monetization of National Catholic Register RSS feeds is strictly prohibited. I mean it was for me. Release Dates 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. 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 said he wanted to hold football camps and bring kids to his NFL games. 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. Brandons short-lived career involved true honor and character, and thanks to the new film, his legacy will go further and live on as a model for others. And Ill get a photo of you in your uniform. The University of Arkansas prides itself on doing things the "Burls Way.". He asked me to help him, but theres all this certification that goes into being an agent. 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. "Brian wouldn't let go.". Burlsworth rouses 'big brother' actor. As the tagline proclaims, Greater tells the incredible true story of dreamer Brandon Burlsworth who set his mind to joining the University of Arkansas Razorbacks and through great effort and commitment, accomplished just that. That's an inadequate synopsis of an exemplary life. Surely, he reasons, God will be merciful; Marty would be, and he cant be more merciful than God. Or Kurt Rambis, the funny-looking center for the Los Angeles Lakers. | Previously she worked for the Arkansas Travelers, USA Football, NFL, Athleta and the Outlets of Little Rock. 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 said, 'You'll have veto power,' " Marty Burlsworth remembered. you, Subscribe to The Daily
We found 2 people in 2 states named Marty Burlsworth living in the US. Marty Leo Burlsworth's Arkansas Voter Registration. The family respectfully declined. I want him here, buthellknow andwellknow., Coach, dont worry about it. The drive would always take around an hour and a half but he never made it. 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? Burlsworth was also Arkansas' first All-American player since 1993 and was also on the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll from 1995 to 1998. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the foundation and has been with the BBF since 2010. After his death, the Arkansas Razorbacks retired his jersey in his honor and encased his locker in glass for public display. The phone number for him is (870) 741-7472 (Windstream Arkansas, Inc). It was the Razorbacks. News. He lauds Chris Severio for his measured portrayal of Brandon, and veteran actor Neal McDonough, he says, does a tremendous job as Marty Burlsworth. Opposing teams made game plans just to handle Brandon. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/brandon-burlsworth-35134.php. COINCIDENCES. And if Brandon was doing whatever he could on the field, then I sure as heck would do whatever I could to help get my brother there. Powered by WebJIVE ~ Featured on the Harrison Arkansas Network. We had to have the funeral at the high school gym. Its clear, though, that Martys harshness is meant as the tough love of an older brother obliged to assume a father-figure role in the absence of their alcoholic bum of a father (Michael Parks of the Kill Bill movies in a small but affecting role). Not as devout as his brother, Marty turns desperately to faith in a moment of crisis when he wants a miracle. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. Proudly created with Wix.com. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. I know it was hard. We were going to Fayetteville for the game and I called him early in the week to tell him where our seats would be. His faith is what he relied on. Theres never a day where I dont think about Brandon. I dont think anyone was at fault. That's not a boast. 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. When the pandemic started, I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us pass the time. For me, it was reading. We watched the game from this conference room at the top of the stadium. By that point he was about six-foot-two, over 200 pounds and still growing. Possible relatives for Marty Burlsworth include Roselee Arnold, Keshia Flowers, Brady Burlsworth and several . 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. After the season, over the holidays, we got a call. It would take 11 years - with Reindl financing the independent production himself when other investors dried up - but in 2016, "Greater" hit the theaters. "It was a passion project for everyone who was involved," actor Neal McDonough told CBN News. Boy, did he have the size and did he have the skills. 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. Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's brother, with Neal McDonough, who portrayed Marty in Greater. By using BiJog.com you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 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. 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. choose Christ at a young age and you will always be a winner in Christ's eyes; excelling at a sport is fine as . 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. Greater, a film about Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, opens Aug. 26. So when he was two hours late that evening, Mom started to get worried. Burlsworth Trophy Announces Nominees. Its unreal. But, you know, how would you make it where it wasnt basically depressing. MARTY BURLSWORTH CONTRIBUTOR Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. So I started calling coaches and seeing where he could play. Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. I would talk to him most every night. Steven D. Greydanus is the Registers film critic and creator of Decent Films. His final game with the team was in the 1999 Citrus Bowl. I go straight to the sports and see if any scholarships were offered. With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth. And boy, was he soaking it in. Sure, there's some creative license in the movie, but the message rings true. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals. Not like my younger brother Brandon. 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. By all accounts, Burlsworth spent his 22 years on this earth showing everyone in his orbit how to do faith, family and football right. A coda sums up the impact of Brandons life: the programs, scholarships and so forth established in his name. The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. Over the next two years he reformed his body to become more muscular and went back to a 300lb physique. 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." We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. Vickie's love for children is hard to escape. He wasnt as tall or as heavy as D-I colleges wanted him to be. Company Credits Barbara Burlsworth has been in real estate since 1997. 