doesnt have such a bad ending? Its unreal. But, you know, how would you make it where it wasnt basically depressing. He was, with various modifiers, Clark Kent. I'd traveled to Razorback Stadium for decades - long considered it the SEC's most hospitable hostile environment - so I thought I knew the story of Arkansas football legend Brandon Burlsworth. Trophy honors most outstanding Walk-On for twelfth year . And I couldnt wait to be right there with him. This was the dream. Of course, he was my brother and you do anything for family, but things were a little tougher for him. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. 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 director of photography Film Editing by David L. Hunt . Chris Severio plays Burlsworth (No. 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. 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. 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. And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. Follow him on Twitter. I never used to worry before Brandon died. Brandon was home. It was the Razorbacks. 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's ethnicity is Caucasian, whose political affiliation is unknown; and religious views are listed as Christian. Caveat Spectator: Football roughness; some language; some thematic elements including alcoholism and religious questioning. 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? Sign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox. Sometimes Marty goes by various nicknames including Marty L Burlsworth and Marty Leo Burlsworth. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. He wasthatgood. The Vols blocked a kick in that game and the football was picked up by linebacker Al Wilson, who started racing down the right sideline a good 40 yards down the sideline. It would take 11 years - with Reindl financing the independent production himself when other investors dried up - but in 2016, "Greater" hit the theaters. 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. What was your first thought when someone approached you about making Greater? 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." The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. Powered by WebJIVE ~ Featured on the Harrison Arkansas Network. She has 3 sons, Marty, Grady and the late Brandon Burlsworth. Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's brother, with Neal McDonough, who portrayed Marty in Greater. The film promotes Burlsworth as the greatest walk-on in the history of college football and there is an award the Brandon Burlsworth Trophy, which Marty oversees that is given annually to college footballs best player who began his career as a walk-on. I tried bringing it up to him again. Vickie's love for children is hard to escape. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ. And then he walked out and there it was: BURLSWORTH. 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. It was disappointing, but Brandon wanted to go to Arkansas more than anything and, well, he didnt want any regrets. Brandon Burlsworth movie 'Greater' finally hits theaters - Sports 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. By that point he was about six-foot-two, over 200 pounds and still growing. 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. Starting the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation shortly after his death, even as the grief was overwhelming, just set those plans into motion sooner. 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.". News. One, told in flashback, is a familiar, uplifting Rudy-like arc of an unpromising underdog who makes good despite enormous obstacles. The 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church. Greater than my previous knowledge of a young man's winding road from small-town walk-on to home-state hero. 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 . But he had his priorities right. Brandon Burlsworth Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. I kept track of how many might be left for Brandon.O.K., they gave one to that boy, thats 12 so far. Brandon doesnt start out with all that promise. This has been a pretty big year for me tra. Marty says the finished product doesnt get everything exact, such as speeding up the time of events and taking conversations that happened over the phone and making them into face-to-face exchanges, but thats not a criticism just a nod to the difference between a book and a screenplay. They put it in more of a condensed form which is the way filmmaking generally always happens. The movie was well-received upon its theatrical release, but thanks to its March debut on streaming giant Netflix, it's finding a new audience at a perfect time. Brandon Burlsworth found certainty in an uncertain world. I know it was hard. 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. Director Yelena Popovic discusses why this film had to be made. Greater than my limited understanding of the painful search for meaning every time a life ends so young. Brandon Burlsworth's Story of Triumph Over Tragedy is 'Greater' Official Sites The odds were against him and nobody was looking his way. There are few actors in Hollywood brave enough to wear their Catholic faith on . Dramatic backlighting and silhouettes create a sense of foreboding and uncertainty, resonating with the themes of tragedy and doubt. A coda sums up the impact of Brandons life: the programs, scholarships and so forth established in his name. 