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. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. That game was, in a way, a symbol for the highest highs, the lowest lows and the unforeseen. Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. Our parents divorced when Brandon was just two years old. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. And I was equally impressed with Missy, his wife [They] live in Fayetteville and they drove over to Harris to meet with us and she said Whatever he sets his mind to, he gets done that resonates with me because that was like Brandon. He spent his first season of high school football as a sophomore on the sidelines. On top of that, Dad had trouble with drinking and wasnt really in our lives when Brandon was a little boy. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. 2022 by BBF. But as I turned the next corner onto Moms street and pulled up to her house, I got a good look at the car. "It was a passion project for everyone who was involved," actor Neal McDonough told CBN News. I want him here, buthellknow andwellknow., Coach, dont worry about it. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. I never used to worry before Brandon died. I dont think anyone was at fault. Not as devout as his brother, Marty turns desperately to faith in a moment of crisis when he wants a miracle. Starting the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation shortly after his death, even as the grief was overwhelming, just set those plans into motion sooner. Hed call me or Id call him and we would talk about what practice was like that day. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB I dont even think he played one game. The phones calls started coming right after that. Brandon Burlsworth age, bio, career, wife, net worth, married, weight And it paid off. Although he never played a down in the NFL, he had impressed Mudd enough during mini-camp that the . Official Sites He was the kind of guy that we would have plugged in our offensive line for 10-plus years, said then-Colts general manager Bill Polian. During the summer of 2007, Bob acquired his real estate license and in 2010 acquired his brokers license and is currently the Executive Broker for Burlsworth and Associates. Greater has three surprises, which is three more than most faith-based films, particularly of the inspirational sports-movie variety. The school was going to give Brandon a scholarship. Now, if you find yourself at that Colts shop, I told him, You make sure and get us some gear this time.. Background Report. properties, Build a downloadable list 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. What Marty thinks about now, though, is that even when Brandon was in college and then after he was drafted by the Colts, he had all these ideas for how he wanted to help people. "I know Brandon would be super proud of that," Marty said . In 2007, she and her son Marty ventured out to open Burlsworth and Associates. And I didnt want him to always be wondering what could have been. Less than two weeks after he was chosen in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Brandon was driving home to go to church with his mother. We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - Unassuming, devout and a little dense, he never drinks, never swears and never takes anything personally. Marty's current home is located at . Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? 'Greater' filmmaker proud to share Burlsworth's story with moviegoers Apr 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. Greater (2016) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. 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? 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. 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. Greater is playing in limited release (find theaters). Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. The movie will be shown on 800 screens throughout the U.S. on March 21 and March 28. 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? Why? His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. And would you believe, all these NFL agents started flying into Harrison wanting to sign Brandon. 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. One weekend when I was driving with Brandon to campus I think maybe it was his junior year a thought crossed my mind. Here its a nagging voice in a grieving believers heart asking a question that admits no simple, final answer: Why do bad things happen to good people? But almost every boy growing up in the state wants to be a Razorback. One, told in flashback, is a familiar, uplifting Rudy-like arc of an unpromising underdog who makes good despite enormous obstacles. 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 . Of course, he was my brother and you do anything for family, but things were a little tougher for him. Or Kurt Rambis, the funny-looking center for the Los Angeles Lakers. We suddenly needed that gear, because we would be rooting for the Colts. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. Two buses of Razorbacks players arrived. 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. And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. Brandon, the officer told us, had collided head-on with a semi. His jersey #77 was retired at the University of Arkansas as a gesture of honoring his memory. 'GMA' surprises foundation helping young football lovers across Brandons older brother Marty started the foundation after Brandons death in 1999. COINCIDENCES. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. There are about 11,000 people in town and one unspoken rule: If its Friday night, youre going to the Harrison High football game. It is also possible to rent "Greater" on Redbox, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Apple TV, Microsoft Store online and to . We want Brandon here, but if he cant handle it I can see what I can do to get him to a smaller school, he said. Brandon Burlsworth was known as an American professional football player. He put on weight before enrolling at Arkansas, but it was a bad 40 or so pounds that he eventually had to melt before. Bob Edmonson is a lifelong native of Harrison. | Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. Price Range (last 24 months) $125K - $450K Areas Served Harrison Specializations Buyers Sellers Marty Burlsworth Burlsworth & Associates. Well if you had taken God out of it, it [wouldve] been fiction. Hed tell me what it was like but hed never say it was really hard and Im not sure I can do this. He called to check in a couple of times. Arkansas All-American Walk-On Burlsworth Now the Subject of Film 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Now, at Arkansas and Indianapolis Burls Kids attend games for free. 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. It's "Greater." Not early or easily when it came to football, but eventually and powerfully. His faith, his family and his football, in that order. When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. But Id do anything for that kid. No, we just kind of kept that to ourselves. Barbara Burlsworth has been in real estate since 1997. If its difficult to describe the love for a brother, its impossible to explain the loss of a brother. On Aug. 26, the movie about his life, Greater, opens nationwide. Dang, Marty, what have you been feedin that boy?. View Source Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers Memorials Region North America USA Arkansas Boone County Omaha Gass Cemetery George Leo Burlsworth He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. I think Brandon would be proud of the work were doing in his name. So you didnt know if that was going to happen but that wasnt really the main [concern]. I dont how many times Id call to check in.Coach, ya need anything?Id sit every week with the newspaper. Evelyn lives in North Little Rock, AR with her husband, Paul, two sons, Bo and Owen, and dog Layla. Burlsworth Trophy Announces Nominees. Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. The present-day strand follows preparations for Brandons funeral and Martys internal struggle with doubt and nihilism, a struggle movingly realized by McDonough. While the film might not give Burlsworth enough credit for what talent he did have no one goes from walk-on to All-American without some ability he did always seem to have a knack for doing what seemed impossible. Greater, a film about Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, opens Aug. 26. Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and Brandon had seen the stadium and sat in the stands.