The Passion of the Christ actor talks about the challenges of playing iconic roles and why good movies arent always family-friendly. I was high as a kite. Marty Burlsworth, in the aftermath of Brandon's death, suffers a crisis of conscience that questions his . 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. Became a two-time All-SEC selection and a first-team All-American as a senior in 1998. Ive kind of been planning it that way.. | "Brian wouldn't let go.". Pope Francis, Biden Commend Peacemaker Bishop OConnell as Memorial Services Begin. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. He lauds Chris Severio for his measured portrayal of Brandon, and veteran actor Neal McDonough, he says, does a tremendous job as Marty Burlsworth. director of photography Film Editing by David L. Hunt . He had planned to help underprivileged children, and his. Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. There are about eleven,000 human beings in town and one unstated rule: If it's Friday night, you're going to the Harrison High soccer sport. When I turned on to the street behind Moms house, I could see her driveway through this little opening between houses. Evelyn Allen started as the Development and Social Media Director for the foundation in March of 2020. The story unfolds in two strands. 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. We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - But that summer Brandon had two things going for him: His work ethic and, luckily, a pretty big growth spurt. In the award's twelfth year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas Walk . He asked me to help him, but theres all this certification that goes into being an agent. I tried bringing it up to him again. On the way there, Burlsworth died an unthinkable death that shook the entire state. This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. So when he was two hours late that evening, Mom started to get worried. 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. And I was equally impressed with Missy, his wife [They] live in Fayetteville and they drove over to Harris to meet with us and she said Whatever he sets his mind to, he gets done that resonates with me because that was like Brandon. The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. Marty Burlsworth tells us about bringing the story of Greater to the screen, his relationship with Brandon, and making ones way through understanding and accepting God in times of crisis. Marty is a resident of 3775 Savannah Drv, Harrison, AR 72601-9851. Brandons number 77 became one of only two numbers retired in Arkansas Razorback football history. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. In the film, we see a lot of moments where the Marty character is learning from the persistence and drive of Brandon. 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. 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. But before all that, Brandon made one last trip to Fayetteville to visit with his Razorbacks teammates. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. I think it was in June [1999] I think [thats] kinda when that started. He was a Razorback. By using BiJog.com you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Even in earthly terms it can be argued that Brandons life and achievements were not a waste. Although he never played a down in the NFL, he had impressed Mudd enough during mini-camp that the . Brandon Burlsworth, NFL player. Earlier this year in an interview with Christian Examiner, Reindl said: The film is as much about Martys journey as it is about Brandons. The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference. 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. 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. The next week, Brandon flew to Indianapolis for minicamp. Marty wont predict how the Razorbacks will finish in the SEC this season, but he will say that he believes Greater is the kind of film that people will want to see more than once because there are layers of life lessons. 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. Order Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of. He received many scholarship offers from smaller universities but eventually chose to become a walk-on football player for the University of Arkansas. And he justdominatedon the field didnt matter if he was on defense or offense. Other boys would go home after school got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July. The National Junior Auxiliary awarded her Volunteer of the Year, and the Governor appointed her to the State Board of Dispensing Opticians. But I didnt have that natural talent. But as I turned the next corner onto Moms street and pulled up to her house, I got a good look at the car. Brandon was also the first Arkansas football player to complete his Masters Degree before playing his final college football game. On top of that, Dad had trouble with drinking and wasnt really in our lives when Brandon was a little boy. Follow him on Twitter. 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 . Now, if you find yourself at that Colts shop, I told him, You make sure and get us some gear this time.. His story has been told in a movie that's not "Rudy.". Then I turned on Netflix and watched an honest, humble, earnest movie about the man called "Greater.". 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. It was 2005, and the Burlsworth family . At that moment, we both felt so close to his dream coming true something that wasnt even a possibility for a boy who had been sitting on the sidelines just two years ago. This was the dream. I go straight to the sports and see if any scholarships were offered. As the Burlsworth Trophy has become a success and now the film is being released, Marty said he and the Burlsworth family are thrilled to see Brandon's story continue to be told nationally. That game was, in a way, a symbol for the highest highs, the lowest lows and the unforeseen. Barbara Burlsworth. Renew or manage your subscription here. Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. See, Brandon started out a little scrawny. Neal McDonough does an outstanding job as Marty Burlsworth. I wanted everything for Brandon, and within a few moments, it had all been taken away. Each Wednesday, he came back to take his mother, Barbara, to chapel. Everybody knew. The family respectfully declined. So you didnt know if that was going to happen but that wasnt really the main [concern]. She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. Thats the dream. Brandon also earned his masters degree at Arkansas before his playing career was done the first Razorback to do so. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. At present, through the Burls Kids program, the foundation works towards providing underprivileged youths a chance to visit Razorback and Colts football games. Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. 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. Brandons older brother Marty started the foundation after Brandons death in 1999. http://www.colts.com/news/article-1/Remembering-Brandon-Burlsworth-/01475edd-989c-4a56-b3b0-ec6c138bcf1e, https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/entertainment/2016/august/brandon-burlsworths-story-of-triumph-over-tragedy-is-greater. David Hunt, the movies director, also assisted with the screenplay. 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. Was there anything that you had to do for yourself spiritually or emotionally to prepare for the making of this movie? Our parents divorced when Brandon was just two years old. After the draft, he spoke to me a lot about helping other kids in Harrison. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. All this plays out in flashback, with all the usual sports-movie clichs, training sequences, montages, comic relief and so forth. Brandon Burlsworth studied at the Harrison High School where he was an all-state selection. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. His high school coaches couldnt believe his size when he came back for his junior season. Public records for Marty Burlsworth range in age from 35 years old to 61 years old. So a few months after his death, we started the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, where we do all of that and more. arkansas football. He never got there, dying in a car accident at age 22. The police could not determine the reason behind the tragic accident. We planned to move out to Indianapolis with him. But as Marty Burlsworth, Brandons 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. | 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. 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. The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. Over the next two years he reformed his body to become more muscular and went back to a 300lb physique. I want him here, buthellknow andwellknow., Coach, dont worry about it. Small sins lead to big sins, and big sins bring about a terrible spiritual darkness. 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. 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. 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. Now, at Arkansas and Indianapolis Burls Kids attend games for free. 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. Every chance he got, Burlsworth went home to Harrison, a town of about 10,000 in the Ozarks, near the Missouri state line. He said he wanted to hold football camps and bring kids to his NFL games. His faith, his family and his football, in that order. 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? EWTN News, Inc. is the worlds largest Catholic news organization, comprised of television, radio, Marty Leo Burlsworth's Arkansas Voter Registration. 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. Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. Director Yelena Popovic discusses why this film had to be made. On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. But Id do anything for that kid. Brandon knew what it was like to be doubted, to be told you werent good enough. of prospects that meet your criteria, Monitor any person, property or Burlsworth rouses 'big brother' actor. monetization of National Catholic Register RSS feeds is strictly prohibited. [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. So that makes it quite a bit easier to revisit because weve never really gone away. Evelyn lives in North Little Rock, AR with her husband, Paul, two sons, Bo and Owen, and dog Layla. 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. You dont lose your faith I had struggles because [Id think] why?, you know. Brandon was the kind of guy you win with.. Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's brother, with Neal McDonough, who portrayed Marty in Greater. 2022 by BBF. Had life turned out differently, Marty Burlsworth might be reflecting on his brother's pro football career during Super Bowl weekend. 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. In the end, Brandon got invited to be a walk-on. She enjoys singing on the worship team at church, riding motorcycles with her husband, photography, and scrapbooking. I know it was hard. Channing Frye and Iman Shumpert are back to explain the stakes, place bets and analyze the most valuable players in the NBA Finals. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/brandon-burlsworth-35134.php. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American . 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. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known. A couple of weeks before Brandon left for school, one of the Arkansas coaches called me. So was I. That looks good, doesnt it? I said. 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. So I did whatever I could to be there for Brandon. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. Lacking the football scholarship he absurdly hoped for, Brandon turns down full rides elsewhere to attend Arkansas. But this was on a different level. He wont be going down., Well, thats good, he said, sort of laughing. 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. And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. Catholic Church. interested in booking Marty for your event? 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. The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. You know, Brandon, you could think about entering the draft. He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. We drove it to death. 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. After the season, over the holidays, we got a call.