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. Theres no explanation for it. After working 11 years on his Brandon Burlsworth biopic Greater, Reindl is within days of seeing his dream project open on 400 to 450 screens across the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest next week.. Burlsworth was an All-American football player for the University of Arkansas, who died tragically in an automobile . properties, Build a downloadable list Bob Edmonson is a lifelong native of Harrison. The school was going to give Brandon a scholarship. In 2007, she and her son Marty ventured out to open Burlsworth and Associates. Was there anything that you had to do for yourself spiritually or emotionally to prepare for the making of this movie? Marty's current home is located at . After his death, the Arkansas Razorbacks retired his jersey in his honor and encased his locker in glass for public display. Barbara Burlsworth has been in real estate since 1997. View Marty Burlsworth's record in Harrison, AR including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Greater: Brandon Burlsworth movie as unlikely as Razorback career The life and still-impactful legacy of Brandon Burlsworth Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. 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. 2018 Burlsworth & Associates Real Estate in Harrison, AR But almost every boy growing up in the state wants to be a Razorback. I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation. Brandons older brother Marty started the foundation after Brandons death in 1999. podcast interviews Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. Greater is playing in limited release (find theaters). He earned 1st team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998 and was selected for the 1998 College Football All-America Team. 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. With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth - SECHARS (as David Hunt) (directed by) Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification Produced by Music by Stephen Endelman . 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. The former Arkansas hostile, Brandon Burlsworth was headed to his Harrison, Ark., home from Fayetteville, where he got a SEC West title ring alongside the remainder of the 1998 Razorbacks on April 28, 1999. Burlsworth rouses 'big brother' actor. If there was anything inappropriate in it, of course that was all made up. 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. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. Hes always taking a knee, and he crosses himself (a curious gesture, since from his funeral his family is clearly not Catholic). "He said, 'You'll have veto power,' " Marty Burlsworth remembered. We watched the game from this conference room at the top of the stadium. All this plays out in flashback, with all the usual sports-movie clichs, training sequences, montages, comic relief and so forth. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. Third, its beautifully and atmospherically shot by director David Hunt and cinematographer Gabe Mayan. Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. We understand that your home is important to you and we strive to walk you through the steps to get the most for your dollar. MARTY BURLSWORTH CONTRIBUTOR Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. His Subaru clipped an incoming 18-wheeler and then collided head-on with a tractor-trailer in Alpena, Arkansas. It was all over ESPN. Marty Leo Burlsworth (age 62) is listed at 3775 Savannah Drive Harrison, Ar 72601 and is affiliated with the Optional Party. 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. I want him here, buthellknow andwellknow., Coach, dont worry about it. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. Its what he leaned on to work as hard. 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. Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. In November 1998, the Razorbacks were 8-0, ranked 10th in the country, and playing at No. He is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. Our Team | Brandon Burlsworth Foundation - The BBF He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. 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. 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. Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Hell show up and everything will be fine.. Portrait and Wedding Photographers Arkansas print and digital media outlets, dedicated to reporting the truth in light of the Gospel and the But Brandon would stay on campus, working painting the stadium, setting up dorms, things like that and taking classes. 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. Greater Movie Review | Common Sense Media 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. I think Brandon would be proud of the work were doing in his name. We didnt expect Brandon to go real high, and we had been told that he wouldnt. The story unfolds in two strands. Marty Burlsworth hasn't provided a bio yet. Spreading the Story of a Christ-like Football Hero - PENews See, Brandon started out a little scrawny. That's what Brandon did. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the foundation and has been with the BBF since 2010. 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. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. The brothers age difference is the basis for one of the movies running gags, Martys discomfort at being mistaken for Brandons father. Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. 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 dont think I got there. So Mom, Brandon and I piled into my minivan and we drove over to Fayetteville. 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. Asked what hes doing, Brandon says, Nothing, because he really hadnt given it a second thought. Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and Brandon had seen the stadium and sat in the stands. Real Estate. There were many times I know it was tough. Especially after it was all over and, you know, that was bad times. The voices of faith, hope and trust or the voices of doubt, disbelief and despair?. Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to.

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