By his sophomore season in 1996, he had earned a scholarship and a starting position at right guard on the offensive line. He’d known he was a nominee, but hadn’t really thought much about it up until this point. Family members have attended one home game annually to this day. Former Arkansas football coaches Frank Broyles and Houston Nutt make appearances in the movie. What did the legendary Indianapolis Colts quarterback have to say about his football journey, where he developed his quick-twitch mind, how special his Colts era was in Indianapolis and more? #GreaterTheMovie", "Sneak Peek of UA Football Player Biopic "Greater" at Malco Razorback", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Brandon_Burlsworth&oldid=1006874840, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. [9], Eleven days after being drafted, Burlsworth was killed in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas, on April 28, 1999, on his way back to his hometown of Harrison after a workout in Fayetteville. The children are a big part to the foundation. Brian Reindl, a former real estate investor and fellow University of Arkansas graduate, spent eight years working on the screenplay. It was 2005, and the Burlsworth … The walk-on who became an All-American, a person who responded, 'Yes sir,' or 'No sir,' to every question, decided to bypass a ring ceremony honoring the school's SEC Western Division title. Brandon Burlsworth, a second-team All-America guard who was recently. want it?" Recent Post by Page. Burlsworth worked out at the university Wednesday morning, his brother Marty Burlsworth said. So sad, so much promise, such a terrific person. The stretch around Carrollton in which the crash occurred was not particularly rugged. He was also named to the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll every year from 1995–1998. Brandon believed whatever his coach, his mother and his preacher told him was right. After he redshirted his first year (1994), he transformed his pudgy 300 lb (140 kg) into a svelte 260 lb (120 kg), and over the next two years, built himself back up to a muscular 300 lb (140 kg) offensive guard. Arlis Thrasher, said the couple was to have spent Saturday picking out wedding rings. At the combine, Burlsworth topped all linemen with a 4.88 40-yard dash. 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. With the Hogs ahead 24-20, the Hogs blow a punt and give Tennessee two points with a safety, then kick off. Brandon Burlsworth Death – Dead: A great lost was made known to Insideeko today, April 10, 2020. The Harrison Youth Center in Harrison, Arkansas, was renamed the Brandon Burlsworth Youth Center in May 1999. Garrison Stadium in Harrison, Arkansas, and War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was the type of impression Burlsworth provided with everyone over the three-day camp before heading home. Actor Neal McDonough is now opening up about how the young athlete's faith touched everyone on set. 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. "The connection with the Colts now is just what we want it to be. Well, he ends up squatting 700 pounds.". That is an incalculable loss. # GreaterThanMe This is a must read from Brandon's big brother, Marty. [28] The book was praised for its authentic, inspirational portrayal of Brandon's story. 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”. The family picked Brandon up at the airport after the rookie camp. He knew, as they say, only one speed. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay today spoke to reporters via video conference. Voice actor Brandon Paul Eells plays his father, the late Arkansas play-by-play announcer Paul Eells. Our 2021 home opponents are locked in. _____ Greater: Official Trailer - Old #2 My Brother Brandon AUG 26 2016 PHOTOS BY ANDY LYONS /ALLSPORT/GETTY IMAGES SHARE MARTY BURLSWORTH CONTRIBUTOR Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. "I thought it would soften the blow because there was going to be a ceremony on opening day where our family would get a framed jersey," said Marty. He was my age. Directed by David L. Hunt. On the line, Tarik Glenn and Adam Meadows were at tackles. Thursday, July 6, 2017 Jeff Kinley. When Wright found out he was a recipient for the award, he was a little taken aback. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known." In 2001, the book "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. “It’s pretty cool,” Wright said. The now-retired Mudd could be forgiven if he could not remember Burlsworth vividly. INDIANAPOLIS – By now, Brandon Burlsworth likely would be retired, probably a world champion and former Pro Bowler and, possibly, according to his brother, Marty, headed to Canton, Ohio. Page 1226, Last edited on 15 February 2021, at 08:06, Learn how and when to remove these template messages, promotes the subject in a subjective manner, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Inductees: Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame", "BURLSWORTH TROPHY A WORTHY GOAL FOR BEDFORD", "Twenty-One Years Later, Brandon Burlsworth Legacy Endures For Retired Indianapolis Colts Coach", "Retired jerseys a rare sight for Razorbacks", "Burlsworth killed in crash an 18 wheeler crossed the midline and the cars collided", "ESPN.com - NFL - Colts pay tribute to Burlsworth", "Through the Eyes of a Champion: The Brandon Burlsworth Story", "NWA: 'Greater: The Brandon Burlsworth Story, "Extras wanted for filming of Brandon Burlsworth movie at War Memorial Stadium", "EXCLUSIVE SCREENING OF MOTION PICTURE "GREATER" TO TAKE PLACE AT HALL ON SATURDAY", "AUDIENCE ACCLAIM, EXHIBITOR DEMAND REQUIRE GREATER TO DELAY RELEASE UNTIL SUMMER", "On August 26th, experience a story that will change the way you see the world. Brandon’s older brother Marty started the foundation after Brandon’s death in 1999. "I liked him so much that I used him as the barometer for the rest of the players I evaluated that year. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation was founded to honor Brandon's example of character and faith by his brother, Marty Burlsworth and his wife, Vickie. He was more assertive than most of the other linemen at the practices. Marty Burlsworth, brother of the late Brandon Burlsworth, is interviewed. [7] Burlsworth's locker in the Razorback locker room is encased in glass, preserved for future players and fans, in his honor. Burlsworth was so much about the right stuff that his dorm bed never was unmade. The movie is presented from the point-of-view of Burlsworth's older brother Marty, who's portrayed by Neal McDonough, who's best known for playing Damien Darhk, a … We're very appreciative of Mr. Irsay and the bond his organization has with us. Both are on the ballot for the fifth time. Brandon’s older brother Marty started the foundation after Brandon’s death in 1999. Each year the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation gives out several awards and scholarships at various school levels. They are held once each summer at F.S. Burlsworth graduated from Harrison High School in 1994, where he was an All-State selection, and was a recruited walk-on football player at the University of Arkansas, despite the fact that he had scholarship offers from some smaller universities. "Through the years, we have stayed close. He was Arkansas' first All-American player since 1993, and their first player selected to a 1st team squad since 1989. More of what you want to know. Mudd went on to scale heights with Indianapolis that included the NFL's all-time winningest regular-season record over a decade (115-45, 2000-09), multiple division titles, two AFC crowns and a World Championship. The Indianapolis Colts wore his initials, BB, on their helmets for the 1999 season. [20], In 2007, the "Eyes of a Champion" program was started. He could have at least switched to the Eric Dickerson-style Rec Specs. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American. On January 16, 2016, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, hosted an exclusive screening of Greater. Marty Burlsworth, Brandon’s brother, with Neal McDonough, who portrayed Marty in Greater. What about the future at the quarterback position for the Colts, and more? want it?" Brandon Burlsworth died on impact. Please remove or replace such wording and instead of making proclamations about a subject's importance, use facts and attribution to demonstrate that importance. Manning is set to be formally enshrined in Canton on Aug. 8. [30] The casting director was Stephanie Holbrook, C.S.A. His foundation serves about 2,400 children annually through an Eyeglass program in conjunction with Walmart Optical (a long-visioned Brandon famously would hoard his per diem on football trips to buy Walmart stock). Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard on Friday joined 1075 The Fan's "The Dan Dakich Show," where he discussed the team's approach at the quarterback position, recent rumors about Andrew Luck, whether Quenton Nelson is an option at left tackle, pending free agents this offseason and much more. He could have at least switched to the Eric Dickerson-style Rec Specs. John Randle and Aeneas Williams, both members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, participated in an interactive roundtable discussion following the screening. When publicity photos were taken, the lights in a confined photo area cast reflections that made the picture impossible. He bench pressed 225 pounds 28 times, weighed 308 pounds and measured a slight notch below 6-4. The Indianapolis Colts today signed quarterback Jalen Morton and wide receiver J.J. Nelson to reserve/future contracts. It seemed that the tremendous impact Brandon Burlsworth could have had on the future of so many lives was gone. He was to eat lunch with a friend and then drive to Harrison to be with his family. Several plays later, Travis Henry scored Tennessee's winning touchdown with 28 seconds left and preserved their national championship season with a 28-24 victory. It is only the second retired football jersey in school history. Burlsworth worked out at the university Wednesday morning, his brother Marty Burlsworth said. We've kept a feeling of being a part of Brandon's team.". At the end of summer, he weighed 311 pounds, yet the draft hopeful could dunk a basketball with both hands from a standing start. Greater Lessons. "If God ever made the perfect person, it