From anyone who is struggling with God because of a loss theyve faced, especially one as devastating as a close family member, what wisdom would you share with them? Greater is playing in limited release (find theaters). His final game with the team was in the 1999 Citrus Bowl. The state with the most residents by this name is Arkansas, followed by Colorado. Bob Edmonson is a lifelong native of Harrison. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. . His age is 36. Faith and family they meant everything to Brandon. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. 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. 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. arkansas football. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. I was just so proud of him. 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. This life demanded a movie. Its unreal. But, you know, how would you make it where it wasnt basically depressing. A coda sums up the impact of Brandons life: the programs, scholarships and so forth established in his name. 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? Now, at Arkansas and Indianapolis Burls Kids attend games for free. (as David Hunt) (edited by) Casting By His jersey #77 was retired at the University of Arkansas as a gesture of honoring his memory. He had intended to help under advantaged children and the Burlsworth family settled the establishment that in his honor. Brandon was the kind of guy you win with.. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. We drove it to death. The University of Arkansas prides itself on doing things the "Burls Way.". His No. Every chance he got, Burlsworth went home to Harrison, a town of about 10,000 in the Ozarks, near the Missouri state line. (The devoutly Catholic McDonough, who also executive produced, has called Marty Burlsworth his favorite role.). 2022 by BBF. If there was anything inappropriate in it, of course that was all made up. This was the dream. 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. John Corbett stars in a remarkable faith-based film, based on a true story, about a dying Tennessee church transformed by an encounter with refugees. 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. Director Yelena Popovic discusses why this film had to be made. Had you ever thought of Brandons story as a film? https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/brandon-burlsworth-35134.php. He is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. But almost every boy growing up in the state wants to be a Razorback. All of Razorback nation mourned along with the shell-shocked residents of his Boone County hometown; after everything he'd overcome to reach all-America status, it seemed impossible even death itself had the power to stop him. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. Brandon didnt dress the first two games of his freshman season, but we found out that hed be on the field for the third. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. Vickie Burlsworth is the Executive Director of the Foundation that she and Marty founded honoring Brandon after his passing in 1999. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Out of nowhere, Brandon knocks him out of bounds, Marty said. He initially joined Arkansas Razorbacks as a walk-on but later he was handed an athletes scholarship and eventually became an all-American. 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. Theres never a day where I dont think about Brandon. Its what he leaned on to work as hard. And I dont want to say [it means] youre angry at God. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Arkansas Boone County Omaha Gass Cemetery George Leo Burlsworth He called to check in a couple of times. Walk-on player from Harrison, Ark., considered a long shot to get real playing time. 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. "It was a passion project for everyone who was involved," actor Neal McDonough told CBN News. 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. It was composed and produced by Brian Reindl and David Hunt. Neal McDonough does an outstanding job as Marty Burlsworth. They can assist you with all your real estate needs. Teens and up. She enjoys singing on the worship team at church, riding motorcycles with her husband, photography, and scrapbooking. I didn't see it in the theater. That was very very tough. 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 In the end, Brandon got invited to be a walk-on. She has 3 sons, Marty, Grady and the late Brandon Burlsworth. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. podcast interviews Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. MARTY BURLSWORTH CONTRIBUTOR Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. They love to interact with people of all communities and podcast interviews have become a wonderful outlet for that. 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. He said he wanted to hold football camps and bring kids to his NFL games. You dont lose your faith I had struggles because [Id think] why?, you know. The police could not determine the reason behind the tragic accident. 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. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. The odds were against him and nobody was looking his way. It was just something that we thought of, you know. The football fraternity had great expectations from the talented young man but fate had other plans and he was killed in an accident. 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. Ive kind of been planning it that way.. Brandon was so single-minded, so focused. His screenplay grew out of the book Through the Eyes of a Champion: The Brandon Burlsworth Story, by Jeff Kinley. This story focuses on Burlsworth's ambition, work ethic, family relationships, and strong religious convictions; teamwork and courage are strong themes. Martys struggle is not entirely internal. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. Filming & Production Boy, did he have the size and did he have the skills. He loved football, Marty said. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. 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. COINCIDENCES. you, Subscribe to The Daily
