The latest videos from KNWA FOX24. 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. It had this outdoor patio that you could stand on and look down on the field. Small sins lead to big sins, and big sins bring about a terrible spiritual darkness. But as I turned the next corner onto Moms street and pulled up to her house, I got a good look at the car. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. Two buses of Razorbacks players arrived. In a few weeks hed be heading back. Its unreal. But, you know, how would you make it where it wasnt basically depressing. [W]e went back to church services and I had a friend[who] was going to lead a song or two and he started out with [a song saying] God is good and you know God is so good to me and Im thinking man, I cannot believe youre singing that with me in the buildingthats where my mind was then. He was a Razorback. The University of Arkansas prides itself on doing things the "Burls Way.". "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. Another initiative announced was the creation of a memorial for victims of abuse. Theres never a day where I dont think about Brandon. The family respectfully declined. His story has been told in a movie that's not "Rudy.". Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States, siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth, place of death: Alpena, Arkansas, United States. I let out a little sigh of relief. 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. Its a family-friendly film carrying a PG rating and, ultimately, an inspirational message despite the tragedy no one in the Burlsworth family or his football families at Arkansas or in Indianapolis could have imagined. This has been a pretty big year for me tra. Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. So that makes it quite a bit easier to revisit because weve never really gone away. His faith is what he relied on. He is married to Vickie who serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation. That was very very tough. Lacking the football scholarship he absurdly hoped for, Brandon turns down full rides elsewhere to attend Arkansas. 2018 Burlsworth & Associates Real Estate in Harrison, AR This was the dream. 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. Anything that wasnt right, wasnt real, wasnt what Brandon was about. She enjoys singing on the worship team at church, riding motorcycles with her husband, photography, and scrapbooking. But almost every boy growing up in the state wants to be a Razorback. The former Arkansas hostile, Brandon Burlsworth was headed to his Harrison, Ark., home from Fayetteville, where he got a SEC West title ring alongside the remainder of the 1998 Razorbacks on April 28, 1999. Hed be all over the line, right off the snap. An expression that implied do it the correct way, in any event, when nobody is looking. 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. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Leslie Easterbrook plays Burlsworth's mother, Barbar. 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. The play became known as the Stumble and Fumble, and Tennessee would go on to score the winning touchdown and eventually win the national championship at the end of the season. She started her career with Century 21 and then joined Jerry Jackson as he opened his office in 2001. His high school coaches couldnt believe his size when he came back for his junior season. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. Aug 26, 2016. But I didnt have that natural talent. "People are seeing it for the first time, and that's really cool," Marty said. See, Brandon started out a little scrawny. Ive kind of been planning it that way.. Slain Los Angeles auxiliary bishop was remembered at the Mass of Christian burial as friend of Jesus Christ and of Mary, our Blessed Mother.. (as Stephen Raynor-Endelman) (music by) Cinematography by Gabe Mayhan . Earlier this year in an interview with Christian Examiner, Reindl said: The film is as much about Martys journey as it is about Brandons. 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. You dont lose your faith I had struggles because [Id think] why?, you know. He found it in routine and repetition, in church and in the trenches, in that place where they call the Hogs and even an Alabama visitor can feel what it means for a young man from Harrison, Ark., to call himself a Razorback. Every week, Brandon made the drive home. Then I turned on Netflix and watched an honest, humble, earnest movie about the man called "Greater.". Sure, bring him on up for a game, he said. He believes by sheer word of mouth, the movie will develop a dedicated following. 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. of prospects that meet your criteria, Monitor any person, property or director of photography Film Editing by David L. Hunt . And then he walked out and there it was: BURLSWORTH. Brandon wanted to do more, though. Vickie L Burlsworth is also associated with this address. I dont think I got there. monetization of National Catholic Register RSS feeds is strictly prohibited. He died instantly. Its condensed. And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. Cindi Hagood is our Program Director of the Eyes of a Champion program. They can assist you with all your real estate needs. He and his wife Tresia have four children, Michael, Jordan, Brandon and Samantha. Order Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization . On Aug. 26, the movie about his life, Greater, opens nationwide. Trust. Caveat Spectator: Football roughness; some language; some thematic elements including alcoholism and religious questioning. 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. If its difficult to describe the love for a brother, its impossible to explain the loss of a brother. Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? 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. Brandon did not get married before he passed away when he was only twenty-two years old. 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. Judea school district. I wasnt sure. Harrison, Arkansas, United States. We drove it to death. So I did whatever I could to be there for Brandon. 