was that guy," said then teammate Sacha Lancaster to Sport Illustrated. After returning to its lane briefly, the car crossed the center line again and hit a second tractor-trailer. We were impressed with the "guy with the horned-rimmed glasses that looked like Drew Carey." Applications must be submitted by school nurses or counselors and are available in English, French, and Spanish. On the foundations website they sell things from books and movies on Brandon, to shirts hats to raise money for their cause. [citation needed], The Brandon Burlsworth Championship Award is presented at the Arkansas state football championships games to one player from each team for conduct above and beyond expectations. CLICK HERE FOR FOOTAGE OF BRANDON BURLSWORTH IN 1999 ROOKIE CAMP. The Foundation's logo prominently features Burlsworth's signature black-framed glasses. [1] Burlsworth played on two SEC Western Division championship Razorback football teams (1995, 1998). 12 Week Bible Study; Coaching for Eternity; Legends Dinner. 12K likes. collided with a tractor-trailer rig near Carrolton, Ark [32] However, on January 21, 2016, Hammond Entertainment, LLC announced that the release of Greater would be moved to Summer 2016. He was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree before playing in his final game, the 1999 Citrus Bowl. Burlsworth was a recruited walk-on in every sense of the word. "Brandon was exactly as the film depicts him," said McDonough. "At Arkansas the coaches told him one day his legs could be stronger. The story of Brandon Burlsworth, possibly the … My mother always has gotten a Colts Christmas card. Not so! "When Brandon showed up at the rookie camp, he was even better than I thought he'd be," said Mudd. He now turns his focus to 2022 and being selected in his third year of eligibility, like former teammate Marvin Harrison. "As time goes on, you deal with the hurt. Will 2021 be the year when Dan Hampton and Brandon Burlsworth finally enter College Football’s Hall of Fame? He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the 3rd round of the 1999 NFL draft, but sadly, after eleven days, he was involved in a road accident. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. "That first year was tough. The score for the film was by Stephen Raynor-Endelman with Andrea Von Foerster as the Music Supervisor. Brandon sure left an indelible impression on me.". Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, Harrison, Arkansas. On May 11th in Rogers, and May 18th in Bryant, I invite you to join me for the Brandon Burlsworth Memorial Classic. 12K likes. 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. Gainey, Fredric Lehne, Texas Battle, Wayne Duvall, and Christopher Severio as Brandon, as well as a cameo by author Jeff Kinley. [2], Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a B.A in business administration. Brandon’s passionate yet painful faith story is now captured in a film called “Greater” which is inspired by the book written about the life of number 77. The press release stated that the change was due to "[o]verwhelming positive response from screening audiences and the desire of a national theater chain to show it in more locations". David Hunt, who also helped Brian write the screenplay, directed the movie and Gabe Mayhan was director of photography. He was drafted 59 spots after Edgerrin James and with the notion to help fortify an offense that already had young stars in Marvin Harrison and Peyton Manning. [21], The Brandon Burlsworth Football Camps are for children going into 3rd grade through 9th grade. Brandon Burlsworth leaves the field at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock during the 1998 season. Shop Now Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. It couldn't have been a better fit for Brandon.". As the mind flashes back 15 years ago, the accident remains just as tragic. Brandon’s mother, brother, the town, his high school alma mater, and the Colts NFL team were devastated. .The Palm Beach Post (West Palm Beach, Florida) 02 May 1999, Sun. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. We continue taking a look at which players the various experts believe will land in Indianapolis in this week's Mock Draft Monday. In preparation for the film’s release on Friday, I caught up with Burlsworth’s older brother, Marty, to talk about the film and the impact of his brother’s life seventeen years after it was cut short in a traffic accident. ... August 26 at 9:10 AM. Home » Jeff Kinley » Greater The Brandon Burlsworth Story Through the Eyes of a Champion Online PDF eBook. A rookie mini-camp was held days after the draft. It was 2005, and the Burlsworth … Eighteen students at the University of Arkansas who are primarily from smaller towns and who are characterized as academic "overachievers" receive $5,000 scholarships. He’d known he was a nominee, but hadn’t really thought much about it up until this point. [23], The Burlsworth Character Awards is a national award honoring character and sportsmanship in high school football. Before I leave the remarkable legacy of Harrison's Brandon Burlsworth and the film of his life called Greater, now showing in nearly 400 theaters …