Or Kurt Rambis, the funny-looking center for the Los Angeles Lakers. He did not survive the accident and passed away on April 28, 1999. But this was my brother. He was determined to drive home the same day so he could attend evening church service with the family. Predictably, trash-talking opponents laughed at him and called him names. Brandon, the officer told us, had collided head-on with a semi. I never used to worry before Brandon died. Brandon was also the first Arkansas football player to complete his Masters Degree before playing his final college football game. 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. 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. 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. Catholic actor Neal McDonough costars in a Rudy-like faith-based inspirational sports biopic that dares to explore doubt as well as belief. And in Arkansas it was a statewide tragedy. It's "Greater." By using BiJog.com you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Apr 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. "Brian wouldn't let go.". 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 dont even think he played one game. 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. 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. Cindi Hagood is our Program Director of the Eyes of a Champion program. Greater may not be in Rudys league cinematically, but Burlsworth was a far more gifted player than Daniel Rudy Ruettiger. Company Credits There are few actors in Hollywood brave enough to wear their Catholic faith on . Brandon did not get married before he passed away when he was only twenty-two years old. or school. Some of that was a little bit of filmmaking andwe were fine with it. View Marty Burlsworth's record in Harrison, AR including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. I mean everybody knew. interested in booking Marty for your event? The Passion of the Christ actor talks about the challenges of playing iconic roles and why good movies arent always family-friendly. And I could see a little white car parked in her driveway. It seemed as if the whole town was there to support Brandon and who he was and what he meant to everybody. monetization of National Catholic Register RSS feeds is strictly prohibited. People were swinging by all day. Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's brother, with Neal McDonough, who portrayed Marty in Greater. It was 2005, and the Burlsworth family . And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. A couple of weeks before Brandon left for school, one of the Arkansas coaches called me. Had life turned out differently, Marty Burlsworth might be reflecting on his brother's pro football career during Super Bowl weekend. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. 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. 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. And boy, was he soaking it in. You take care of it, you get things done. He earned 1st team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998 and was selected for the 1998 College Football All-America Team. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. Hes always taking a knee, and he crosses himself (a curious gesture, since from his funeral his family is clearly not Catholic). So by his fourth year at Arkansas, he was already finishing his masters degree. 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. Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 -
If it meant going over to Moms house to help him with homework, I wanted to be there. company, Get valuable lists emailed directly
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. The latest videos from KNWA FOX24. And the first call I made was to the recruiting coordinator at Arkansas. But Arkansas was the dream. SubscribeStart your Register subscription today. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. 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. We watched the game from this conference room at the top of the stadium. Just give us a call at 870-741-5111 . I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation. 1 Tennessee. EIN 27-4581132 But Brandon would stay on campus, working painting the stadium, setting up dorms, things like that and taking classes. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. He was buried at the Gass Cemetery in Omaha, Arkansas, on May 2, 1999. I was high as a kite. After the draft, he spoke to me a lot about helping other kids in Harrison. Marty Leo Burlsworth's Arkansas Voter Registration. 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. Although he never played a down in the NFL, he had impressed Mudd enough during mini-camp that the . It was a terrible day for Harrison, it was a terrible day for the state. director of photography Film Editing by David L. Hunt . 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? Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Even in earthly terms it can be argued that Brandons life and achievements were not a waste. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Slain Los Angeles auxiliary bishop was remembered at the Mass of Christian burial as friend of Jesus Christ and of Mary, our Blessed Mother.. Brandon also earned his masters degree at Arkansas before his playing career was done the first Razorback to do so. 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. Why? I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. In the wake of new restrictions on the traditional Latin Mass, two American bishops spoke with EWTNs Raymond Arroyo Thursday about how their dioceses have responded. The 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church. When he set his mind to something, you better believe you were going to witness him do it. properties, Build a downloadable list
Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. Possible relatives for Marty Burlsworth include Roselee Arnold, Keshia Flowers, Brady Burlsworth and several . It was disappointing, but Brandon wanted to go to Arkansas more than anything and, well, he didnt want any regrets. Sometimes Marty goes by various nicknames including Marty L Burlsworth and Marty Leo Burlsworth. Vickie L Burlsworth is also associated with this address. Harrison, Arkansas, is set as small town as it receives. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. 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. I wasnt sure. Follow him on Twitter. When I turned on to the street behind Moms house, I could see her driveway through this little opening between houses. This one painful scene is wiser than all the movies the Fireproof / Courageous people have made (including their football movie, Facing the Giants). So a few months after his death, we started the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, where we do all of that and more. Thats what its all about: What you do while you were here. Everybody knew. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. At that moment, we both felt so close to his dream coming true something that wasnt even a possibility for a boy who had been sitting on the sidelines just two years ago. But that summer Brandon had two things going for him: His work ethic and, luckily, a pretty big growth spurt. During Martys conversation with Searcy this metaphor is further developed; a pattern emerges that Marty cant appreciate without a higher perspective. Surely, he reasons, God will be merciful; Marty would be, and he cant be more merciful than God. Marty Burlsworth and his agents have been and will continue to be trusted names in the real estate market. Burlsworth was too small (260 pounds) when he finished high school. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. 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. 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. Hell show up and everything will be fine.. That game was, in a way, a symbol for the highest highs, the lowest lows and the unforeseen. The present-day strand follows preparations for Brandons funeral and Martys internal struggle with doubt and nihilism, a struggle movingly realized by McDonough. But this was on a different level. Its a simple but effective response, nicely underscored by the gospel anthem Ill Fly Awayrunning through the film. Itll be real cool.. ", Trouble was, every time he asked "what input would the family have" in how the story was told, he got the same answer: "None.". Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Burlsworth Football Camps. But I didnt have that natural talent. At present, through the Burls Kids program, the foundation works towards providing underprivileged youths a chance to visit Razorback and Colts football games. His brother Marty, 17 years his senior, berates him Cheesecake, he calls him for his indolence as well as their mother Barbara (Leslie Easterbrook) for her indulgence. When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". Other boys would go home after school got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July. It was all over ESPN. Brandon Burlsworth found certainty in an uncertain world. And would you believe, all these NFL agents started flying into Harrison wanting to sign Brandon. I want him here, buthellknow andwellknow., Coach, dont worry about it. In her free time she enjoys hiking, watching sports, riding motorcycles with her husband and catching up with friends. He is married to Vickie who serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation. Brandons family and friends came together to form the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in his honor. Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. 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. Not good at all. Finally, in the third round Brandon answered the phone and gave us the thumbs-up. In the film, we see a lot of moments where the Marty character is learning from the persistence and drive of Brandon. The drive would always take around an hour and a half but he never made it. Marty Burlsworth: Burlsworth Photography: Address: 117 W Central Harrison AR 72601 map Phone: 870-741-5111 : Branch Photography : Keith Branch: Branch Photography: Address: 4850 Mission Blvd Fayetteville AR 72703 map Phone: 479-973-0012 He took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. Asked what hes doing, Brandon says, Nothing, because he really hadnt given it a second thought. | 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. 2022 by BBF. is 61 years old today because Marty's birthday is on 11/13/1960. Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. Catholic Church. 2018 Burlsworth & Associates Real Estate in Harrison, AR So before he started his senior year, I started working on getting my certification. 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. Or Drew Carey, the comedian. There he is, 300 pounds, and he just runs down this linebacker. 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. Sure, bring him on up for a game, he said. Share. His high school coaches couldnt believe his size when he came back for his junior season. And I remembered to do what other agents had advised me to do, I kept multiple lines open. McDonough plays Marty, Brandon's big brother and father figure in the film, and he . And the only element bigger than excessive faculty soccer in Harrison or anywhere else . 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. As Brandon and I were standing out there, the offensive linemen came out, running on the field with their helmets on. "I know Brandon would be super proud of that," Marty said . choose Christ at a young age and you will always be a winner in Christ's eyes; excelling at a sport is fine as . And it paid off. He was born on 31-08-1986. Arkansas doesnt have a pro football team I dont even know if a pro team could survive here. Every week, Brandon made the drive home. 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. He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. He's been gone to a better place for almost as long. Its a good story and, you know, Neal McDonough struggling in the aftermath thats absolutely true. Evelyn Allen started as the Development and Social Media Director for the foundation in March of 2020. He lauds Chris Severio for his measured portrayal of Brandon, and veteran actor Neal McDonough, he says, does a tremendous job as Marty Burlsworth. 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. (as Stephen Raynor-Endelman) (music by) Cinematography by Gabe Mayhan . Burlsworth Trophy Announces Nominees. Obese, unathletic and clumsy, Brandon confronts his shortcomings as sports-underdog movie heroes have ever done: through determination, hard work and a limitless capacity to absorb punishment, both physical and social. Greater is currently playing in theaters and stars Neal McDonough, Christopher Severio, and Leslie Easterbrook. We may still get one. A list of possible email addresses for Marty includes burlsworth@cox.net, mburlsworth@aol.com. Judea school district. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. 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. He received many scholarship offers from smaller universities but eventually chose to become a walk-on football player for the University of Arkansas. 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. Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? Previously she worked for the Arkansas Travelers, USA Football, NFL, Athleta and the Outlets of Little Rock. "It was a struggle similar to Brandon's struggle to play college football," Marty Burlsworth said. He believes by sheer word of mouth, the movie will develop a dedicated following. Official Sites It was just one of those things when its time, its time. Its condensed. Eleven days later he passed on attending a Razorback ring presentation ceremony to drive to his hometown to take his mom to church. 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. Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. Aug 26, 2016. 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. 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. Lacking the football scholarship he absurdly hoped for, Brandon turns down full rides elsewhere to attend Arkansas. 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.