Bob is optimistic about the real estate market in Harrison and is looking forward to meeting the real estate needs of the clients and customers in the area in and surrounding Harrison. I wasnt sure. (The devoutly Catholic McDonough, who also executive produced, has called Marty Burlsworth his favorite role.). So when Brandon got it in his mind that he was going to be a Razorback, I was all in. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. Marty is registered to vote in Boone County, Arkansas. They put it in more of a condensed form which is the way filmmaking generally always happens. Or Drew Carey, the comedian. The odds were against him and nobody was looking his way. If there was anything inappropriate in it, of course that was all made up. She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. Renew or manage your subscription here. . But as Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's older brother and companion through it all, emphasized in an exclusive interview with The Daily Wire, Brandon made his football goals happen because he was relentless. One weekend when I was driving with Brandon to campus I think maybe it was his junior year a thought crossed my mind. 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. barbaraann@burlsworth.com. 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). 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. Jessica Mendoza's greatest pride is her background. 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. Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? 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. The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. I would talk to him most every night. As it turned out, it was a squad car, with officials there to convey the bad news. Neal McDonough (L) plays Marty Burlsworth in 'Greater' (Hammond Entertainment). . He spent as many days as he could in the weight room getting stronger. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. He died instantly. And I couldnt wait to be right there with him. And in Arkansas it was a statewide tragedy. 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. I mean everybody knew. The movie was well-received upon its theatrical release, but thanks to its March debut on streaming giant Netflix, it's finding a new audience at a perfect time. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. The film covers the issues he had with his weight and his incredible work ethic that earned him a chance. The latest videos from KNWA FOX24. I tried bringing it up to him again. Some of his teammates have since told me how red his face would be during practice, how hard he went, how he never gave up. So was I. That looks good, doesnt it? I said. Still, with each pick, even in the first round, you get more and more nervous. (Now we see through a glass darkly ). Greater is playing in limited release (find theaters). So because you and your close ones felt like this story could be a film, did you make that known and/or start looking for filmmakers to bring it to life? 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 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. But I didnt have that natural talent. podcast interviews Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. He wont be going down., Well, thats good, he said, sort of laughing. If it meant bringing a basket of baseballs to the park so he could work on his hitting and pitching, I wanted to be there. Its what he leaned on to work as hard. The police could not determine the reason behind the tragic accident. Its a good story and, you know, Neal McDonough struggling in the aftermath thats absolutely true. And it paid off. 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. 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. Brazilian Charity Caring for Children Who Survived Abortions Issues Urgent Appeal, Memento Mori: Remember You Are Going to Die, The Meat of the Matter: St. Patricks Day and the Lenten Fast, Pope Francis Inexhaustible Font of Words: 10 Gems From the Heart Over 10 Years. His story has been told in a movie that's not "Rudy.". It's "Greater." 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. 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. But Arkansas was the dream. When the pandemic started, I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us pass the time. For me, it was reading. We may still get one. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. They can assist you with all your real estate needs. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. His age is 36. 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. Today, those glasses remain the symbol of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation brandonburlsworth.org. Arkansas doesnt have a pro football team I dont even know if a pro team could survive here. He wasnt as tall or as heavy as D-I colleges wanted him to be. He said he wanted to hold football camps and bring kids to his NFL games. 2018 Burlsworth & Associates Real Estate in Harrison, AR 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. 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 . Aug 26, 2016. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/brandon-burlsworth-35134.php. 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. Just give us a call at 870-741-5111 . It was disappointing, but Brandon wanted to go to Arkansas more than anything and, well, he didnt want any regrets. To this day, people tell me where they were when they heard the news. It always seemed like a movie to me. Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. He would just say Yeah we did this, we did this, we did this and it was just like this is what were doing, you know he never [said] I cant do this. That just wasnt there because, you know, thats where his faith led him. 77 is one of just two numbers retired in the history of Arkansas football. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. Not like my younger brother Brandon. At present, through the Burls Kids program, the foundation works towards providing underprivileged youths a chance to visit Razorback and Colts football games. 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. Official Sites Teens and up. Proudly created with Wix.com. He was, with various modifiers, Clark Kent. Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - Marty is a resident of 3775 Savannah Drv, Harrison, AR 72601-9851. He was buried at the Gass Cemetery in Omaha, Arkansas, on May 2, 1999. You know, we established his foundation shortly thereafter [the accident]. He initially joined Arkansas Razorbacks as a walk-on but later he was handed an athletes scholarship and eventually became an all-American. The Burlsworth family created the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in honor of Brandon who was tragically killed in a car accident in 1999. 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. He told the family, "We don't want to take Brandon's faith out of this movie.". This was the dream. Its condensed. Possible relatives for Marty Burlsworth include Roselee Arnold, Keshia Flowers, Brady Burlsworth and several . 