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 movie will be shown on 800 screens throughout the U.S. on March 21 and March 28. And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. Today, those glasses remain the symbol of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation brandonburlsworth.org. By the time he was a senior, we both knew that if we wanted to keep playing football he was going to have to enter the NFL draft. This was the dream. Public records for Marty Burlsworth range in age from 35 years old to 61 years old. As far as Brandon goes and reliving everything- through his foundation weve always kept his memory alive and his example out there for kids ever since his accident. And that spring, the Burls boys found themselves in Indianapolis at the combine. A list of possible email addresses for Marty includes burlsworth@cox.net, mburlsworth@aol.com. Bob Edmonson is a lifelong native of Harrison. He earned 1st team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998 and was selected for the 1998 College Football All-America Team. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. 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. He died instantly. 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 She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States, siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth, place of death: Alpena, Arkansas, United States. The 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. His story has been told in a movie that's not "Rudy.". But as good as he was, Brandon was also a late bloomer he was only 17 his senior year and he was still a little undersized for college ball. French Monastery Survives War and Famine After 885 Years, the Basilica of St. Ambrose in Milan, and More Great Links! The phones calls started coming right after that. The next week, Brandon flew to Indianapolis for minicamp. 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. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. One, told in flashback, is a familiar, uplifting Rudy-like arc of an unpromising underdog who makes good despite enormous obstacles. Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. 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 . Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 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. When I turned on to the street behind Moms house, I could see her driveway through this little opening between houses. At present, through the Burls Kids program, the foundation works towards providing underprivileged youths a chance to visit Razorback and Colts football games. Weve felt like weve been very involved and kept up to date on what was going on and were very happy with the outcome. Sometimes Marty goes by various nicknames including Marty L Burlsworth and Marty Leo Burlsworth. He was in the prime of his football career. Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different. Brandon also earned his masters degree at Arkansas before his playing career was done the first Razorback to do so. 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? But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. Catholic Church. 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. Thats what its all about: What you do while you were here. Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 -
On the way there, Burlsworth died an unthinkable death that shook the entire state. Marty Leo Burlsworth (age 62) is listed at 3775 Savannah Drive Harrison, Ar 72601 and is affiliated with the Optional Party. But that summer Brandon had two things going for him: His work ethic and, luckily, a pretty big growth spurt. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. 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. So you just walk down this side of the stadium, O.K.? Brandons family and friends came together to form the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in his honor. There are about 11,000 people in town and one unspoken rule: If its Friday night, youre going to the Harrison High football game. Renew or manage your subscription here. But before all that, Brandon made one last trip to Fayetteville to visit with his Razorbacks teammates. 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. That's what Brandon did. 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. Marty is a resident of 3775 Savannah Drv, Harrison, AR 72601-9851. I think Brandon would be proud of the work were doing in his name. In the award's twelfth year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas Walk . That was very very tough. In the end, Brandon got invited to be a walk-on. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. It was a terrible day for Harrison, it was a terrible day for the state. Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. arkansas football. We first meet him as an overweight young couch potato (Ethan Waller) with apparent delusions of grandeur: Hes convinced hes going to attend the University of Arkansas and play for the Razorbacks. This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. If it meant going over to Moms house to help him with homework, I wanted to be there. Now, if you find yourself at that Colts shop, I told him, You make sure and get us some gear this time.. Caveat Spectator: Football roughness; some language; some thematic elements including alcoholism and religious questioning. director of photography Film Editing by David L. Hunt . As we walked by one of the pro shops, we joked to each other. 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. We may still get one. When he set his mind to something, you better believe you were going to witness him do it. He told the family, "We don't want to take Brandon's faith out of this movie.". [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. She received her Bachelors in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. The police could not determine the reason behind the tragic accident. barbaraann@burlsworth.com. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. EIN 27-4581132 And we were concerned that his faith would take a big backseatAnd we just werent up for that at all. I wasnt sure. And then he walked out and there it was: BURLSWORTH. 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. Hes always taking a knee, and he crosses himself (a curious gesture, since from his funeral his family is clearly not Catholic). When we got back home to Harrison, the day of the draft was just filled with anxiety. Harrison, Arkansas, is set as small town as it receives. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. But this was my brother. Man, you might get to play at the next level., Ah, I dont know, I just gotta focus on this season.. During his first year, he faced a delay in earning his eligibility and worked hard to transform his 300lb chubby physique into a moderate 260lb body. 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. In a few weeks hed be heading back. Became a two-time All-SEC selection and a first-team All-American as a senior in 1998. He grew up in Barnstable, Massachusetts, graduated from Barnstable High School, and attended Syracuse University. 