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. 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. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Burlsworth Football Camps. Hell show up and everything will be fine.. On the way there, Burlsworth died an unthinkable death that shook the entire state. When Marty asks Barbara how she justifies going deep into debt for Brandons quixotic dream, she says simply, My son knows I have faith. This could mean faith in God, but I took it to mean that money was no object if it meant Brandon knew his mother believed in him. I would talk to him most every night. And then apparently that thought process was also out there in California we did hear from some that approached us but one thing I wasnt 100 percent sure [of] was the commitment level over there which was why when Reindls wife said [when] he sets his mind to it, he gets it done, you know, Ive always heard that in Hollywood [scripts] can sit on the shelf forever. Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different. So was I. That looks good, doesnt it? I said. Official Sites A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. Arkansas doesnt have a pro football team I dont even know if a pro team could survive here. Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. Brandon doesnt start out with all that promise. 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. | 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. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? Instead, Marty is looking forward to next season, when the story of Brandon Burlsworth's astonishing rise to National Football League draftee will reach movie screens nationwide. 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. It just takes some time. In 1999, he completed an MBA and was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree. 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. When Stoerner fell the ball came out and Tennessee recovered. Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. Brandon Burlsworth, NFL player. (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. We found 2 people in 2 states named Marty Burlsworth living in the US. Black horn-rimmed glasses. The movie will be shown on 800 screens throughout the U.S. on March 21 and March 28. Locations and showtimes are available onwww.greaterthemovie.com. At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". Marty Burlsworth hasn't provided a bio yet. We may still get one. Greater than my limited understanding of the painful search for meaning every time a life ends so young. Hes not going down.. It was the Razorbacks. When we got back home to Harrison, the day of the draft was just filled with anxiety. He called to check in a couple of times. We werent proactive at all in [making a movie]. It's "Greater." The year is 1999 and Marty Burlsworth is awaiting the funeral of his 22-year-old brother, Brandon. Well if you had taken God out of it, it [wouldve] been fiction. Chris Severio plays Burlsworth (No. Brandon also earned his masters degree at Arkansas before his playing career was done the first Razorback to do so. Marty is a resident of 3775 Savannah Drv, Harrison, AR 72601-9851. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. He put on weight before enrolling at Arkansas, but it was a bad 40 or so pounds that he eventually had to melt before. Its what he leaned on to work as hard. Bob has worked in the business community for many years, but his love for working with kids brought him into a teaching career where he is also a teacher in the Mt. Its a good story and, you know, Neal McDonough struggling in the aftermath thats absolutely true. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Pig Trail Nation / Jun 1, 2021 / 04:30 PM CDT. "I . Selfishly, I don't want Brandon to be forgotten. There he is, 300 pounds, and he just runs down this linebacker. It would take 11 years - with Reindl financing the independent production himself when other investors dried up - but in 2016, "Greater" hit the theaters. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. [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. Those were offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworths trademark, and they were prominent even behind the facemask of his Arkansas Razorbacks helmet. Marty's ethnicity is Caucasian, whose political affiliation is unknown; and religious views are listed as Christian. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. The 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church. That's an inadequate synopsis of an exemplary life. Sure, there's some creative license in the movie, but the message rings true. Evelyn Allen started as the Development and Social Media Director for the foundation in March of 2020. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. As quarterback Clint Stoerner accepted the snap and backed away from the center his foot got tangled up with Burlsworth, who was to his right and was backing up, trying to hold his block. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. | The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. 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. 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 . 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 I couldnt wait to be right there with him. Third, its beautifully and atmospherically shot by director David Hunt and cinematographer Gabe Mayan. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. And the only element bigger than excessive faculty soccer in Harrison or anywhere else . We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known." Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. He was born on 31-08-1986. And he justdominatedon the field didnt matter if he was on defense or offense. Although he had only participated in a Colts mini-clinic before the accident, Burlsworth left such an impression that the team wore a decal with his Colts number, 66, on their helmets that season and they honored him and the family at a game. He wont be going down., Well, thats good, he said, sort of laughing. He had planned to help underprivileged children, and his. When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. 