What was your first thought when someone approached you about making Greater? company, Get valuable lists emailed directly We drove it to death. It always seemed like a movie to me. Thats the dream. 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. Marty Burlsworth | Brandon Burlsworth Foundation | Public Appearances 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. Jessica Mendoza's greatest pride is her background. The drive would always take around an hour and a half but he never made it. arkansas football. There were many times I know it was tough. By the time he was a senior, we both knew that if we wanted to keep playing football he was going to have to enter the NFL draft. Youll have all your coursework done and can graduate at the end of the year anyway., Yeah, he said with a smile. Those were offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworths trademark, and they were prominent even behind the facemask of his Arkansas Razorbacks helmet. He was a Razorback. 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. In the end, Brandon got invited to be a walk-on. Marty's current home is located at . Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Martys struggle is not entirely internal. 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 was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. He grew up in Barnstable, Massachusetts, graduated from Barnstable High School, and attended Syracuse University. Marty is registered to vote in Boone County, Arkansas. Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - Hes not going down.. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. | By Carl Kozlowski. 1 Tennessee. Brandon Burlsworth was known as an American professional football player. Proudly created with Wix.com. Why? By using BiJog.com you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. We didnt expect Brandon to go real high, and we had been told that he wouldnt. Greater Movie Review | Common Sense Media By all accounts, Burlsworth spent his 22 years on this earth showing everyone in his orbit how to do faith, family and football right. Marty Burlsworth hasn't provided a bio yet. Marty Burlsworth, 61 - Harrison | Free Public Reputation Profile - MyLife Other boys would go home after school got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July. The SEC Blog: The inspiring story of Burlsworth And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. The odds were against him and nobody was looking his way. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals. Brazilian Charity Caring for Children Who Survived Abortions Issues Urgent Appeal, Memento Mori: Remember You Are Going to Die, The Meat of the Matter: St. Patricks Day and the Lenten Fast, Pope Francis Inexhaustible Font of Words: 10 Gems From the Heart Over 10 Years. There are few actors in Hollywood brave enough to wear their Catholic faith on . podcast interviews Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. It was all over ESPN. With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth - SECHARS Brandon wanted to do more, though. 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. 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 . Id do anything I could for him. McDonough plays Marty, Brandon's big brother and father figure in the film, and he . 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 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. The University of Arkansas prides itself on doing things the "Burls Way.". Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. And it paid off. Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Burlsworth rouses 'big brother' actor. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. (Now we see through a glass darkly ). And we were concerned that his faith would take a big backseatAnd we just werent up for that at all. He called to check in a couple of times. Official Sites As far as Brandon goes and reliving everything- through his foundation weve always kept his memory alive and his example out there for kids ever since his accident. Brandon Burlsworth Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements 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. When the pandemic started, I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us pass the time. For me, it was reading. Possible relatives for Marty Burlsworth include Roselee Arnold, Keshia Flowers, Brady Burlsworth and several . And would you believe, all these NFL agents started flying into Harrison wanting to sign Brandon. 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. With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth. (as Stephen Raynor-Endelman) (music by) Cinematography by Gabe Mayhan . It was the Razorbacks. SDG Reviews 'Greater'| National Catholic Register We planned to move out to Indianapolis with him. She received her Bachelors in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. He said he wanted to hold football camps and bring kids to his NFL games. Burlsworth was also Arkansas' first All-American player since 1993 and was also on the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll from 1995 to 1998. Eleven days later he passed on attending a Razorback ring presentation ceremony to drive to his hometown to take his mom to church. You take care of it, you get things done. Greater (2016) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb 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. That first year has been put into the way it comes off on screen his feelings and the way hes taking it and I mean it was a rough time and anyone thats had a family member thats passed unexpectedly or too soon can relate to that. I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. He loved football, Marty said. Aug 26, 2016. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. But Brandon would stay on campus, working painting the stadium, setting up dorms, things like that and taking classes. That was very very tough. An expression that implied do it the correct way, in any event, when nobody is looking. Previously she worked for the Arkansas Travelers, USA Football, NFL, Athleta and the Outlets of Little Rock. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. Neal McDonough does an outstanding job as Marty Burlsworth. Had you ever thought of Brandons story as a film? Marty Burlsworth - Address & Phone Number | Whitepages He believes by sheer word of mouth, the movie will develop a dedicated following. 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. One of my sons, who was in my car with me, started asking what was wrong, what had happened. Burlsworth Character Award 'Greater' filmmaker proud to share Burlsworth's story with moviegoers I go straight to the sports and see if any scholarships were offered. "It was a passion project for everyone who was involved," actor Neal McDonough told CBN News. You know, Brandon, you could think about entering the draft. 