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It was just one of those things when its time, its time. 2022 by BBF. Not like my younger brother Brandon. Vickie L Burlsworth is also associated with this address. He is married to Vickie who serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation. EWTN News, Inc. is the worlds largest Catholic news organization, comprised of television, radio, 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. I would talk to him most every night. to you, Keep an eye on trends and events MARTY BURLSWORTH CONTRIBUTOR Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. I think Brandon would be proud of the work were doing in his name. 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. He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. As it turned out, it was a squad car, with officials there to convey the bad news. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States, siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth, place of death: Alpena, Arkansas, United States. After the draft, he spoke to me a lot about helping other kids in Harrison. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. Burlsworth was too small (260 pounds) when he finished high school. And I could see a little white car parked in her driveway. Surely, he reasons, God will be merciful; Marty would be, and he cant be more merciful than God. He took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. The family respectfully declined. 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. 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. But [the death was] not the ending. At present, through the Burls Kids program, the foundation works towards providing underprivileged youths a chance to visit Razorback and Colts football games. Yeah, lets go buy some Colts stuff.. The school was going to give Brandon a scholarship. The National Junior Auxiliary awarded her Volunteer of the Year, and the Governor appointed her to the State Board of Dispensing Opticians. Those were offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworths trademark, and they were prominent even behind the facemask of his Arkansas Razorbacks helmet. Out of nowhere, Brandon knocks him out of bounds, Marty said. 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. And Ill get a photo of you in your uniform. Hes not going down.. The family respectfully declined. We werent proactive at all in [making a movie]. | Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? is 61 years old today because Marty's birthday is on 11/13/1960. Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to Do it the Burls Way. And when its Friday night here in Harrison and the whole town is at the football game, I think about Brandon. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the foundation and has been with the BBF since 2010. And we were concerned that his faith would take a big backseatAnd we just werent up for that at all. 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. 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. Youll have all your coursework done and can graduate at the end of the year anyway., Yeah, he said with a smile. Its what he leaned on to work as hard. Where it doesnt have such a bad ending? She has 3 sons, Marty, Grady and the late Brandon Burlsworth. David Hunt, the movies director, also assisted with the screenplay. And I couldnt wait to be right there with him. Had you ever thought of Brandons story as a film? He had intended to help under advantaged children and the Burlsworth family settled the establishment that in his honor. 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. 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. Im sure he just got stuck in traffic, or maybe ran out of gas. He was determined to drive home the same day so he could attend evening church service with the family. The Olympic Gold Medalist shines light on her Hispanic heritage fueling her career. Although he had only participated in a Colts mini-clinic before the accident, Burlsworth left such an impression that the team wore a decal with his Colts number, 66, on their helmets that season and they honored him and the family at a game. His No. EIN 27-4581132 His faith is what he relied on. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. View Marty Burlsworth's record in Harrison, AR including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. 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. So Mom, Brandon and I piled into my minivan and we drove over to Fayetteville. I dont think I got there. 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 . In the award's twelfth year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas Walk . 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. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. A servant at heart, she also serves as president of their local foodbank, Ozark Share & Care. People were swinging by all day. Id do anything I could for him. The Passion of the Christ actor talks about the challenges of playing iconic roles and why good movies arent always family-friendly. In the film, we see a lot of moments where the Marty character is learning from the persistence and drive of Brandon. So you just walk down this side of the stadium, O.K.? By all accounts, Burlsworth spent his 22 years on this earth showing everyone in his orbit how to do faith, family and football right. Its a family-friendly film carrying a PG rating and, ultimately, an inspirational message despite the tragedy no one in the Burlsworth family or his football families at Arkansas or in Indianapolis could have imagined. Earlier this year in an interview with Christian Examiner, Reindl said: The film is as much about Martys journey as it is about Brandons. So I think its normal. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Burlsworth was selected to be of the team captains by his junior season in 1997 for the University of Arkansas. Other boys would go home after school got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. This was the dream. 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 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 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." He was a Razorback. 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. 