She started her career with Century 21 and then joined Jerry Jackson as he opened his office in 2001. Each Wednesday, he came back to take his mother, Barbara, to chapel. He earned 1st team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998 and was selected for the 1998 College Football All-America Team. Earlier this year in an interview with Christian Examiner, Reindl said: The film is as much about Martys journey as it is about Brandons. Boy, did he have the size and did he have the skills. An expression that implied do it the correct way, in any event, when nobody is looking. Order Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization 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. They love to interact with people of all communities and podcast interviews have become a wonderful outlet for that. He never got there, dying in a car accident at age 22. He died instantly. 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. Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? 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. 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. This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. Neal McDonough (L) plays Marty Burlsworth in 'Greater' (Hammond Entertainment). That's not a boast. 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. 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. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. You know, Brandon, you could think about entering the draft. Nick Searcy plays an unnamed character who chats with Marty about the apparent absurdity of existence, and their discussion is a bold and unusual move, even a genre-bending move. Hed tell me what it was like but hed never say it was really hard and Im not sure I can do this. One weekend when I was driving with Brandon to campus I think maybe it was his junior year a thought crossed my mind. 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. Hed call me or Id call him and we would talk about what practice was like that day. (as David Hunt) (directed by) Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification Produced by Music by Stephen Endelman . Faith, Trust and Character: The Life and Legacy of Brandon Burlsworth Greater, a film about Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, opens Aug. 26. Burlsworth was selected to be of the team captains by his junior season in 1997 for the University of Arkansas. The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. We suddenly needed that gear, because we would be rooting for the Colts. He called to check in a couple of times. "I . Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. In 2007, she and her son Marty ventured out to open Burlsworth and Associates. But before all that, Brandon made one last trip to Fayetteville to visit with his Razorbacks teammates. It was just something that we thought of, you know. At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". The year is 1999 and Marty Burlsworth is awaiting the funeral of his 22-year-old brother, Brandon. Some of that was a little bit of filmmaking andwe were fine with it. We drove it to death. Marty Burlsworth - HARRISON, AR Real Estate Agent | realtor.com His No. (The devoutly Catholic McDonough, who also executive produced, has called Marty Burlsworth his favorite role.). Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. Every chance he got, Burlsworth went home to Harrison, a town of about 10,000 in the Ozarks, near the Missouri state line. Brandon Burlsworth movie 'Greater' finally hits theaters - Sports 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. Now, I was taking calls from the same stations about Brandons death.. You take care of it, you get things done. 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. Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Brandon was so single-minded, so focused. Why? Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. It is also possible to rent "Greater" on Redbox, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Apple TV, Microsoft Store online and to . I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. Brandon Burlsworth - Football Players, Family and Childhood Brandon, Martys younger brother by 16 years, was tragically killed in an auto accident on April 28, 1999, just 11 days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. 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. On Aug. 26, the movie about his life, Greater, opens nationwide. It had this outdoor patio that you could stand on and look down on the field. If there was anything inappropriate in it, of course that was all made up. After the draft, he spoke to me a lot about helping other kids in Harrison. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. He could finally reap the rewards of everything he put into the game all the training, all the schooling, all the dedication, all the hard work. 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. 'GMA' surprises foundation helping young football lovers across It seemed as if the whole town was there to support Brandon and who he was and what he meant to everybody. What were the vital elements that you knew had to be involved in the movie, no matter who made it, in order to fully capture Brandons life? At one point on the gridiron, Brandon argues with a teammate that their perspective on the field is limited; the coach has information from a higher perspective, from a skybox where the whole field can be seen, and they need to trust him. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/brandon-burlsworth-35134.php. I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. So when he was two hours late that evening, Mom started to get worried. Greater (film) - Wikipedia Lacking the football scholarship he absurdly hoped for, Brandon turns down full rides elsewhere to attend Arkansas. The odds were against him and nobody was looking his way. The SEC Blog: The inspiring story of Burlsworth 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. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ. 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. 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. Cindi Hagood is our Program Director of the Eyes of a Champion program. Brandon Burlsworth studied at the Harrison High School where he was an all-state selection. Greater: Cast/Crew Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. Or Kurt Rambis, the funny-looking center for the Los Angeles Lakers. EIN 27-4581132 This was the dream. 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. Because we dont want to be there- that close- to some scenes thatll be tough to watch even being filmed. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. In the end, Brandon got invited to be a walk-on. 1 Tennessee. By that point he was about six-foot-two, over 200 pounds and still growing. The latest videos from KNWA FOX24. Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. 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." Brandon knew what it was like to be doubted, to be told you werent good enough. He received many scholarship offers from smaller universities but eventually chose to become a walk-on football player for the University of Arkansas. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. Harrison, Arkansas, United States. Marty and Vickie Burlsworth - Owner - LinkedIn I think it was in June [1999] I think [thats] kinda when that started. Brandon was the kind of guy you win with.. He took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. Trust. And it paid off. Theres never a day where I dont think about Brandon. Starting the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation shortly after his death, even as the grief was overwhelming, just set those plans into motion sooner. I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation. 