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. The voices of faith, hope and trust or the voices of doubt, disbelief and despair?. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. (as Stephen Raynor-Endelman) (music by) Cinematography by Gabe Mayhan . Two buses of Razorbacks players arrived. I dont how many times Id call to check in.Coach, ya need anything?Id sit every week with the newspaper. Its a good story and, you know, Neal McDonough struggling in the aftermath thats absolutely true. The family respectfully declined. Was there anything that you had to do for yourself spiritually or emotionally to prepare for the making of this movie? Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. Even after away games, when the Razorbacks returned to Fayetteville late at Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. Faith and family they meant everything to Brandon. But I didnt have that natural talent. Of course, he was my brother and you do anything for family, but things were a little tougher for him. Im sure he just got stuck in traffic, or maybe ran out of gas. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. Chris Severio plays Burlsworth (No. Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. 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. Finally, in the third round Brandon answered the phone and gave us the thumbs-up. I mean everybody knew. The mindset, which is inspired by former student Brandon Burlsworth, is all about doing things "the best you can," high school football coach Tommy Tice told "GMA.". Not early or easily when it came to football, but eventually and powerfully. Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. We werent proactive at all in [making a movie]. Greater may not be in Rudys league cinematically, but Burlsworth was a far more gifted player than Daniel Rudy Ruettiger. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American . The odds were against him and nobody was looking his way. I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. And I dont want to say [it means] youre angry at God. When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. Teens and up. 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. Neal McDonough (L) plays Marty Burlsworth in 'Greater' (Hammond Entertainment). 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. He put on weight before enrolling at Arkansas, but it was a bad 40 or so pounds that he eventually had to melt before. Ive kind of been planning it that way.. We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. 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. Leslie Easterbrook plays Burlsworth's mother, Barbar. 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. I dont even think he played one game. The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference. The foundation, which symbolizes his ethics and values, works for the benefit of needy children and provides them with physical as well as spiritual support, something Brandon was known for. Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Apr 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. He may be gone, but I still want to do whatever I can to keep his dreams going, to keep his legacy going. Now, I was taking calls from the same stations about Brandons death.. properties, Build a downloadable list
His Subaru clipped an incoming 18-wheeler and then collided head-on with a tractor-trailer in Alpena, Arkansas. We probably put 30,000 miles on my minivan each season. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. McDonough plays Marty, Brandon's big brother and father figure in the film, and he . It's a show of faith. Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. We didnt expect Brandon to go real high, and we had been told that he wouldnt. 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. It was composed and produced by Brian Reindl and David Hunt. Greater, a film depicting the life and tragic death of Brandon Burlsworth will be released in theaters on August 26th. So when Brandon got it in his mind that he was going to be a Razorback, I was all in. And I could see a little white car parked in her driveway. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission, or unlicensed commercial use or Greater is currently playing in theaters and stars Neal McDonough, Christopher Severio, and Leslie Easterbrook. Always why. In 1999, he completed an MBA and was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree. Greater is playing in limited release (find theaters). The football fraternity had great expectations from the talented young man but fate had other plans and he was killed in an accident. Third, its beautifully and atmospherically shot by director David Hunt and cinematographer Gabe Mayan. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. And the first call I made was to the recruiting coordinator at Arkansas. Brandon knew what it was like to be doubted, to be told you werent good enough. Greater has three surprises, which is three more than most faith-based films, particularly of the inspirational sports-movie variety. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was an American football player who played for the Arkansas Razorbacks as an offensive lineman between 1995 and 1998. Marty Burlsworth, 55, and who was 38 when Brandon died, says they were approached by Hollywood about making a film around Brandons story many years ago. The Foundation also has operated the Eyes of a Champion program in cooperation with Wal-Mart/Sams Club optical departments to provide free vision exams and glasses to low-income, uninsured children in Arkansas; the program is now going nationwide. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? Neal McDonough does an outstanding job as Marty Burlsworth. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. 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. Marty Burlsworth and his agents have been and will continue to be trusted names in the real estate market. David Hunt, the movies director, also assisted with the screenplay. This story focuses on Burlsworth's ambition, work ethic, family relationships, and strong religious convictions; teamwork and courage are strong themes. 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. I dont think I got there. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. 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. I tried bringing it up to him again. by The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. - All Rights Reserved, VOL. It was 2005, and the Burlsworth family . And the only element bigger than excessive faculty soccer in Harrison or anywhere else . 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. Brandon, Martys younger brother by 16 years, was tragically killed in an auto accident on April 28, 1999, just 11 days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. But me and friends that were close to me were like This is like a movie.