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. If you followed the SEC back then, you may remember the Brandon Burlsworth story. 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. Burlsworth was selected to be of the team captains by his junior season in 1997 for the University of Arkansas. 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. The police could not determine the reason behind the tragic accident. When we got back home to Harrison, the day of the draft was just filled with anxiety. Sign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox. Greater reflects that relentless energy we need in order to be the best people we can and, at times, to push further than anyone suspects we can go. We had to have the funeral at the high school gym. Selfishly, I don't want Brandon to be forgotten. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. Burlsworth Trophy Announces Nominees. Not early or easily when it came to football, but eventually and powerfully. Brandon also earned his masters degree at Arkansas before his playing career was done the first Razorback to do so. Of course, he was my brother and you do anything for family, but things were a little tougher for him. 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. 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 took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. On top of that, Dad had trouble with drinking and wasnt really in our lives when Brandon was a little boy. Or Kurt Rambis, the funny-looking center for the Los Angeles Lakers. Every week, Brandon made the drive home. 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. Starting the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation shortly after his death, even as the grief was overwhelming, just set those plans into motion sooner. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the foundation and has been with the BBF since 2010. 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. And then he walked out and there it was: BURLSWORTH. 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. Brandon, the officer told us, had collided head-on with a semi. 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 never got there, dying in a car accident at age 22. But as Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's 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. Brandon Burlsworth age, bio, career, wife, net worth, married, weight He was determined to drive home the same day so he could attend evening church service with the family. We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. 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. And it was Brandons time. Walk-on player from Harrison, Ark., considered a long shot to get real playing time. A list of possible email addresses for Marty includes burlsworth@cox.net, mburlsworth@aol.com. She enjoys singing on the worship team at church, riding motorcycles with her husband, photography, and scrapbooking. They can assist you with all your real estate needs. 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 kept track of how many might be left for Brandon.O.K., they gave one to that boy, thats 12 so far. The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. Technical Specs, See agents for this cast & crew on IMDbPro, executive producer / producer (produced by), Managing Director: My Spotlight Independent & MY Production, hair stylist: additional photography / makeup artist: additional photography, second second assistant director (as Izzy Cowell), assistant stunt coordinator / stunt performer, casting director: Arkansas / extras casting / local casting, assistant to composer / music preparation, driver / driver: cast / production driver, production accountant (as Andrew Grey Johnson), very special thanks: the fayetteville volunteer fire department, very special thanks: the arkansas state film commission, special thanks (as Sheriff Steve Grundek), special thanks (as Pastor Ervin Hutchinson), special thanks (as Prinicpal Bill Keaster), special thanks (as Coach Norman Mitchell), very special thanks: the university of arkansas and the university athletic department. So you didnt know if that was going to happen but that wasnt really the main [concern]. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Arkansas Boone County Omaha Gass Cemetery George Leo Burlsworth It's a show of faith. director of photography Film Editing by David L. Hunt . Brandon isnt a very interesting character, but hes a likable one. And I know a lot of good has come out of it and I think a lot of good is going to continue to come out of it and only grow what were [doing] through this film and through Brandons foundation, to impact a lot of kids for many years. 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. [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. His Subaru clipped an incoming 18-wheeler and then collided head-on with a tractor-trailer in Alpena, Arkansas. The latest videos from KNWA FOX24. He would just say Yeah we did this, we did this, we did this and it was just like this is what were doing, you know he never [said] I cant do this. That just wasnt there because, you know, thats where his faith led him. 2022 by BBF. Brandon Burlsworth - Wikipedia He and his wife Tresia have four children, Michael, Jordan, Brandon and Samantha. He goes through something we all face when we experience tragedy and trials: Which voices do we listen to? We may still get one. 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. The story unfolds in two strands. 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. 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. Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and Brandon had seen the stadium and sat in the stands. He is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known." . Powered by WebJIVE ~ Featured on the Harrison Arkansas Network. I used to want the longest life, perfect health and happiness, but really it is that feeling that I am so glad that this isnt all there is and that we have heaven to wait for, and that well be with Jesus, and there will be no more tears Amber VanVickle (1982-2023), The headquarters of the charity, which serves as a consecrated family to 46 disabled children, were badly damaged in major flooding near Rio de Janeiro last year. Itll be real cool.. In the film, we see a lot of moments where the Marty character is learning from the persistence and drive of Brandon. As we walked by one of the pro shops, we joked to each other. Greater is currently playing in theaters and stars Neal McDonough, Christopher Severio, and Leslie Easterbrook. Background Report. He wasthatgood. Everybody knew. Where it doesnt have such a bad ending? Didn't buy it or rent it or watch it on DVD. Sometimes Marty goes by various nicknames including Marty L Burlsworth and Marty Leo Burlsworth. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. I wanted everything for Brandon, and within a few moments, it had all been taken away. 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. Its a family-friendly film carrying a PG rating and, ultimately, an inspirational message despite the tragedy no one in the Burlsworth family or his football families at Arkansas or in Indianapolis could have imagined. 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). 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. SubscribeStart your Register subscription today. 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. 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 want him here, buthellknow andwellknow., Coach, dont worry about it. And I remembered to do what other agents had advised me to do, I kept multiple lines open. Theres no explanation for it. Steven D. Greydanus is the Registers film critic and creator of Decent Films. Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. Weve felt like weve been very involved and kept up to date on what was going on and were very happy with the outcome. I had about 212,000 miles on it by the time I got rid of 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. 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. 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. Marty Burlsworth and his agents have been and will continue to be trusted names in the real estate market. He was in the prime of his football career. Channing Frye and Iman Shumpert are back to explain the stakes, place bets and analyze the most valuable players in the NBA Finals. 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. Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States, siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth, place of death: Alpena, Arkansas, United States. 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. She has 3 sons, Marty, Grady and the late Brandon Burlsworth. She then pursued her graduate degree at the University of Louisville where she interned for the athletic department. And he justdominatedon the field didnt matter if he was on defense or offense. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. His faith is what he relied on. Brandons older brother Marty started the foundation after Brandons death in 1999. Hed be all over the line, right off the snap. Each Wednesday, he came back to take his mother, Barbara, to chapel. And I couldnt wait to be right there with him. 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. Brandon was also the first Arkansas football player to complete his Masters Degree before playing his final college football game. 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? 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. Cindi Hagood is our Program Director of the Eyes of a Champion program. 131 | NO. But Id do anything for that kid. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. So when he was two hours late that evening, Mom started to get worried. 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. 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. It was disappointing, but Brandon wanted to go to Arkansas more than anything and, well, he didnt want any regrets. 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. Harrison, Arkansas, United States. The voices of faith, hope and trust or the voices of doubt, disbelief and despair?. (Marty Burlsworth) Neal McDonough was born on February 13, 1966 in Dorchester, Massachusetts, to Catherine (Bushe) and Frank McDonough, motel owners who were born in Ireland. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. 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. While the film might not give Burlsworth enough credit for what talent he did have no one goes from walk-on to All-American without some ability he did always seem to have a knack for doing what seemed impossible. 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 . Directed by David L. Hunt . 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. Arkansas doesnt have a pro football team I dont even know if a pro team could survive here. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. And for the next three years, every Friday at 5:30 p.m., Id close up the photography studio I owned in Harrison, pick up my mom, and my wife and kids, and drive to Brandons football games. It was 2005, and the Burlsworth family . 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. Marty Burlsworth Phone Number, Address, Public Records | Radaris Greater (2016) - Greater (2016) - User Reviews - IMDb By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. Hed call me or Id call him and we would talk about what practice was like that day. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. And boy, was he soaking it in. He was buried at the Gass Cemetery in Omaha, Arkansas, on May 2, 1999. We probably put 30,000 miles on my minivan each season. When Stoerner fell the ball came out and Tennessee recovered. This life demanded a movie. properties, Build a downloadable list Brandon didnt dress the first two games of his freshman season, but we found out that hed be on the field for the third. Price Range (last 24 months) $125K - $450K Areas Served Harrison Specializations Buyers Sellers Marty Burlsworth Burlsworth & Associates. It's "Greater." Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. But as it got later in the evening and Mom got more and more worked up, I hopped into my own car to head over and see if we could find out what had happened. On Aug. 26, the movie about his life, Greater, opens nationwide. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. 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. Marty Leo Burlsworth from Harrison, Arkansas | VoterRecords.com Vickie's love for children is hard to escape. But this was my brother. In 2007, she and her son Marty ventured out to open Burlsworth and Associates. The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. Its condensed. The state with the most residents by this name is Arkansas, followed by Colorado. But Arkansas was the dream. But this was on a different level. The Passion of the Christ actor talks about the challenges of playing iconic roles and why good movies arent always family-friendly. Brandon was home. So by his fourth year at Arkansas, he was already finishing his masters degree. The year is 1999 and Marty Burlsworth is awaiting the funeral of his 22-year-old brother, Brandon.