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. The football fraternity had great expectations from the talented young man but fate had other plans and he was killed in an accident. SubscribeStart your Register subscription today. In 1999, he completed an MBA and was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree. . It was composed and produced by Brian Reindl and David Hunt. I want him here, buthellknow andwellknow., Coach, dont worry about it. A film about Brandon's existence with the working title "Greater" was shot in 2013 and was released as a feature movie on August 26, 2016. 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. Along with Brandons rise, Greater equally focuses on the loss experienced by Brandons family, especially his brother Marty, and the questions about Gods goodness that are stirred by the heartache and grief. podcast interviews Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. 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. Even an idea, you knowa script can sit on the shelf and never see the light of day. print and digital media outlets, dedicated to reporting the truth in light of the Gospel and the She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. And I remembered to do what other agents had advised me to do, I kept multiple lines open. He was in the prime of his football career. And the only element bigger than excessive faculty soccer in Harrison or anywhere else . I was just so proud of him. 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. Every week, Brandon made the drive home. 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. Or Kurt Rambis, the funny-looking center for the Los Angeles Lakers. Had life turned out differently, Marty Burlsworth might be reflecting on his brother's pro football career during Super Bowl weekend. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. 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. To this day, people tell me where they were when they heard the news. Not as devout as his brother, Marty turns desperately to faith in a moment of crisis when he wants a miracle. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. Brandon isnt a very interesting character, but hes a likable one. "It was a passion project for everyone who was involved," actor Neal McDonough told CBN News. His age is 36. We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. He called to check in a couple of times. (Now we see through a glass darkly ). Proudly created with Wix.com. And I know a lot of good has come out of it and I think a lot of good is going to continue to come out of it and only grow what were [doing] through this film and through Brandons foundation, to impact a lot of kids for many years. There he is, 300 pounds, and he just runs down this linebacker. By Carl Kozlowski. And then we were approached 11 years ago by Brian Reindl whos the producer- who had no experience in the filmmaking industry at all but had a passion for it. His faith, his family and his football, in that order. Judea school district. Over the next two years he reformed his body to become more muscular and went back to a 300lb physique. Trophy honors most outstanding Walk-On for twelfth year . I never used to worry before Brandon died. Thats the dream. or school. Pope Francis, Biden Commend Peacemaker Bishop OConnell as Memorial Services Begin. But I didnt have that natural talent. A list of possible email addresses for Marty includes burlsworth@cox.net, mburlsworth@aol.com. Vickie Burlsworth is the Executive Director of the Foundation that she and Marty founded honoring Brandon after his passing in 1999. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Toggle header content He told the family, "We don't want to take Brandon's faith out of this movie.". It is also possible to rent "Greater" on Redbox, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Apple TV, Microsoft Store online and to . The latest videos from KNWA FOX24. 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. Brandon also earned his masters degree at Arkansas before his playing career was done the first Razorback to do so. As Brandon and I were standing out there, the offensive linemen came out, running on the field with their helmets on. He was my brother and I just wanted everything for him. We found 2 people in 2 states named Marty Burlsworth living in the US. He knew he could. He slept either in his little room at his mother's house or at his brother Marty's, to be close to his three nephews. [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. Hed tell me what it was like but hed never say it was really hard and Im not sure I can do this. The family respectfully declined. 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. He was, with various modifiers, Clark Kent. Greater than my narrow expectation of "Rudy Calls the Hogs." If it meant going over to Moms house to help him with homework, I wanted to be there. Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. Martys struggle is not entirely internal. I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. 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. The next week, Brandon flew to Indianapolis for minicamp. A couple of weeks before Brandon left for school, one of the Arkansas coaches called me. The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. Eleven days later he passed on attending a Razorback ring presentation ceremony to drive to his hometown to take his mom to church. When he set his mind to something, you better believe you were going to witness him do it. This has been a pretty big year for me tra. This story focuses on Burlsworth's ambition, work ethic, family relationships, and strong religious convictions; teamwork and courage are strong themes. Evelyn Allen started as the Development and Social Media Director for the foundation in March of 2020. (Marty Burlsworth) Neal McDonough was born on February 13, 1966 in Dorchester, Massachusetts, to Catherine (Bushe) and Frank McDonough, motel owners who were born in Ireland. Jessica Mendoza's greatest pride is her background. | 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. Steven D. Greydanus is the Registers film critic and creator of Decent Films. But Arkansas was the dream. Evelyn lives in North Little Rock, AR with her husband, Paul, two sons, Bo and Owen, and dog Layla. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. Company Credits Selfishly, I don't want Brandon to be forgotten. Director Yelena Popovic discusses why this film had to be made. The film covers the issues he had with his weight and his incredible work ethic that earned him a chance. Marty's current home is located at . After the season, over the holidays, we got a call. 