Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different. Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. 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. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. 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. Slain Los Angeles auxiliary bishop was remembered at the Mass of Christian burial as friend of Jesus Christ and of Mary, our Blessed Mother.. The odds were against him and nobody was looking his way. 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. 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. Was there anything that you had to do for yourself spiritually or emotionally to prepare for the making of this movie? And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. 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. Previously she worked for the Arkansas Travelers, USA Football, NFL, Athleta and the Outlets of Little Rock. Anything that wasnt right, wasnt real, wasnt what Brandon was about. It was all over ESPN. His story has been told in a movie that's not "Rudy.". 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. 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. Surely, he reasons, God will be merciful; Marty would be, and he cant be more merciful than God. The idea wasnt to be the greatest walk-on, Marty explained, it was to get a scholarship.. No, we just kind of kept that to ourselves. 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. When he set his mind to something, you better believe you were going to witness him do 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 . We didnt expect Brandon to go real high, and we had been told that he wouldnt. In the movie Im learning from Brandon and I think weve all learned from Brandon but I was right there by his side all the way, you know, backing him and supporting him as far as what he was doing in school and football and the challenges. 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. Became a two-time All-SEC selection and a first-team All-American as a senior in 1998. It seemed as if the whole town was there to support Brandon and who he was and what he meant to everybody. "It was a passion project for everyone who was involved," actor Neal McDonough told CBN News. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. You take care of it, you get things done. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known." And the first call I made was to the recruiting coordinator at Arkansas. Unassuming, devout and a little dense, he never drinks, never swears and never takes anything personally. Where it doesnt have such a bad ending? "He said, 'You'll have veto power,' " Marty Burlsworth remembered. Sure, there's some creative license in the movie, but the message rings true. 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. near you, Up-to-date reports of crimes near Brandon, the officer told us, had collided head-on with a semi. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. It just takes some time. 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. All-time overachiever Brandon Burlsworth had his life tragically cut short at the age of 22, but his impact lives on 17 years later . The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. Vickie Burlsworth is the Executive Director of the Foundation that she and Marty founded honoring Brandon after his passing in 1999. There were many times I know it was tough. Still, with each pick, even in the first round, you get more and more nervous. 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. 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. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. The year is 1999 and Marty Burlsworth is awaiting the funeral of his 22-year-old brother, Brandon. Greater than my previous knowledge of a young man's winding road from small-town walk-on to home-state hero. Of course, he was my brother and you do anything for family, but things were a little tougher for him. of prospects that meet your criteria, Monitor any person, property or During the summer of 2007, Bob acquired his real estate license and in 2010 acquired his brokers license and is currently the Executive Broker for Burlsworth and Associates. When Stoerner fell the ball came out and Tennessee recovered. ", Trouble was, every time he asked "what input would the family have" in how the story was told, he got the same answer: "None.". Just give us a call at 870-741-5111 . 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. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. Not like my younger brother Brandon. 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 kept track of how many might be left for Brandon.O.K., they gave one to that boy, thats 12 so far. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known. 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." by The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. - All Rights Reserved, VOL. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. All this plays out in flashback, with all the usual sports-movie clichs, training sequences, montages, comic relief and so forth. I kept gaming out who was left. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. After the draft, he spoke to me a lot about helping other kids in Harrison. 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. The school was going to give Brandon a scholarship. Vickie L Burlsworth is also associated with this address. 131 | NO. Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Greater than my narrow expectation of "Rudy Calls the Hogs." Man, you might get to play at the next level., Ah, I dont know, I just gotta focus on this season.. He died instantly. He spent his first season of high school football as a sophomore on the sidelines. I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. I dont even think he played one game. Brandons older brother Marty started the foundation after Brandons death in 1999. Even an idea, you knowa script can sit on the shelf and never see the light of day. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. 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. One weekend when I was driving with Brandon to campus I think maybe it was his junior year a thought crossed my mind. I think the overall message of the film is we can learn from this and my character in the movie may not be 100 percent the way it is or the way it was, but that doesnt really matter. Marty is registered to vote in Boone County, Arkansas. Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. He was in the prime of his football career. Greater than my limited understanding of the painful search for meaning every time a life ends so young. It was 2005 and the . He is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. Not good at all. arkansas football. Arkansas doesnt have a pro football team I dont even know if a pro team could survive here. Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. The story unfolds in two strands. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. 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 22-year-old Burlsworth, who had been drafted by the Colts 11 days earlier in the wake of gaining first-group All-America respects as a fifth-year senior, was involved with a head-on crash with a tractor-trailer around 15 miles outside Harrison and was killed. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. 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. to you, Keep an eye on trends and events They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. They can assist you with all your real estate needs. And I couldnt wait to be right there with him. "People are seeing it for the first time, and that's really cool," Marty said. 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. 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. Finally, in the third round Brandon answered the phone and gave us the thumbs-up. As we walked by one of the pro shops, we joked to each other. 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. He did not survive the accident and passed away on April 28, 1999. I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation. (The devoutly Catholic McDonough, who also executive produced, has called Marty Burlsworth his favorite role.). The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. Evelyn lives in North Little Rock, AR with her husband, Paul, two sons, Bo and Owen, and dog Layla. The National Junior Auxiliary awarded her Volunteer of the Year, and the Governor appointed her to the State Board of Dispensing Opticians. Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. I think Brandon would be proud of the work were doing in his name. The latest videos from KNWA FOX24. He was a Razorback. 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. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We may still get one. So when Brandon got it in his mind that he was going to be a Razorback, I was all in. It's a show of faith. 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. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. But as I turned the next corner onto Moms street and pulled up to her house, I got a good look at the car. Thats what its all about: What you do while you were here. He knew he could. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. In 2007, she and her son Marty ventured out to open Burlsworth and Associates. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. Greater is playing in limited release (find theaters). Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. The Passion of the Christ actor talks about the challenges of playing iconic roles and why good movies arent always family-friendly. So before he started his senior year, I started working on getting my certification. But I knew we still needed a scholarship. 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. 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. He loved football, Marty said. He was born on 31-08-1986. McDonough plays Marty, Brandon's big brother and father figure in the film, and he . Or Kurt Rambis, the funny-looking center for the Los Angeles Lakers. He took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. Not as devout as his brother, Marty turns desperately to faith in a moment of crisis when he wants a miracle. (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. Now, I was taking calls from the same stations about Brandons death.. A coda sums up the impact of Brandons life: the programs, scholarships and so forth established in his name. 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. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. 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. And would you believe, all these NFL agents started flying into Harrison wanting to sign Brandon. 77 is one of just two numbers retired in the history of Arkansas football. To this day, people tell me where they were when they heard the news. 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 . There are about 11,000 people in town and one unspoken rule: If its Friday night, youre going to the Harrison High football game. Burlsworth Trophy Announces Nominees. He earned 1st team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998 and was selected for the 1998 College Football All-America Team. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/brandon-burlsworth-35134.php. And we were concerned that his faith would take a big backseatAnd we just werent up for that at all. 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 initially joined Arkansas Razorbacks as a walk-on but later he was handed an athletes scholarship and eventually became an all-American. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? 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. The Burlsworth family created the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in honor of Brandon who was tragically killed in a car accident in 1999. I want him here, buthellknow andwellknow., Coach, dont worry about it. On the way there, Burlsworth died an unthinkable death that shook the entire state. Today, those glasses remain the symbol of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation brandonburlsworth.org. It was just one of those things when its time, its time. But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. 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. Small sins lead to big sins, and big sins bring about a terrible spiritual darkness. Brandon also earned his masters degree at Arkansas before his playing career was done the first Razorback to do so. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. Apr 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. 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. Powered by WebJIVE ~ Featured on the Harrison Arkansas Network. But me and friends that were close to me were like This is like a movie. She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. There are few actors in Hollywood brave enough to wear their Catholic faith on . In 1999, he completed an MBA and was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree. I tried bringing it up to him again. He shows up at the stadium for practice long before anyone else is there and when one of the coaches finds him, hes idly picking up litter in the parking lot. So you just walk down this side of the stadium, O.K.? We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. After the season, over the holidays, we got a call. And when its Friday night here in Harrison and the whole town is at the football game, I think about Brandon. During Martys conversation with Searcy this metaphor is further developed; a pattern emerges that Marty cant appreciate without a higher perspective. Less than two weeks before, I had watched as Brandon stood on the front lawn of Moms house and gave interviews to local TV crews about getting picked in the NFL draft. Public records for Marty Burlsworth range in age from 35 years old to 61 years old. Marty Burlsworth hasn't provided a bio yet. 