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. This has been a pretty big year for me tra. So I started calling coaches and seeing where he could play. Sure, there's some creative license in the movie, but the message rings true. The year is 1999 and Marty Burlsworth is awaiting the funeral of his 22-year-old brother, Brandon. I dont think I got there. David Hunt, the movies director, also assisted with the screenplay. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. The family respectfully declined. Vickie Burlsworth is the Executive Director of the Foundation that she and Marty founded honoring Brandon after his passing in 1999. 2023 So before he started his senior year, I started working on getting my certification. An expression that implied do it the correct way, in any event, when nobody is looking. 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. His screenplay grew out of the book Through the Eyes of a Champion: The Brandon Burlsworth Story, by Jeff Kinley. print and digital media outlets, dedicated to reporting the truth in light of the Gospel and the And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. That game was, in a way, a symbol for the highest highs, the lowest lows and the unforeseen. But I knew we still needed a scholarship. 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. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. 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. We werent proactive at all in [making a movie]. 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. A coda sums up the impact of Brandons life: the programs, scholarships and so forth established in his name. The brothers age difference is the basis for one of the movies running gags, Martys discomfort at being mistaken for Brandons father. 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. The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. Burlsworth was selected to be of the team captains by his junior season in 1997 for the University of Arkansas. "Brian wouldn't let go.". McDonough plays Marty, Brandon's big brother and father figure in the film, and he . Brandon wanted to do more, though. Vickie L Burlsworth is also associated with this address. 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. Everybody knew. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known. They couldnt give us any assurances that there wouldnt be a lot of Hollywood going into it. After his death at a young age, the football community came together to pay tribute to his achievements and his family and friends built a foundation in his name. When I turned on to the street behind Moms house, I could see her driveway through this little opening between houses. 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. We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. Vickie's love for children is hard to escape. We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. And then he walked out and there it was: BURLSWORTH. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. Evelyn Allen started as the Development and Social Media Director for the foundation in March of 2020. It was composed and produced by Brian Reindl and David Hunt. Another initiative announced was the creation of a memorial for victims of abuse. Marty's current home is located at . Walk-on player from Harrison, Ark., considered a long shot to get real playing time. Two buses of Razorbacks players arrived. I was high as a kite. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. The next week, Brandon flew to Indianapolis for minicamp. EIN 27-4581132 So that makes it quite a bit easier to revisit because weve never really gone away. Didn't buy it or rent it or watch it on DVD. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known." If its difficult to describe the love for a brother, its impossible to explain the loss of a brother. The present-day strand follows preparations for Brandons funeral and Martys internal struggle with doubt and nihilism, a struggle movingly realized by McDonough. by The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. - All Rights Reserved, VOL. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Public records for Marty Burlsworth range in age from 35 years old to 61 years old. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. 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. In the making of [the movie], sometimes we were able to be on set some days they didnt want us there and we didnt want to be there. People were swinging by all day. But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. Burlsworth was too small (260 pounds) when he finished high school. Named an All-American in 1998, he was drafted in 1999 by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round 11 days before being killed in a vehicular accident. With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth. 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. Even his peers saw an innocent kid who just didnt understand why he couldnt make it in college football, and certainly not the NFL. Hell show up and everything will be fine.. Each Wednesday, he came back to take his mother, Barbara, to chapel. I dont think anyone was at fault. But that summer Brandon had two things going for him: His work ethic and, luckily, a pretty big growth spurt. Greater than my limited understanding of the painful search for meaning every time a life ends so young. By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. Of course, he was my brother and you do anything for family, but things were a little tougher for him. His No. And I remembered to do what other agents had advised me to do, I kept multiple lines open. One, told in flashback, is a familiar, uplifting Rudy-like arc of an unpromising underdog who makes good despite enormous obstacles. That's an inadequate synopsis of an exemplary life. His jersey #77 was retired at the University of Arkansas as a gesture of honoring his memory. This story focuses on Burlsworth's ambition, work ethic, family relationships, and strong religious convictions; teamwork and courage are strong themes. Opposing teams made game plans just to handle Brandon. Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? 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. 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. 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. Chris Severio plays Burlsworth (No. She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. near you, Up-to-date reports of crimes near His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. (as Stephen Raynor-Endelman) (music by) Cinematography by Gabe Mayhan . (as David Hunt) (directed by) Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification Produced by Music by Stephen Endelman . But me and friends that were close to me were like This is like a movie. And he justdominatedon the field didnt matter if he was on defense or offense. 