", Forgotten? The Olympic Gold Medalist shines light on her Hispanic heritage fueling her career. Just give us a call at 870-741-5111 . Dramatic backlighting and silhouettes create a sense of foreboding and uncertainty, resonating with the themes of tragedy and doubt. 2022 by BBF. Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. 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. Brandon wanted to do more, though. Slain Los Angeles auxiliary bishop was remembered at the Mass of Christian burial as friend of Jesus Christ and of Mary, our Blessed Mother.. See, Brandon started out a little scrawny. Well if you had taken God out of it, it [wouldve] been fiction. And boy, was he soaking it in. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. 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. He is married to Vickie who serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation. The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. On the way there, Burlsworth died an unthinkable death that shook the entire state. If it meant going over to Moms house to help him with homework, I wanted to be there. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. Cindi Hagood is our Program Director of the Eyes of a Champion program. of prospects that meet your criteria, Monitor any person, property or MARTY BURLSWORTH CONTRIBUTOR Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Although the Razorbacks led 21-3 at one point and were up 24-22 with less than two minutes to go, the game turned on an even crazier play that also involved Burlsworth. arkansas football. And that spring, the Burls boys found themselves in Indianapolis at the combine. What was your first thought when someone approached you about making Greater? barbaraann@burlsworth.com. He lauds Chris Severio for his measured portrayal of Brandon, and veteran actor Neal McDonough, he says, does a tremendous job as Marty Burlsworth. And we were concerned that his faith would take a big backseatAnd we just werent up for that at all. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. Vickie's love for children is hard to escape. Brandon was the kind of guy you win with.. It demanded an audience larger than you could pack into Razorback Stadium for 60 minutes of weekend celebration in the fall - or into the Harrison High School gym on a spring day of mourning. His faith, his family and his football, in that order. Or Kurt Rambis, the funny-looking center for the Los Angeles Lakers. He received many scholarship offers from smaller universities but eventually chose to become a walk-on football player for the University of Arkansas. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. (Now we see through a glass darkly ). But I knew we still needed a scholarship. Not early or easily when it came to football, but eventually and powerfully. Most important to Marty and the Burlsworth family: They kept us in the loop.. I think it was in June [1999] I think [thats] kinda when that started. When the pandemic started, I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us pass the time. For me, it was reading. Our parents divorced when Brandon was just two years old. He spent his first season of high school football as a sophomore on the sidelines. Pope Francis, Biden Commend Peacemaker Bishop OConnell as Memorial Services Begin. 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. Had life turned out differently, Marty Burlsworth might be reflecting on his brother's pro football career during Super Bowl weekend. Youll have all your coursework done and can graduate at the end of the year anyway., Yeah, he said with a smile. 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. If you followed the SEC back then, you may remember the Brandon Burlsworth story. With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth. 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. Barbara Burlsworth. But that summer Brandon had two things going for him: His work ethic and, luckily, a pretty big growth spurt. I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. Background Report. 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." The football fraternity had great expectations from the talented young man but fate had other plans and he was killed in an accident. They couldnt give us any assurances that there wouldnt be a lot of Hollywood going into it. And the first call I made was to the recruiting coordinator at Arkansas. 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. I dont even think he played one game. Earlier this year in an interview with Christian Examiner, Reindl said: The film is as much about Martys journey as it is about Brandons. When we got back home to Harrison, the day of the draft was just filled with anxiety. 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. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Burlsworth Football Camps. He wasthatgood. Vickie L Burlsworth is also associated with this address. 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. We wont be there. monetization of National Catholic Register RSS feeds is strictly prohibited. One of my sons, who was in my car with me, started asking what was wrong, what had happened. Im sure he just got stuck in traffic, or maybe ran out of gas. Brandons older brother Marty started the foundation after Brandons death in 1999. The family respectfully declined. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. Dang, Marty, what have you been feedin that boy?. His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. Public records for Marty Burlsworth range in age from 35 years old to 61 years old. Selfishly, I don't want Brandon to be forgotten. He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. They put it in more of a condensed form which is the way filmmaking generally always happens. He had planned to help underprivileged children, and his. Marty is a resident of 3775 Savannah Drv, Harrison, AR 72601-9851. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. Director David Hunt (from left) poses Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016, with producer Brian Reindl, and Marty Burlsworth, brother of Brandon Burlsworth, during a red carpet event ahead of the premiere of . Not good at all. Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. He wasnt as tall or as heavy as D-I colleges wanted him to be. 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 . Trust. A couple of weeks before Brandon left for school, one of the Arkansas coaches called me. After the season, over the holidays, we got a call. If its difficult to describe the love for a brother, its impossible to explain the loss of a brother. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. Not as devout as his brother, Marty turns desperately to faith in a moment of crisis when he wants a miracle. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. to you, Keep an eye on trends and events Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? [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. Still, with each pick, even in the first round, you get more and more nervous. (The devoutly Catholic McDonough, who also executive produced, has called Marty Burlsworth his favorite role.). 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. It was my dream, too, and I sure worked hard at it. Hed tell me what it was like but hed never say it was really hard and Im not sure I can do this. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Pig Trail Nation / Jun 1, 2021 / 04:30 PM CDT. 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. His age is 36. 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. "People are seeing it for the first time, and that's really cool," Marty said. 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. 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. I mean everybody knew. 2018 Burlsworth & Associates Real Estate in Harrison, AR I tried bringing it up to him again. Sign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox. 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. In 1999, he completed an MBA and was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree. by The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. - All Rights Reserved, VOL. I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. 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. Didn't buy it or rent it or watch it on DVD. 131 | NO. All this plays out in flashback, with all the usual sports-movie clichs, training sequences, montages, comic relief and so forth. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. [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. He was my brother and I just wanted everything for him. Catholic actor Neal McDonough costars in a Rudy-like faith-based inspirational sports biopic that dares to explore doubt as well as belief. 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. Walk-on player from Harrison, Ark., considered a long shot to get real playing time. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American . I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation. So Mom, Brandon and I piled into my minivan and we drove over to Fayetteville. 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? Third, its beautifully and atmospherically shot by director David Hunt and cinematographer Gabe Mayan. Why? They love to interact with people of all communities and podcast interviews have become a wonderful outlet for that. Marty Leo Burlsworth's Arkansas Voter Registration. In a few weeks hed be heading back. This life demanded a movie. The main [concern] was that it was going to go somewhere that really never happened. There are few actors in Hollywood brave enough to wear their Catholic faith on . As Brandon and I were standing out there, the offensive linemen came out, running on the field with their helmets on. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. print and digital media outlets, dedicated to reporting the truth in light of the Gospel and the 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. After the draft, he spoke to me a lot about helping other kids in Harrison. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. He called to check in a couple of times. podcast interviews Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. Follow him on Twitter. So that was kind of the stamp of approval there, plus theyre Christians and they didnt want to lose that faith aspect. Hes not going down.. News. But me and friends that were close to me were like This is like a movie. The movie will be shown on 800 screens throughout the U.S. on March 21 and March 28. Apr 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. 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. I was 16 years older than Brandon, so I was already out of the house, married and raising my own boys by the time he was of any age. One weekend when I was driving with Brandon to campus I think maybe it was his junior year a thought crossed my mind. As we walked by one of the pro shops, we joked to each other. Harrison, Arkansas. Every chance he got, Burlsworth went home to Harrison, a town of about 10,000 in the Ozarks, near the Missouri state line. There he is, 300 pounds, and he just runs down this linebacker. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. 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. I kept track of how many might be left for Brandon.O.K., they gave one to that boy, thats 12 so far. Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. He and his wife Tresia have four children, Michael, Jordan, Brandon and Samantha. That game was, in a way, a symbol for the highest highs, the lowest lows and the unforeseen. "I know Brandon would be super proud of that," Marty said . His final game with the team was in the 1999 Citrus Bowl. Even an idea, you knowa script can sit on the shelf and never see the light of day. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. As they chat, Searcy whittles a face on a block of wood, a symbolic quirk with a meaning made nearly explicit in a startling line. 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. Brandon was so single-minded, so focused. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. He told the family, "We don't want to take Brandon's faith out of this movie.". Predictably, trash-talking opponents laughed at him and called him names. 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. Had you ever thought of Brandons story as a film? He grew up in Barnstable, Massachusetts, graduated from Barnstable High School, and attended Syracuse University. We had to have the funeral at the high school gym. He took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. The phone number for him is (870) 741-7472 (Windstream Arkansas, Inc). Greater may not be in Rudys league cinematically, but Burlsworth was a far more gifted player than Daniel Rudy Ruettiger. So I think its normal. 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. We watched the game from this conference room at the top of the stadium. David Hunt, the movies director, also assisted with the screenplay. 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. director of photography Film Editing by David L. Hunt . He was determined to drive home the same day so he could attend evening church service with the family. interested in booking Marty for your event? Hell show up and everything will be fine.. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. At the point when he hadn't shown up by 4, Brandon's brother, Marty got a concerned call from his mother and went to her home. Even his peers saw an innocent kid who just didnt understand why he couldnt make it in college football, and certainly not the NFL. Locations and showtimes are available onwww.greaterthemovie.com. