After being six feet tall and weighing 200 pounds as a senior at Harrison High School in 1993, Burlsworth grew almost three inches and added 30 pounds by the following spring. For instance, the film didn't disclose that, shortly before his death, Brandon had formed a budding relationship with a college co-ed, also from Harrison. The Vols finished the regular season by blasting Kentucky 59-21 and Vanderbilt 41-0. SDG Reviews 'Greater'| National Catholic Register And I just thought it was a devastatingly tragic story but also an inspiring one., Watch the story behind GREATER. You want to hear from the pertinent voices, the people that were closely involved and related to Brandon played with him, coached him and raised him. "He loved the coaching staff and grew close to Coach Mudd immediately," said Marty. "Brandon felt very good about getting on the field and beginning the next step of his career. He knew he could be going against Bruce Smith on opening day. He was already getting ready for that challenge.". The accident occurred near Alpena, Arkansas, while returning to his old neighborhood. MB: We want them to know that bad things can and will happen. I think the movie speaks to people in many different ways, Reindl said. "He'd be completely blown away by all this attention focused on him. Shane Steichen quarterbacked Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado, Calif., where he teamed up with future Colts wide receiver Austin Collie. . Brandon Burlsworth | American Football Database | Fandom Greater (film) - Wikipedia "We attended the First Assembly in Harrison and Brandon was always there, starting at about 10 years old. We were involved from start to finish in a sort of advisory role. You can see through the movie that the way he lived his life and how his family reacted answers the question of what to do when these things happen.. There is some footage of the real Brandon after the last credits. "I remember it being exciting and extremely stressful. We knew he wouldn't be picked in the upper first round, but it took a toll on us," said Burlsworth. "Getting picked by the Colts was a blessing. It couldn't have been a better fit for Brandon.". UT linebacker Al Wilson witnessed his teammates proclamation to Martin on the sideline. He didnt just lay the ball on the ground. MB: After Brandons death, it was rough at first and I certainly struggled. Carrolton ap former arkansas offensive guard brandon burlsworth died in a car crash as he headed home to harrison from fayetteville officials said. My mom says that Brandons message comes through. He had fresh legs and blew up the play., After the Arkansas game, we knew that was our moment.. The offensive guard had been named an All-American and a two-time All-SEC First Team player. Its hard not to imagine what might have been had Burlsworth not passed away when he was 22. "Greater" Story of Brandon Burlsworth Casting Call for Principle and "The common . Secure the best seats & best benefits for next season, and be there live for exciting matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and more of the NFL's best opponents. He definitely was, Coleman said. This is a movie not just for football fans but for everyone. As recorded on the Colts official website, Burlsworth was driving home to Harrison, Arkansas in April 1999; he wanted to head home, have dinner with his mother, Barbara, and attend a Wednesday night church service. The lineman, however, would never arrive. It was apparently a shocker to a few of the reviewers here, but Greater includes some Christian themes in it. Billy Ratliff had every opportunity to give up during that game because that kid was giving him the business, the entire game.. "He listened, then just did it," said Tice. Fifteen years. So sad, so much promise, such a terrific person. It was tough. The other producers couldnt guarantee just how accurate the depiction would be. What you do in between, determines your legacy, so make sure you give it everything you've got until you hear that whistle. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC. When the 1999 NFL draft rolled around, the Indianapolis Colts made the linemans dreams a reality and selected him with the 63rd-overall pick. When his brother Marty sees how much he meant to the people of his hometown and how many have shown up for his funeral, he rebuffs The Farmer, deciding to celebrate Brandon's life and move on with his own. He said that the message spoke of the joy of living everyday life and asked big questions, making it a powerful story. Letters - Sports Illustrated Vault | SI.com Q: What message do you want fans to take from this movie? I remember Al on the sideline screaming at us and telling us, We cant lose to Arkansas, Ratliff said. "When Brandon showed up at the rookie camp, he was even better than I thought he'd be," said Mudd. The coach said he managed to get back to his feet, still surrounded by the team. His life and career, however, ended in tragedy rather than triumph. After working 11 years on his Brandon Burlsworth biopic Greater, Reindl is within days of seeing his dream project open on 400 to 450 screens across the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest next week.. Burlsworth was an All-American football player for the University of Arkansas, who died tragically in an automobile . Brian Reindl, writer and producer of Greater, said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. Ill never understand, but I know that thousands of kids have been helped through Brandons foundation and so many great things have come from our tragedy. Rivers and Steichen worked together with the Chargers, while Turner gave Steichen his first opportunity in the NFL. There is a much deeper message here. He wanted to help underprivileged kids with his NFL money. Turns out, that conversation was all for naught thanks to Billy Ratliff. Weve got to throw it. I said No, were going to run it every down and we ran the football right down their throat.. brandon burlsworth foundation to honor stephens