Sure, bring him on up for a game, he said. It was disappointing, but Brandon wanted to go to Arkansas more than anything and, well, he didnt want any regrets. monetization of National Catholic Register RSS feeds is strictly prohibited. In 2007, she and her son Marty ventured out to open Burlsworth and Associates. Teens and up. A couple of weeks before Brandon left for school, one of the Arkansas coaches called me. Burlsworth film moves to Netflix - Hotsr.com 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. As it turned out, it was a squad car, with officials there to convey the bad news. Directed by David L. Hunt . 'GMA' surprises foundation helping young football lovers across This life demanded a movie. Not as devout as his brother, Marty turns desperately to faith in a moment of crisis when he wants a miracle. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. Hed tell me what it was like but hed never say it was really hard and Im not sure I can do this. If it meant going over to Moms house to help him with homework, I wanted to be there. We watched the game from this conference room at the top of the stadium. It would take 11 years - with Reindl financing the independent production himself when other investors dried up - but in 2016, "Greater" hit the theaters. View Marty Burlsworth's record in Harrison, AR including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. 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 . Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Yeah, lets go buy some Colts stuff.. Greater than my limited understanding of the painful search for meaning every time a life ends so young. He had planned to help underprivileged children, and his. He initially joined Arkansas Razorbacks as a walk-on but later he was handed an athletes scholarship and eventually became an all-American. And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. 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? Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Toggle header content 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. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. By all accounts, Burlsworth spent his 22 years on this earth showing everyone in his orbit how to do faith, family and football right. Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. 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. As we walked by one of the pro shops, we joked to each other. 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. 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. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. The brothers age difference is the basis for one of the movies running gags, Martys discomfort at being mistaken for Brandons father. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church. Although he never played a down in the NFL, he had impressed Mudd enough during mini-camp that the . 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. Aug 26, 2016. Proudly created with Wix.com. That's what Brandon did. Everybody knew. Marty is registered to vote in Boone County, 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. 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 Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Pig Trail Nation / Jun 1, 2021 / 04:30 PM CDT. The University of Arkansas prides itself on doing things the "Burls Way.". Had life turned out differently, Marty Burlsworth might be reflecting on his brother's pro football career during Super Bowl weekend. He took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. They can assist you with all your real estate needs. Harrison, Arkansas, is set as small town as it receives. But that first year after Brandons accident, that was- for the whole family, [especially] my mother and me- I mean it was just it was unreal. Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. He is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. One weekend when I was driving with Brandon to campus I think maybe it was his junior year a thought crossed my mind. 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. I didn't see it in the theater. Catholic Church. We suddenly needed that gear, because we would be rooting for the Colts. Or Drew Carey, the comedian. director of photography Film Editing by David L. Hunt . There he is, 300 pounds, and he just runs down this linebacker. Share. 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. Being Catholic in Hollywood: it's possible. Just ask Neal McDonough Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. 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. 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. Was there anything that you had to do for yourself spiritually or emotionally to prepare for the making of this movie? (as David Hunt) (edited by) Casting By By that point he was about six-foot-two, over 200 pounds and still growing. 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. And I could see a little white car parked in her driveway. The drive would always take around an hour and a half but he never made it. Almost Perfect ARKANSAS LINEMAN BRANDON BURLSWORTH - Sports Illustrated He was my brother and I just wanted everything for him. Caveat Spectator: Football roughness; some language; some thematic elements including alcoholism and religious questioning. Evelyn lives in North Little Rock, AR with her husband, Paul, two sons, Bo and Owen, and dog Layla. Brandon was also the first Arkansas football player to complete his Masters Degree before playing his final college football game. Renew or manage your subscription here. 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 . Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different. He wasthatgood. And that spring, the Burls boys found themselves in Indianapolis at the combine. I dont how many times Id call to check in.Coach, ya need anything?Id sit every week with the newspaper. As floodwaters washed away his Louisiana home, the pretend Brandon 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. He was also named to the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll 1995-1998 and was the first football player in the entire history of his university to earn a Master's degree "before" playing his last game. It was the Razorbacks. Didn't buy it or rent it or watch it on DVD. Faith, Trust and Character: The Life and Legacy of Brandon Burlsworth Trust. Or Kurt Rambis, the funny-looking center for the Los Angeles Lakers. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination - YouTube Vickie's love for children is hard to escape. What Marty thinks about now, though, is that even when Brandon was in college and then after he was drafted by the Colts, he had all these ideas for how he wanted to help people. Not good at all. It is also possible to rent "Greater" on Redbox, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Apple TV, Microsoft Store online and to . Possible relatives for Marty Burlsworth include Roselee Arnold, Keshia Flowers, Brady Burlsworth and several . Cindi Hagood is our Program Director of the Eyes of a Champion program. 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. She received her Bachelors in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. And the first call I made was to the recruiting coordinator at Arkansas. In the end, Brandon got invited to be a walk-on. of prospects that meet your criteria, Monitor any person, property or Now, at Arkansas and Indianapolis Burls Kids attend games for free. But as I turned the next corner onto Moms street and pulled up to her house, I got a good look at the car. Starting the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation shortly after his death, even as the grief was overwhelming, just set those plans into motion sooner. Locations and showtimes are available onwww.greaterthemovie.com. 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? I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. Its unreal. But, you know, how would you make it where it wasnt basically depressing. She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. I let out a little sigh of relief. 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. 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. arkansas football. Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. Why? Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. 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. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Greater (film) - Wikipedia Faith is the river that runs through it all, from Brandon's Christian life to Marty's painful spiritual journey at his death to the care with which those threads are woven together. So when Brandon got it in his mind that he was going to be a Razorback, I was all in. Other boys would go home after school got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July. I wanted everything for Brandon, and within a few moments, it had all been taken away. And the only element bigger than excessive faculty soccer in Harrison or anywhere else . 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. Boy, did he have the size and did he have the skills. That's an inadequate synopsis of an exemplary life. Brandon Burlsworth was known as an American professional football player. COINCIDENCES. His high school coaches couldnt believe his size when he came back for his junior season. People were swinging by all day. Order Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization He knew he could. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. 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. She has 3 sons, Marty, Grady and the late Brandon Burlsworth. Marty L Burlsworth, Harrison Public Records Instantly He may be gone, but I still want to do whatever I can to keep his dreams going, to keep his legacy going. Hes always taking a knee, and he crosses himself (a curious gesture, since from his funeral his family is clearly not Catholic). 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. The voices of faith, hope and trust or the voices of doubt, disbelief and despair?. Brandon was the kind of guy you win with.. Jessica Mendoza's greatest pride is her background. So Mom, Brandon and I piled into my minivan and we drove over to Fayetteville. Thats what its all about: What you do while you were here. 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. 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. "Brian wouldn't let go.". Brandon wanted to do more, though. As Brandon and I were standing out there, the offensive linemen came out, running on the field with their helmets on. And Ill get a photo of you in your uniform. 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. Burlsworth Trophy Announces Nominees - Burlsworth Trophy Company Credits To this day, people tell me where they were when they heard the news. When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. 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. Greater, a film depicting the life and tragic death of Brandon Burlsworth will be released in theaters on August 26th. Brandon Burlsworth - Wikipedia https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/brandon-burlsworth-35134.php. We may still get one. An expression that implied do it the correct way, in any event, when nobody is looking. 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. There were many times I know it was tough. Eleven days later he passed on attending a Razorback ring presentation ceremony to drive to his hometown to take his mom to church. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. Background Report. His faith, his family and his football, in that order. Greater is playing in limited release (find theaters). He did not survive the accident and passed away on April 28, 1999. I was high as a kite. Brandon also earned his masters degree at Arkansas before his playing career was done the first Razorback to do so. In November 1998, the Razorbacks were 8-0, ranked 10th in the country, and playing at No. He was determined to drive home the same day so he could attend evening church service with the family. Theres never a day where I dont think about Brandon. Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. Marty Leo Burlsworth from Harrison, Arkansas | VoterRecords.com He called to check in a couple of times. I mean it was for me. 