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. Itll be real cool.. Marty's ethnicity is Caucasian, whose political affiliation is unknown; and religious views are listed as Christian. Even his peers saw an innocent kid who just didnt understand why he couldnt make it in college football, and certainly not the NFL. Every chance he got, Burlsworth went home to Harrison, a town of about 10,000 in the Ozarks, near the Missouri state line. 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. Always why. Directed by David L. Hunt . They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ. 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. 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. It just takes some time. Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. 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 wanted Brandon's story to be known." Brandon did not get married before he passed away when he was only twenty-two years old. 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.". you, Subscribe to The Daily I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation. Perhaps Martys favorite play from Brandons college career is one that occurred in the same game as the play he would most like to forget. Marty is a resident of 3775 Savannah Drv, Harrison, AR 72601-9851. Renew or manage your subscription here. Brandon knew what it was like to be doubted, to be told you werent good enough. Walk-on player from Harrison, Ark., considered a long shot to get real playing time. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. He loved football, Marty said. 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. Im sure Josh Wheaton, the young apologist in Gods Not Dead, would know all the right things to say to Searcys character, but then Searcy wouldnt be permitted to make his case so eloquently in a movie like Gods Not Dead, if he were allowed to appear at all. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. 2018 Burlsworth & Associates Real Estate in Harrison, AR I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. 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. But almost every boy growing up in the state wants to be a Razorback. That first year has been put into the way it comes off on screen his feelings and the way hes taking it and I mean it was a rough time and anyone thats had a family member thats passed unexpectedly or too soon can relate to that. By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. Only 30 of 175 dioceses ordained an average number of priests at or above replacement level over the five years from 2016 to 2021, according to the report. He died instantly. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals. 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 . Powered by WebJIVE ~ Featured on the Harrison Arkansas Network. Lacking the football scholarship he absurdly hoped for, Brandon turns down full rides elsewhere to attend Arkansas. His jersey #77 was retired at the University of Arkansas as a gesture of honoring his memory. He put on weight before enrolling at Arkansas, but it was a bad 40 or so pounds that he eventually had to melt before. Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. 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. Aug 26, 2016. Harrison, Arkansas, United States. 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. So a few months after his death, we started the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, where we do all of that and more. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. When we got back home to Harrison, the day of the draft was just filled with anxiety. Even his peers saw an innocent kid who just didn't understand why he couldn't make it in college football, and certainly not the NFL. Catholic actor Neal McDonough costars in a Rudy-like faith-based inspirational sports biopic that dares to explore doubt as well as belief. On top of that, Dad had trouble with drinking and wasnt really in our lives when Brandon was a little boy. 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. Proudly created with Wix.com. Its a simple but effective response, nicely underscored by the gospel anthem Ill Fly Awayrunning through the film. interested in booking Marty for your event? 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. (as David Hunt) (edited by) Casting By Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. 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 . 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. Just give us a call at 870-741-5111 . 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. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. 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. He grew up in Barnstable, Massachusetts, graduated from Barnstable High School, and attended Syracuse University. FAYETTEVILLE 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.. I wanted everything for Brandon, and within a few moments, it had all been taken away. See, Brandon started out a little scrawny. That's an inadequate synopsis of an exemplary life. Two buses of Razorbacks players arrived. 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. 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. Barbara Burlsworth. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. of prospects that meet your criteria, Monitor any person, property or And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. French Monastery Survives War and Famine After 885 Years, the Basilica of St. Ambrose in Milan, and More Great Links! This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. Real Estate. He asked me to help him, but theres all this certification that goes into being an agent. We probably put 30,000 miles on my minivan each season. Not good at all. Channing Frye and Iman Shumpert are back to explain the stakes, place bets and analyze the most valuable players in the NBA Finals. Price Range (last 24 months) $125K - $450K Areas Served Harrison Specializations Buyers Sellers Marty Burlsworth Burlsworth & Associates. We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. And boy, was he soaking it in. We were going to Fayetteville for the game and I called him early in the week to tell him where our seats would be. Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. Harrison, Arkansas, is set as small town as it receives. (as Stephen Raynor-Endelman) (music by) Cinematography by Gabe Mayhan . Burlsworth Trophy Announces Nominees.