inc. kevin scanlon with legends award You like to see those kinds of things happen in sports. For fans of the Arkansas Razorbacks, Burlsworth has been a household name for years. | GREATER Movie LOS ANGELES (Christian Examiner) - GREATER, a new film about the inspiring story of Christian football player Brandon Burlsworth, who shot from walk-on at the University of Arkansas to a NFL draftee, will hit theaters this summer. The story of Brandon Burlsworth is one of the most amazing in football history. Sow with thought, you reap in action. After Brandon was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, the caring couple asked Barbara if they might give Brandon some new shirts and a set of luggage for his trip. Just days after the draft, tragedy struck. He made himself into a player by just working harder than everyone else. Brandon and Ed played football together and became very close friends over the years. Especially knowing the kid was getting ready to go on to the next chapter of his life and getting to the point where he was trying to help his family. His brother, Marty, and their mother, Barbara, met him at the airport in Springfield. That Burlsworth was in the accident was completely like the unselfish person who established a cult following while a Razorback. In the world of sports, there are plenty of iconic underdog stories. Ratliff replaced fellow defensive lineman Jeff Coleman, who was suffering from cramps on the sideline when Ratliffe made history. That says it all. 1. #biGTime #TogetherWeSwarm https://t.co/Ak89larnux, Following a resignation for personal misconduct and an NCAA show-cause penalty, he finds a home at the conservative Christian school in Virginia. Our family chose to turn our grief into something that would make a difference and honor Brandon for the things he felt so strongly about. "Through the years, we have stayed close. We're very appreciative of Mr. Irsay and the bond his organization has with us. My mother always has gotten a Colts Christmas card. We've kept a feeling of being a part of Brandon's team.". Burlsworth film moves to Netflix - hotsr.com There was only one problem. The Harrison, Arkansas, native walked on and became a three-year starter, All-American and NFL Draft pick. Brandon burlsworths first act as a wealthy nfl offensive tackle was going to be to buy himself a bigger. He went to mini-camp, but was killed a few days . The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. Phillip was saying Weve got to throw it. 20 college football teams we aren't sold on in 2023, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: Mizzou shocks Tennessee, Alabama downs Auburn and more, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: Alabama stays unbeaten in SEC play, Tennessee outlasts Auburn and more, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: A new top team emerges, Alabama loses in blowout fashion, Mizzou lights it up again. The youth center in Harrison, Arkansas . "There are people in the organization we feel close to. I'm still asked by people in Harrison about the Colts, and I tell them about our close relationship to this day. Arkansas is impressed with the Colts, no doubt about that.". All rights reserved. Ratliff and Burlsworth will always be linked by the Arkansas fumble. Burlsworth first caught the eye of Mudd at the Senior Bowl, just prior to the Combine. My Brother Brandon - The Players' Tribune Scanlon will be the 14 th recipient of the award, the first being awarded in 2010 to Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt.. A 2-year letterman for the Razorbacks, Kevin . Ratliff pounced on the ball. That was one of those plays that had to happen. That was Brandons example He could have thought of himself as a big star, but he was guided by his faith and love for his family., The Link Network is a product of the Department of Communication at Harding University. Brandon said, 'Yes, sir.' Hereof, what year did Brandon Burlsworth die? However, the player some consider the best walk-on in college football history was tragically killed in a car accident just 11 days later. Tice also told of a time when he'd become agitated with another lineman during practice and told the team to watch. "If God ever made the perfect person, it was that guy," said then teammate Sacha Lancaster to Sport Illustrated. MB: Brandon was revered pretty quickly for the obstacles that he overcame. You take the ball and drive it and run almost the same play, sometimes right, sometimes left, but basically the same play and run it down their throat and win the game and dont leave hardly any time on the clock. A mother losing a child at that young age, it was tough. Burlsworth tragically lost his life in a car accident April 28, 1999, going from Fayetteville to a Wednesday night church service in his hometown of Harrison. Tice said he also called then-Hog head coach Danny Ford and asked him to take a look at Brandon. That was a caused fumble. Cutcliffe called on Henry five consecutive times. Brandon burlsworth dies on arkansas highway after head on collision with tractor trailer. ESPN.com - NFL - Colts pay tribute to Burlsworth Former Arkansas football player and Indianapolis Colts third-round draft pick Brandon Burlsworth died Wednesday in a car crash near Carrolton, Ark., while travelling to his home, state police said . what happened to heather nichols brandon burlsworth ( Marty Burlsworth ) From left to right, Brandon Burlsworth, Grant Garrett and Russ Brown pose for a picture in 1997. Departments offer new classes across campus, Student Association hosts first birthday bash. Marty and Vickie Burlsworth said they thought Greater was a fantastic rendering of what was important to Brandon. Colts' Burlsworth Laid To Rest - CBS News Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. Hate to see Desir be the victim lol. did the colts pay brandon burlsworth - Nautical Consulting Every national championship team that ever played college football has to have a little luck sometime. Billy was great. Brandon was