Beliefnet Exclusive Interview: Marty Burlsworth on "Greater" And for the next three years, every Friday at 5:30 p.m., Id close up the photography studio I owned in Harrison, pick up my mom, and my wife and kids, and drive to Brandons football games. In the end, Brandon got invited to be a walk-on. At present, through the Burls Kids program, the foundation works towards providing underprivileged youths a chance to visit Razorback and Colts football games. Had you ever thought of Brandons story as a film? Ive kind of been planning it that way.. 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. He was determined to drive home the same day so he could attend evening church service with the family. Brandon Burlsworth - Football Players, Family and Childhood 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. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. 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. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. 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. No, we just kind of kept that to ourselves. Being Catholic in Hollywood: it's possible. Just ask Neal McDonough The phones calls started coming right after that. 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. By Carl Kozlowski. Brandon was also the first Arkansas football player to complete his Masters Degree before playing his final college football game. Id do anything I could for him. 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. Faith, Trust and Character: The Life and Legacy of Brandon Burlsworth And I couldnt wait to be right there with him. Brandon Burlsworth, NFL player. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. Brandon was so single-minded, so focused. I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. But Arkansas was the dream. People were swinging by all day. Our Team | Brandon Burlsworth Foundation - The BBF Directed by David L. Hunt . Small sins lead to big sins, and big sins bring about a terrible spiritual darkness. to you, Keep an eye on trends and events He put on weight before enrolling at Arkansas, but it was a bad 40 or so pounds that he eventually had to melt before. I mean it was for me. All-time overachiever Brandon Burlsworth had his life tragically cut short at the age of 22, but his impact lives on 17 years later . Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. Burlsworth rouses 'big brother' actor - Arkansas Online 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. They put it in more of a condensed form which is the way filmmaking generally always happens. Of course, he was my brother and you do anything for family, but things were a little tougher for him. He is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals! So a few months after his death, we started the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, where we do all of that and more. Man, you might get to play at the next level., Ah, I dont know, I just gotta focus on this season.. The story unfolds in two strands. 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. 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. ", Forgotten? 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 . And in Arkansas it was a statewide tragedy. The Olympic Gold Medalist shines light on her Hispanic heritage fueling her career. Martys struggle is not entirely internal. 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. 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. Not that it got him very far initially. 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. Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. Neal McDonough does an outstanding job as Marty Burlsworth. 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. Hed tell me what it was like but hed never say it was really hard and Im not sure I can do this. He spent his first season of high school football as a sophomore on the sidelines. Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? The Passion of the Christ actor talks about the challenges of playing iconic roles and why good movies arent always family-friendly. When the pandemic started, I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us pass the time. For me, it was reading. Youll have all your coursework done and can graduate at the end of the year anyway., Yeah, he said with a smile. But that summer Brandon had two things going for him: His work ethic and, luckily, a pretty big growth spurt. And boy, was he soaking it in. McDonough plays Marty, Brandon's big brother and father figure in the film, and he . 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. Brandon Burlsworth's Story of Triumph Over Tragedy is 'Greater' "It was a struggle similar to Brandon's struggle to play college football," Marty Burlsworth said. 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 . 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. By all accounts, Burlsworth spent his 22 years on this earth showing everyone in his orbit how to do faith, family and football right. is 61 years old today because Marty's birthday is on 11/13/1960. 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. Harrison, Arkansas, United States. He earned All-SEC offensive guard in 1997 and 1998, was named first team All-American and was drafted for the Indiana Colts -- a role he didn't get to fulfill because a car wreck that ended his. She has 3 sons, Marty, Grady and the late Brandon Burlsworth. I mean everybody knew. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. Or Kurt Rambis, the funny-looking center for the Los Angeles Lakers. With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth - SECHARS View Marty Burlsworth's record in Harrison, AR including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. Brandons family and friends came together to form the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in his honor. 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. 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 . 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. What was your first thought when someone approached you about making Greater? I was just so proud of him. Not like my younger brother Brandon. The family respectfully declined. 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. We planned to move out to Indianapolis with him. 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. You dont lose your faith I had struggles because [Id think] why?, you know. He had planned to help underprivileged children, and his. 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. "I know Brandon would be super proud of that," Marty said . Brandon was the kind of guy you win with.. The former Arkansas hostile, Brandon Burlsworth was headed to his Harrison, Ark., home from Fayetteville, where he got a SEC West title ring alongside the remainder of the 1998 Razorbacks on April 28, 1999. And he justdominatedon the field didnt matter if he was on defense or offense. Its a good story and, you know, Neal McDonough struggling in the aftermath thats absolutely true. He took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals. A servant at heart, she also serves as president of their local foodbank, Ozark Share & Care. Barbara Burlsworth. But Id do anything for that kid. properties, Build a downloadable list You know, Brandon, you could think about entering the draft. 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.. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. Asked what hes doing, Brandon says, Nothing, because he really hadnt given it a second thought. We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. you, Subscribe to The Daily 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 . 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. "He said, 'You'll have veto power,' " Marty Burlsworth remembered. Vickie Burlsworth is the Executive Director of the Foundation that she and Marty founded honoring Brandon after his passing in 1999. I dont think I got there. When he set his mind to something, you better believe you were going to witness him do it. 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. 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. Yeah, lets go buy some Colts stuff.. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. 