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. He put on weight before enrolling at Arkansas, but it was a bad 40 or so pounds that he eventually had to melt before. So I think its normal. Channing Frye and Iman Shumpert are back to explain the stakes, place bets and analyze the most valuable players in the NBA Finals. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known. Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. 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. (as David Hunt) (directed by) Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification Produced by Music by Stephen Endelman . He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. Faith and family they meant everything to Brandon. The Passion of the Christ actor talks about the challenges of playing iconic roles and why good movies arent always family-friendly. Especially after it was all over and, you know, that was bad times. Unassuming, devout and a little dense, he never drinks, never swears and never takes anything personally. We had to have the funeral at the high school gym. He asked me to help him, but theres all this certification that goes into being an agent. Every chance he got, Burlsworth went home to Harrison, a town of about 10,000 in the Ozarks, near the Missouri state line. But that summer Brandon had two things going for him: His work ethic and, luckily, a pretty big growth spurt. When the pandemic started, I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us pass the time. For me, it was reading. 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. SubscribeStart your Register subscription today. For Burlsworth filmmaker, Netflix distribution a thrill Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. Vickie Burlsworth is the Executive Director of the Foundation that she and Marty founded honoring Brandon after his passing in 1999. I had about 212,000 miles on it by the time I got rid of it. ", Trouble was, every time he asked "what input would the family have" in how the story was told, he got the same answer: "None.". Thats the dream. Marty's current home is located at . 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. Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. Burlsworth and Associates Real Estate in Harrison, Arkansas. Realtors Still, with each pick, even in the first round, you get more and more nervous. One, told in flashback, is a familiar, uplifting Rudy-like arc of an unpromising underdog who makes good despite enormous obstacles. Ive heard the director say many times what weve done is [put] that [whole] first year [after the accident] in Neals piece in this movie. | See, Brandon started out a little scrawny. All-time overachiever Brandon Burlsworth had his life tragically cut short at the age of 22, but his impact lives on 17 years later . After the season, over the holidays, we got a call. Previously she worked for the Arkansas Travelers, USA Football, NFL, Athleta and the Outlets of Little Rock. So by his fourth year at Arkansas, he was already finishing his masters degree. Portrait and Wedding Photographers Arkansas 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 . And then he walked out and there it was: BURLSWORTH. The film covers the issues he had with his weight and his incredible work ethic that earned him a chance. The Burls Way: How a Denham Springs man got the lead in 'Greater French Monastery Survives War and Famine After 885 Years, the Basilica of St. Ambrose in Milan, and More Great Links! Bob Edmonson is a lifelong native of Harrison. He was in the prime of his football career. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ. He wont be going down., Well, thats good, he said, sort of laughing. He goes through something we all face when we experience tragedy and trials: Which voices do we listen to? Takeaways from Brandon Burlsworth movie 'Greater' 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. 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. 1 Tennessee. Brandons family and friends came together to form the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in his honor. | 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. I think Brandon would be proud of the work were doing in his name. 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. 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.. At present, through the Burls Kids program, the foundation works towards providing underprivileged youths a chance to visit Razorback and Colts football games. Some of his teammates have since told me how red his face would be during practice, how hard he went, how he never gave up. 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. . 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. I dont think I got there. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. It was a terrible day for Harrison, it was a terrible day for the state. I never used to worry before Brandon died. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. Finally, in the third round Brandon answered the phone and gave us the thumbs-up. (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. How is the dynamic in reality versus how its shown in the film? 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. Follow him on Twitter. Lacking the football scholarship he absurdly hoped for, Brandon turns down full rides elsewhere to attend Arkansas. We found 2 people in 2 states named Marty Burlsworth living in the US. What was your first thought when someone approached you about making 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. to you, Keep an eye on trends and events Greaters response to the problem of evil, to disbelief and nihilism, is not an argument, but an action: a choice to trust. Greater, though, looks to something more than this: something greater than any loss or tragedy. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. Marty Burlsworth tells us about bringing the story of Greater to the screen, his relationship with Brandon, and making ones way through understanding and accepting God in times of crisis. Youll have all your coursework done and can graduate at the end of the year anyway., Yeah, he said with a smile. 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. You know, we established his foundation shortly thereafter [the accident]. Marty Burlsworth, in the aftermath of Brandon's death, suffers a crisis of conscience that questions his .