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. He was in the prime of his football career. to you, Keep an eye on trends and events Dramatic backlighting and silhouettes create a sense of foreboding and uncertainty, resonating with the themes of tragedy and doubt. He had intended to help under advantaged children and the Burlsworth family settled the establishment that in his honor. The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. Brandon Burlsworth - Wikipedia Powered by WebJIVE ~ Featured on the Harrison Arkansas Network. Thats what its all about: What you do while you were here. Not that it got him very far initially. In the award's twelfth year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas Walk . FAYETTEVILLE, AR, Nov. 2, 2021 - Today, the Burlsworth Trophy announced 89 players nominated from Division 1 (FBS) schools from across the country for the 2021 Burlsworth Trophy. There are about 11,000 people in town and one unspoken rule: If its Friday night, youre going to the Harrison High football game. He just kicked it in, No, this is not happening.. [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 we really did have a good comfort level with them plus the agreement with Brian and them having the movie made was that the family would have some say so if something wasnt just right as far as the script goes and things like that and theyve kept us in the loop all along. | Even an idea, you knowa script can sit on the shelf and never see the light of day. 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. I was 16 years older than Brandon, so I was already out of the house, married and raising my own boys by the time he was of any age. A list of possible email addresses for Marty includes burlsworth@cox.net, mburlsworth@aol.com. She received her Bachelors in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. There are few actors in Hollywood brave enough to wear their Catholic faith on . So Mom, Brandon and I piled into my minivan and we drove over to Fayetteville. (as David Hunt) (edited by) Casting By Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. One of my sons, who was in my car with me, started asking what was wrong, what had happened. I tried bringing it up to him again. When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. Burlsworth was too small (260 pounds) when he finished high school. Marty Burlsworth and his agents have been and will continue to be trusted names in the real estate market. 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. We found 2 people in 2 states named Marty Burlsworth living in the US. The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. Brandon, the officer told us, had collided head-on with a semi. 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 He wasthatgood. Brandon did not get married before he passed away when he was only twenty-two years old. Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. interested in booking Marty for your event? And the only element bigger than excessive faculty soccer in Harrison or anywhere else . Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. It was disappointing, but Brandon wanted to go to Arkansas more than anything and, well, he didnt want any regrets. Man, you might get to play at the next level., Ah, I dont know, I just gotta focus on this season.. 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. He wasnt as tall or as heavy as D-I colleges wanted him to be. We had to have the funeral at the high school gym. Sign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox. Id do anything I could for him. 2022 by BBF. The film covers the issues he had with his weight and his incredible work ethic that earned him a chance. 2022 by BBF. barbaraann@burlsworth.com. It was 2005, and the Burlsworth family . Vickie L Burlsworth is also associated with this address. 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. Harrison, Arkansas. Judea school district. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. Vickie's love for children is hard to escape. It was just one of those things when its time, its time. 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. Dang, Marty, what have you been feedin that boy?. 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. Catholic Church. Greater (2016) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb Not as devout as his brother, Marty turns desperately to faith in a moment of crisis when he wants a miracle. Brandon Burlsworth Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements That was very very tough. 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. company, Get valuable lists emailed directly | "I wanted Brandon's story to be known." 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. Almost Perfect ARKANSAS LINEMAN BRANDON BURLSWORTH - Sports Illustrated Youll have all your coursework done and can graduate at the end of the year anyway., Yeah, he said with a smile. 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. It's a show of faith. Over the next two years he reformed his body to become more muscular and went back to a 300lb physique. 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. But [the death was] not the ending. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. 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. Of course, he was my brother and you do anything for family, but things were a little tougher for him. David Hunt, the movies director, also assisted with the screenplay. There he is, 300 pounds, and he just runs down this linebacker. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. His screenplay grew out of the book Through the Eyes of a Champion: The Brandon Burlsworth Story, by Jeff Kinley. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. He was, with various modifiers, Clark Kent. If its difficult to describe the love for a brother, its impossible to explain the loss of a brother. Barbara Burlsworth has been in real estate since 1997. Steven D. Greydanus is the Registers film critic and creator of Decent Films. Not like my younger brother Brandon. They can assist you with all your real estate needs. MARTY BURLSWORTH CONTRIBUTOR Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. It was a terrible day for Harrison, it was a terrible day for the state. Real Estate. 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 . I dont think I got there. But I knew we still needed a scholarship. 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. 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? That's an inadequate synopsis of an exemplary life. 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. Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? Marty L Burlsworth, Harrison Public Records Instantly The foundation has also worked with Walmart/Sam's Optical Department and independent optometrists throughout Arkansas to provide eye care to thousands of school students. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination - YouTube . The family respectfully declined. Currently you are able to watch "Greater" streaming on fuboTV, Hoopla, DIRECTV or for free with ads on Peacock, Peacock Premium, The Roku Channel, VUDU Free, Tubi TV, Redbox, Crackle, Pluto TV, Freevee. Black horn-rimmed glasses. Became a two-time All-SEC selection and a first-team All-American as a senior in 1998. "It was a struggle similar to Brandon's struggle to play college football," Marty Burlsworth said. You dont lose your faith I had struggles because [Id think] why?, you know.