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ. It's "Greater." Release Dates 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. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. Brandon did not get married before he passed away when he was only twenty-two years old. Filming & Production 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. The school was going to give Brandon a scholarship. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. Whether Im driving around town, past the baseball park where we used to play catch, past the Razorbacks signs on front lawns, I feel his presence. It was a terrible day for Harrison, it was a terrible day for the state. 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? 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. Starting the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation shortly after his death, even as the grief was overwhelming, just set those plans into motion sooner. "It was a struggle similar to Brandon's struggle to play college football," Marty Burlsworth said. He goes through something we all face when we experience tragedy and trials: Which voices do we listen to? You know, Brandon, you could think about entering the draft. So you just walk down this side of the stadium, O.K.? No, we just kind of kept that to ourselves. Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States, siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth, place of death: Alpena, Arkansas, United States. Sure, there's some creative license in the movie, but the message rings true. It had this outdoor patio that you could stand on and look down on the field. Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. 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. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission, or unlicensed commercial use or 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? The present-day strand follows preparations for Brandons funeral and Martys internal struggle with doubt and nihilism, a struggle movingly realized by McDonough. Brandon Burlsworth, NFL player. 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. . 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. 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. 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. Hed call me or Id call him and we would talk about what practice was like that day. The next week, Brandon flew to Indianapolis for minicamp. So we had talked to a group or two out of California that had pitched the idea but we just never were at peace or had any comfort. She then pursued her graduate degree at the University of Louisville where she interned for the athletic department. Brandon Burlsworth bulked himself up to 300 lbs to be an offensive guard and by his sophomore season in 1996, he had earned a scholarship and a starting position at right guard on the offensive line. It would take 11 years - with Reindl financing the independent production himself when other investors dried up - but in 2016, "Greater" hit the theaters. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. Teens and up. In a movie like Gods Not Dead, disbelief is a straw-man villain that exists solely to be vanquished and humiliated by the righteous hero. Especially after it was all over and, you know, that was bad times. 1 Tennessee. But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. 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. Or Drew Carey, the comedian. It was just one of those things when its time, its time. 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 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. He was, with various modifiers, Clark Kent. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. Theres no explanation for it. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known." https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/brandon-burlsworth-35134.php. Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. | 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 then he walked out and there it was: BURLSWORTH. Greater than my limited understanding of the painful search for meaning every time a life ends so young. Director Yelena Popovic discusses why this film had to be made. 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. Harrison, Arkansas, is set as small town as it receives. The state with the most residents by this name is Arkansas, followed by Colorado. 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. Brandon also earned his masters degree at Arkansas before his playing career was done the first Razorback to do so. near you, Up-to-date reports of crimes near I mean it was for me. Brandon was home. This one painful scene is wiser than all the movies the Fireproof / Courageous people have made (including their football movie, Facing the Giants). Becoming a Razorback As the title suggests, this is the story of the most successful walk-on in the history of college football at the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. Marty's current home is located at . Real Estate. And in Arkansas it was a statewide tragedy. It was all over ESPN. Greater than my previous knowledge of a young man's winding road from small-town walk-on to home-state hero. Became a two-time All-SEC selection and a first-team All-American as a senior in 1998. His story has been told in a movie that's not "Rudy.". 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. He is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. 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. | Order Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization Greater, a film depicting the life and tragic death of Brandon Burlsworth will be released in theaters on August 26th. He knew he could. It always seemed like a movie to me. I'd traveled to Razorback Stadium for decades - long considered it the SEC's most hospitable hostile environment - so I thought I knew the story of Arkansas football legend Brandon Burlsworth. 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. Always why. "It was a passion project for everyone who was involved," actor Neal McDonough told CBN News. But before all that, Brandon made one last trip to Fayetteville to visit with his Razorbacks teammates. 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. Over the next two years he reformed his body to become more muscular and went back to a 300lb physique. Directed by David L. Hunt . Channing Frye and Iman Shumpert are back to explain the stakes, place bets and analyze the most valuable players in the NBA Finals. So I did whatever I could to be there for Brandon. 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 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.