2018 Burlsworth & Associates Real Estate in Harrison, AR This life demanded a movie. Renew or manage your subscription here. He just kicked it in, No, this is not happening.. Brandon was home. In the film, we see a lot of moments where the Marty character is learning from the persistence and drive of Brandon. In her free time she enjoys hiking, watching sports, riding motorcycles with her husband and catching up with friends. As we walked by one of the pro shops, we joked to each other. When Stoerner fell the ball came out and Tennessee recovered. | 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. 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. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination - YouTube Marty Burlsworth and his agents have been and will continue to be trusted names in the real estate market. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. He told the family, "We don't want to take Brandon's faith out of this movie.". Channing Frye and Iman Shumpert are back to explain the stakes, place bets and analyze the most valuable players in the NBA Finals. Those were offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworths trademark, and they were prominent even behind the facemask of his Arkansas Razorbacks helmet. Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. But this was on a different level. We drove it to death. EWTN News, Inc. is the worlds largest Catholic news organization, comprised of television, radio, In a few weeks hed be heading back. It was the Razorbacks. Neal McDonough (L) plays Marty Burlsworth in 'Greater' (Hammond Entertainment). On the way there, Burlsworth died an unthinkable death that shook the entire state. He never got there, dying in a car accident at age 22. The Burls Way: How a Denham Springs man got the lead in 'Greater Trophy honors most outstanding Walk-On for twelfth year . 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. 166 | Friday, August 19, 2016, Arkansas All-American Walk-On Burlsworth Now the Subject of Film, You have entered an invalid email address, Research millions of people and Dramatic backlighting and silhouettes create a sense of foreboding and uncertainty, resonating with the themes of tragedy and doubt. "We want Brandon's message out there. Proudly created with Wix.com. We were going to Fayetteville for the game and I called him early in the week to tell him where our seats would be. In 1999, he completed an MBA and was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree. 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. Sure, bring him on up for a game, he said. The National Junior Auxiliary awarded her Volunteer of the Year, and the Governor appointed her to the State Board of Dispensing Opticians. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. 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. Even after away games, when the Razorbacks returned to Fayetteville late at It was 2005 and the . The football fraternity had great expectations from the talented young man but fate had other plans and he was killed in an accident. Marty Burlsworth - HARRISON, AR Real Estate Agent | realtor.com 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. So you just walk down this side of the stadium, O.K.? See, Brandon started out a little scrawny. [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. Over the next two years he reformed his body to become more muscular and went back to a 300lb physique. Order Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization 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. They can assist you with all your real estate needs. 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. Greater: Cast/Crew (Now we see through a glass darkly ). He found it in routine and repetition, in church and in the trenches, in that place where they call the Hogs and even an Alabama visitor can feel what it means for a young man from Harrison, Ark., to call himself a Razorback. The Burlsworth family created the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in honor of Brandon who was tragically killed in a car accident in 1999. Brandon isnt a very interesting character, but hes a likable one. 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. 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. 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. Especially after it was all over and, you know, that was bad times. Spreading the Story of a Christ-like Football Hero - PENews It just takes some time. Greater, though, looks to something more than this: something greater than any loss or tragedy. 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. Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. Bob Edmonson is a lifelong native of Harrison. Jessica Mendoza's greatest pride is her background. He and his wife Tresia have four children, Michael, Jordan, Brandon and Samantha. The odds were against him and nobody was looking his way. Although he never played a down in the NFL, he had impressed Mudd enough during mini-camp that the . Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. near you, Up-to-date reports of crimes near Unassuming, devout and a little dense, he never drinks, never swears and never takes anything personally. The film covers the issues he had with his weight and his incredible work ethic that earned him a chance. Third, its beautifully and atmospherically shot by director David Hunt and cinematographer Gabe Mayan. Faith and family they meant everything to Brandon. 2022 by BBF. The state with the most residents by this name is Arkansas, followed by Colorado. 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. When he reached his junior season in 1997, he was selected as one of the captains of the team and in the next two years, he received All-SEC honors. Theres never a day where I dont think about Brandon. He was in the prime of his football career. Its unreal. But, you know, how would you make it where it wasnt basically depressing. 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. They couldnt give us any assurances that there wouldnt be a lot of Hollywood going into it. Vickie's love for children is hard to escape. On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. 'Greater' filmmaker proud to share Burlsworth's story with moviegoers barbaraann@burlsworth.com. But this was my brother. One of my sons, who was in my car with me, started asking what was wrong, what had happened. 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. But that first year after Brandons accident, that was- for the whole family, [especially] my mother and me- I mean it was just it was unreal. 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. 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. They love to interact with people of all communities and podcast interviews have become a wonderful outlet for that. 'GMA' surprises foundation helping young football lovers across Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. So I started calling coaches and seeing where he could play. Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's brother, with Neal McDonough, who portrayed Marty in Greater. Greater may not be in Rudys league cinematically, but Burlsworth was a far more gifted player than Daniel Rudy Ruettiger. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. of prospects that meet your criteria, Monitor any person, property or His faith is what he relied on. His age is 36. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. "Brian wouldn't let go.". One weekend when I was driving with Brandon to campus I think maybe it was his junior year a thought crossed my mind. Every week, Brandon made the drive home. She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. Powered by WebJIVE ~ Featured on the Harrison Arkansas Network. He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. Burlsworth rouses 'big brother' actor. Opposing teams made game plans just to handle Brandon. I think it was in June [1999] I think [thats] kinda when that started. Was there anything that you had to do for yourself spiritually or emotionally to prepare for the making of this movie? News. choose Christ at a young age and you will always be a winner in Christ's eyes; excelling at a sport is fine as . I was high as a kite. Locations and showtimes are available onwww.greaterthemovie.com.
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