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. Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - interested in booking Marty for your event? 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. 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 movie wouldn't get made until a non-Hollywood type, an Arkansas real estate developer named Brian Reindl, decided this was a story worth telling onscreen with the Burlsworth family's input - and then some. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. Greater, a film about Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, opens Aug. 26. I mean everybody knew. Weve felt like weve been very involved and kept up to date on what was going on and were very happy with the outcome. Pope Francis, Biden Commend Peacemaker Bishop OConnell as Memorial Services Begin. 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. And boy, was he soaking it in. 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. The brothers age difference is the basis for one of the movies running gags, Martys discomfort at being mistaken for Brandons father. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. It was 2005 and the . Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. We planned to move out to Indianapolis with him. 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. I used to want the longest life, perfect health and happiness, but really it is that feeling that I am so glad that this isnt all there is and that we have heaven to wait for, and that well be with Jesus, and there will be no more tears Amber VanVickle (1982-2023), The headquarters of the charity, which serves as a consecrated family to 46 disabled children, were badly damaged in major flooding near Rio de Janeiro last year. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. 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. He played for the two SEC Western Division championship Razorback football teams in 1995 and 1998 and was named in the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll every single year during that period of time. I know it was hard. But Id do anything for that kid. Channing Frye and Iman Shumpert are back to explain the stakes, place bets and analyze the most valuable players in the NBA Finals. 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. 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 . 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. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. 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. (Now we see through a glass darkly ). "It was a passion project for everyone who was involved," actor Neal McDonough told CBN News. But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. 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. All-time overachiever Brandon Burlsworth had his life tragically cut short at the age of 22, but his impact lives on 17 years later . This one painful scene is wiser than all the movies the Fireproof / Courageous people have made (including their football movie, Facing the Giants). I was just so proud of him. The family respectfully declined. Out of nowhere, Brandon knocks him out of bounds, Marty said. I go straight to the sports and see if any scholarships were offered. He received many scholarship offers from smaller universities but eventually chose to become a walk-on football player for the University of Arkansas. company, Get valuable lists emailed directly Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The drive would always take around an hour and a half but he never made it. Not early or easily when it came to football, but eventually and powerfully. 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. All this plays out in flashback, with all the usual sports-movie clichs, training sequences, montages, comic relief and so forth. No, we just kind of kept that to ourselves. This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. Opposing teams made game plans just to handle Brandon. Evelyn lives in North Little Rock, AR with her husband, Paul, two sons, Bo and Owen, and dog Layla. Hes always taking a knee, and he crosses himself (a curious gesture, since from his funeral his family is clearly not Catholic). It was a terrible day for Harrison, it was a terrible day for the state. Brandon didnt dress the first two games of his freshman season, but we found out that hed be on the field for the third. Burlsworth and Associates. The present-day strand follows preparations for Brandons funeral and Martys internal struggle with doubt and nihilism, a struggle movingly realized by McDonough. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. I didn't see it in the theater. 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. By using BiJog.com you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Marty Leo Burlsworth's Arkansas Voter Registration. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was an American football player who played for the Arkansas Razorbacks as an offensive lineman between 1995 and 1998. I dont even think he played one game. She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. Bob Edmonson is a lifelong native of Harrison. I mean it was for me. David Hunt, the movies director, also assisted with the screenplay. Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Renew or manage your subscription here. Catholic actor Neal McDonough costars in a Rudy-like faith-based inspirational sports biopic that dares to explore doubt as well as belief. Asked what hes doing, Brandon says, Nothing, because he really hadnt given it a second thought. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. They couldnt give us any assurances that there wouldnt be a lot of Hollywood going into it. 2022 by BBF. And that spring, the Burls boys found themselves in Indianapolis at the combine. Greater than my narrow expectation of "Rudy Calls the Hogs." Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. The family respectfully declined. It just seemed like it was just a storybook thingwith a at that time just seemed like a bad ending Its such a great story, how can it be told, you know?