very undersized as a freshman and sophomore, a skinny kid. When Zac Budman was assigned to produce a feature for College GameDay Built by The Home Depot on the late Brandon Burlsworth, he did his research and learned the amazing and tragic story of the former Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman. Coach Tice: You know, football's a rough game; it's unpredictable. Mock Draft Monday, our weekly roundup of experts' predictions for who the Colts will take in the NFL Draft, is back a week after the Colts named Shane Steichen head coach. The story of Brandon Burlsworth, possibly the greatest walk-on in the history of college football. Aaron Burlsworths parents, Marty and Vickie Burlsworth, are in charge of the foundation and its numerous roles from taking kids in poor financial situations to games to getting them quality eye care. He was traveling to Harrison from Fayetteville to . Q: I remember hearing how as a high school sophomore that Brandon didnt look anything like a future SEC player. He had fresh legs and blew up the play.. One Facebook Pictures Of Accident Scene Angers Family, Friends Of - YouTube A rookie mini-camp was held days after the draft. When publicity photos were taken, the lights in a confined photo area cast reflections that made the picture impossible. Burlsworth was killed in a car accident in 1999 after being drafted . We didnt really get a chance until the end of the game.. "I thought it would soften the blow because there was going to be a ceremony on opening day where our family would get a framed jersey," said Marty. "Brandon hadn't been around the NFL so as a close family, we were going to live it with him. know it would happen, but Brandon knew all his life that God had placed His hand upon him and that he would be nowhere without God. "I sent one of those shirts to the funeral home and Brandon was buried in it," said Barbara. If Arkansas could just run the clock and punt the ball deep, theyd likely upset the top-ranked Vols in Neyland Stadium. Carrolton (AP) - Former Arkansas offensive guard BRANDON BURLSWORTH died in a car crash as he headed home to Harrison from Fayetteville, officials said. As of the 2020 census the population stood at 128. He became a three-year starter and was eventually named an All-American in 1998. Barbara and Marty came to training camp in advance of the Buffalo opener. He was on his way back to Harrison, his hometown, following a workout in Fayetteville. '"I told him how much it would mean to them to receive that message from him.". Instead, the accident happened four days later, tearing holes in the hearts of everyone who knew Brandon. A GREATER look at one of college football's best walk-ons - USA TODAY All-American ( 1998) 2 First-team All-SEC ( 1997, 1998) Arkansas Razorbacks No. ESPN NHL Production Coordinator Camille Bova Does it All for the 2023 NHL Stadium Series in Raleigh, N.C. Chorus travels for Mississippi performance, Football alumni receive Division II honors, College of Education introduces new course. MIKE MASTERSON: What you didn't see Yet Ford agreed to let Brandon show up as a "preferred walk-on.". Morgan Casting describes "Greater" as the unlikely career of Brandon Burlsworth is perhaps the greatest walk-on story in the history of college football.Known for his distinctive thick black glasses and resemblance to the 1990s incarnation of Drew Carey, the small-town Burlsworth had always . Q: What was the relationship like between your brother and folks from Arkansas? Freshmen bring people together with Bison El Puente celebrates National Hispanic Heritage University executes new check-in procedures for Harding students from Florida react to Harding students to participate in business ASI kicks off distinguished lecture series University centers Lectureship around Christ and Q&A with Lisa Williams, ambassador for University celebrates Williams inauguration, Songwriting contest ends in recording workshop. ", "He literally kept his goal focused right behind his nose through his college career.". Burlsworth never got to join the Colts, though. Greater misses key fact - Arkansas Online She agreed, and the night. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. Aaron Burlsworth, Harding sophomore and nephew of Brandon Burlsworth, said his family wanted to make sure faith was directly involved in the film, as it was a huge part of Brandons life. The fundraising event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 28 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. There was no overlooking those two foes like the Vols might have done against Arkansas. Burlsworth was selected in the 3rd round of the 1999 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts but he was killed eleven days later in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas on April 28, 1999. Burlsworth was killed 15 miles from home on a road he had traveled for years when his car drifted into the on-coming lane. Two collisions followed, and the life of a wonderful human with vast talents was over. 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. However, he was killedin an automobile accident 11 days after the draft. UT took over at the Hogs 43-yard line with just 1:43 left. Brandon burlsworth was the former all american offensive lineman for the arkansas razorbacks. After all, UT needed a pass interference penalty to beat Syracuse and were outgained by Florida but still beat the Gators. Q: How important for you was it that this movie get made? https://t.co/UV3TEAGddV, Danielle Lerner (@danielle_lerner) August 29, 2019, @espn Amazing photo and article. You sow a character, you reap a destiny. "I just thought it was a devastatingly tragic story but also an Steichen called plays for the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Instead, the dreams of a family and the promise of an NFL career were cut short tragically when Burlsworth was killed 15 years ago today in a car accident as he headed home to Harrison, Arkansas.
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