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 Eleven days later he passed on attending a Razorback ring presentation ceremony to drive to his hometown to take his mom to church. He did not survive the accident and passed away on April 28, 1999. The film promotes Burlsworth as the greatest walk-on in the history of college football and there is an award the Brandon Burlsworth Trophy, which Marty oversees that is given annually to college footballs best player who began his career as a walk-on. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and Brandon had seen the stadium and sat in the stands. We found 2 people in 2 states named Marty Burlsworth living in the US. Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. By Carl Kozlowski. Was there anything that you had to do for yourself spiritually or emotionally to prepare for the making of this movie? Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. It seemed as if the whole town was there to support Brandon and who he was and what he meant to everybody. All-time overachiever Brandon Burlsworth had his life tragically cut short at the age of 22, but his impact lives on 17 years later . When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. We were going to Fayetteville for the game and I called him early in the week to tell him where our seats would be. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. COINCIDENCES. A couple of weeks before Brandon left for school, one of the Arkansas coaches called me. Apr 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. 1 Tennessee. 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. His jersey has been retired, his locker encased in glass, his spirit captured in a trophy awarded to the best college football player who started his career as a walk-on. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. 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. Boy, did he have the size and did he have the skills. He put on weight before enrolling at Arkansas, but it was a bad 40 or so pounds that he eventually had to melt before. He lauds Chris Severio for his measured portrayal of Brandon, and veteran actor Neal McDonough, he says, does a tremendous job as Marty Burlsworth. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American . As Brandon and I were standing out there, the offensive linemen came out, running on the field with their helmets on. 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. 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. Previously she worked for the Arkansas Travelers, USA Football, NFL, Athleta and the Outlets of Little Rock. I dont even think he played one game. But now that my own boys are older, if theyre even ten minutes late, I get a little concerned and think that maybe theyre in trouble, maybe something went wrong. He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. But before all that, Brandon made one last trip to Fayetteville to visit with his Razorbacks teammates. Greater, a film about Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, opens Aug. 26. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. That was very very tough. Directed by David L. Hunt . Third, its beautifully and atmospherically shot by director David Hunt and cinematographer Gabe Mayan. So a few months after his death, we started the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, where we do all of that and more. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. You know, Brandon, you could think about entering the draft. interested in booking Marty for your event? 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. So you didnt know if that was going to happen but that wasnt really the main [concern]. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ. 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. It was 2005 and the . Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. "I . 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. 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. 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. When we got back home to Harrison, the day of the draft was just filled with anxiety. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Well if you had taken God out of it, it [wouldve] been fiction. to you, Keep an eye on trends and events 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. She received her Bachelors in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. Im sure he just got stuck in traffic, or maybe ran out of gas. you, Subscribe to The Daily Follow him on Twitter. Greater than my narrow expectation of "Rudy Calls the Hogs." And it was Brandons time. On top of that, Dad had trouble with drinking and wasnt really in our lives when Brandon was a little boy. So by his fourth year at Arkansas, he was already finishing his masters degree. One of my sons, who was in my car with me, started asking what was wrong, what had happened. 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. Brandons exceptional journey came to an abrupt, tragic end when a devastating car crash took his life, shocking his hometown, the state of Arkansas, and the national football community. 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. It was just one of those things when its time, its time. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Burlsworth Football Camps. Burlsworth rouses 'big brother' actor. He was in the prime of his football career. He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. 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. Brandon Burlsworth studied at the Harrison High School where he was an all-state selection. 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. 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. That's not a boast. On the way there, Burlsworth died an unthinkable death that shook the entire state. The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. Barbara Burlsworth has been in real estate since 1997. You take care of it, you get things done. Greater, a film depicting the life and tragic death of Brandon Burlsworth will be released in theaters on August 26th. There he is, 300 pounds, and he just runs down this linebacker. His Subaru clipped an incoming 18-wheeler and then collided head-on with a tractor-trailer in Alpena, Arkansas. Burlsworth died in a car accident on April 28, 1999, and his story of faith and conviction has been gaining recognition in recent years due to various programs and a new biopic called "Greater.". Steven D. Greydanus is the Registers film critic and creator of Decent Films. Every chance he got, Burlsworth went home to Harrison, a town of about 10,000 in the Ozarks, near the Missouri state line. They tackle that query via Burlsworth's much-older brother Marty (Neal McDonough), who, on the cusp of his sibling's funeral, struggles to understand why awful things happen to the innocent . He was born on 31-08-1986. Brandon was also the first Arkansas football player to complete his Masters Degree before playing his final college football game.
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