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. Hes not going down.. So because you and your close ones felt like this story could be a film, did you make that known and/or start looking for filmmakers to bring it to life? Greater may not be in Rudys league cinematically, but Burlsworth was a far more gifted player than Daniel Rudy Ruettiger. And he justdominatedon the field didnt matter if he was on defense or offense. So I think its normal. Burlsworth was also Arkansas' first All-American player since 1993 and was also on the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll from 1995 to 1998. And it paid off. (as David Hunt) (edited by) Casting By Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. The family respectfully declined. That's not a boast. Its a good story and, you know, Neal McDonough struggling in the aftermath thats absolutely true. I would talk to him most every night. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. 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. Each Wednesday, he came back to take his mother, Barbara, to chapel. Youll have all your coursework done and can graduate at the end of the year anyway., Yeah, he said with a smile. We planned to move out to Indianapolis with him. How is the dynamic in reality versus how its shown in the film? 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? 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. Starting the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation shortly after his death, even as the grief was overwhelming, just set those plans into motion sooner. Selfishly, I don't want Brandon to be forgotten. But Brandon would stay on campus, working painting the stadium, setting up dorms, things like that and taking classes. As indicated by the police report, Burlsworth's vehicle floated somewhat over the middle line on U.S. 412, cut the front bumper of a tractor-trailer, and afterward, while he was probably attempting to recover control, crossed the inside line again and hit another tractor-trailer. He never got there, dying in a car accident at age 22. The movie will be shown on 800 screens throughout the U.S. on March 21 and March 28. He had planned to help underprivileged children, and his. You know, we established his foundation shortly thereafter [the accident]. Out of nowhere, Brandon knocks him out of bounds, Marty said. He grew up in Barnstable, Massachusetts, graduated from Barnstable High School, and attended Syracuse University. 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 never used to worry before Brandon died. Although he never played a down in the NFL, he had impressed Mudd enough during mini-camp that the . A list of possible email addresses for Marty includes burlsworth@cox.net, mburlsworth@aol.com. We probably put 30,000 miles on my minivan each season. 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. The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. 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. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. The football fraternity had great expectations from the talented young man but fate had other plans and he was killed in an accident. On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. He received many scholarship offers from smaller universities but eventually chose to become a walk-on football player for the University of Arkansas. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Pig Trail Nation / Jun 1, 2021 / 04:30 PM CDT. Burlsworth was too small (260 pounds) when he finished high school. It was just something that we thought of, you know. Real Estate. Marty is a resident of 3775 Savannah Drv, Harrison, AR 72601-9851. And that spring, the Burls boys found themselves in Indianapolis at the combine. (as David Hunt) (directed by) Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification Produced by Music by Stephen Endelman . When I turned on to the street behind Moms house, I could see her driveway through this little opening between houses. As Brandon and I were standing out there, the offensive linemen came out, running on the field with their helmets on. MORE: Deserving teacher who received $530 from plane passengers surprised with more than . Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - 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. The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. "It was a struggle similar to Brandon's struggle to play college football," Marty Burlsworth said. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. He is married to Vickie who serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation. Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? 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. Some of that was a little bit of filmmaking andwe were fine with it. It was my dream, too, and I sure worked hard at it. People were swinging by all day. French Monastery Survives War and Famine After 885 Years, the Basilica of St. Ambrose in Milan, and More Great Links! I was high as a kite. Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. The phone number for him is (870) 741-7472 (Windstream Arkansas, Inc). After his death at a young age, the football community came together to pay tribute to his achievements and his family and friends built a foundation in his name. Its condensed. Locations and showtimes are available onwww.greaterthemovie.com. 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. So a few months after his death, we started the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, where we do all of that and more. Neal McDonough does an outstanding job as Marty Burlsworth. Not that it got him very far initially. Every chance he got, Burlsworth went home to Harrison, a town of about 10,000 in the Ozarks, near the Missouri state line. Theres no explanation for it. Directed by David L. Hunt . Brandons number 77 became one of only two numbers retired in Arkansas Razorback football history. But Arkansas was the dream. (as Stephen Raynor-Endelman) (music by) Cinematography by Gabe Mayhan . Brandon didnt dress the first two games of his freshman season, but we found out that hed be on the field for the third. She then pursued her graduate degree at the University of Louisville where she interned for the athletic department. By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. 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. Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. He goes through something we all face when we experience tragedy and trials: Which voices do we listen to? Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. 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.