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. Portrait and Wedding Photographers Arkansas His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. 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. Boy, did he have the size and did he have the skills. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. 'Greater': Neal McDonough Gets to Be a Good Man of Faith (Not Just in He did not survive the accident and passed away on April 28, 1999. He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. Still, with each pick, even in the first round, you get more and more nervous. To this day, people tell me where they were when they heard the news. Burlsworth rouses 'big brother' actor. Even an idea, you knowa script can sit on the shelf and never see the light of day. While others, including Marty's mother, Barbara, have accepted the loss and put their faith in God, Marty can not do that as he does not understand why God would take away his brother on the cusp of his stardom in the NFL. 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. My Brother Brandon | By Marty Burlsworth - The Players' Tribune View Marty Burlsworth's record in Harrison, AR including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. The state with the most residents by this name is Arkansas, followed by Colorado. So because you and your close ones felt like this story could be a film, did you make that known and/or start looking for filmmakers to bring it to life? All this plays out in flashback, with all the usual sports-movie clichs, training sequences, montages, comic relief and so forth. We had to have the funeral at the high school gym. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. you, Subscribe to The Daily Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. He lauds Chris Severio for his measured portrayal of Brandon, and veteran actor Neal McDonough, he says, does a tremendous job as Marty Burlsworth. She enjoys singing on the worship team at church, riding motorcycles with her husband, photography, and scrapbooking. 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. Greater is playing in limited release (find theaters). They love to interact with people of all communities and podcast interviews have become a wonderful outlet for that. 'Greater' filmmaker proud to share Burlsworth's story with moviegoers Greater (2016) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. As floodwaters washed away his Louisiana home, the pretend Brandon The movie will be shown on 800 screens throughout the U.S. on March 21 and March 28. 2022 by BBF. 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. Greater, a film depicting the life and tragic death of Brandon Burlsworth will be released in theaters on August 26th. 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. 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. Yeah, lets go buy some Colts stuff.. Real Estate. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Burlsworth Apr 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. Didn't buy it or rent it or watch it on DVD. He wasnt as tall or as heavy as D-I colleges wanted him to be. He had planned to help underprivileged children, and his. Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. interested in booking Marty for your event? "I know Brandon would be super proud of that," Marty said . Burlsworth film moves to Netflix - Hotsr.com Named an All-American in 1998, he was drafted in 1999 by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round 11 days before being killed in a vehicular accident. of prospects that meet your criteria, Monitor any person, property or 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. Barbara Burlsworth. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. The present-day strand follows preparations for Brandons funeral and Martys internal struggle with doubt and nihilism, a struggle movingly realized by McDonough. Especially after it was all over and, you know, that was bad times. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. That's an inadequate synopsis of an exemplary life. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known. Not early or easily when it came to football, but eventually and powerfully. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. Directed by David L. Hunt . Even after away games, when the Razorbacks returned to Fayetteville late at Out of nowhere, Brandon knocks him out of bounds, Marty said. 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. Evelyn Allen started as the Development and Social Media Director for the foundation in March of 2020. Vickie's love for children is hard to escape. Marty Burlsworth, 61 - Harrison | Free Public Reputation Profile - MyLife For someone who had worked so hard and not only did he work so hard, but [for] the family to be backing him and supporting him and talking to him everyday and seeing him everyday and [him] moving on and going on to greater things and then for that to- boom- [and be] over. . Official Sites Instead, Marty is looking forward to next season, when the story of Brandon Burlsworth's astonishing rise to National Football League draftee will reach movie screens nationwide. The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference. 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. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. 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. Small sins lead to big sins, and big sins bring about a terrible spiritual darkness. This has been a pretty big year for me tra. Greater may not be in Rudys league cinematically, but Burlsworth was a far more gifted player than Daniel Rudy Ruettiger. In 1999, he completed an MBA and was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree. Neal McDonough does an outstanding job as Marty Burlsworth. Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. So that was kind of the stamp of approval there, plus theyre Christians and they didnt want to lose that faith aspect. On top of that, Dad had trouble with drinking and wasnt really in our lives when Brandon was a little boy. Brandons family and friends came together to form the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in his honor. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. There just wasnt enough space anywhere else. Brandon also earned his masters degree at Arkansas before his playing career was done the first Razorback to do so. If you followed the SEC back then, you may remember the Brandon Burlsworth story. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals. The brothers age difference is the basis for one of the movies running gags, Martys discomfort at being mistaken for Brandons father. In 2007, she and her son Marty ventured out to open Burlsworth and Associates. 131 | NO. Even in earthly terms it can be argued that Brandons life and achievements were not a waste. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? Just give us a call at 870-741-5111 . A coda sums up the impact of Brandons life: the programs, scholarships and so forth established in his name. As we walked by one of the pro shops, we joked to each other. Order Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization Brandon was the kind of guy you win with.. It took some time for his skill to catch up to his will, but along the way, he turned doubters into believers and a walk-on opportunity into a scholarship and All-American honors. Brandons older brother Marty started the foundation after Brandons death in 1999. EIN 27-4581132 Finally, in the third round Brandon answered the phone and gave us the thumbs-up. Well if you had taken God out of it, it [wouldve] been fiction. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ. Catholic Church. 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. Burlsworth was too small (260 pounds) when he finished high school. 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. Marty Burlsworth hasn't provided a bio yet. 77 is one of just two numbers retired in the history of Arkansas football. Hes always taking a knee, and he crosses himself (a curious gesture, since from his funeral his family is clearly not Catholic). Asked what hes doing, Brandon says, Nothing, because he really hadnt given it a second thought. "It was a passion project for everyone who was involved," actor Neal McDonough told CBN News. He had intended to help under advantaged children and the Burlsworth family settled the establishment that in his honor. The phone number for him is (870) 741-7472 (Windstream Arkansas, Inc). Not that it got him very far initially. or school. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. As Brandon and I were standing out there, the offensive linemen came out, running on the field with their helmets on. He spent as many days as he could in the weight room getting stronger. He's been gone to a better place for almost as long. 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. 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. Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. 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. 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. For Burlsworth filmmaker, Netflix distribution a thrill Our parents divorced when Brandon was just two years old. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. 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. 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. 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. Marty Burlsworth - Address & Phone Number | Whitepages This was the dream. Burlsworth rouses 'big brother' actor - Arkansas Online But I knew we still needed a scholarship. This story focuses on Burlsworth's ambition, work ethic, family relationships, and strong religious convictions; teamwork and courage are strong themes. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. Faith and family they meant everything to Brandon. This one painful scene is wiser than all the movies the Fireproof / Courageous people have made (including their football movie, Facing the Giants). Hed call me or Id call him and we would talk about what practice was like that day. 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. She received her Bachelors in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. The family respectfully declined. He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. We drove it to death. News. The 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church. 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. The drive would always take around an hour and a half but he never made it. Predictably, trash-talking opponents laughed at him and called him names. And when its Friday night here in Harrison and the whole town is at the football game, I think about Brandon. Earlier this year in an interview with Christian Examiner, Reindl said: The film is as much about Martys journey as it is about Brandons. He may be gone, but I still want to do whatever I can to keep his dreams going, to keep his legacy going. She has 3 sons, Marty, Grady and the late Brandon Burlsworth. 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. (as David Hunt) (edited by) Casting By Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. Birthday: September 20, 1976 ( Virgo) Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States 113 30 American Football Players #138 Sportspersons #1083 Quick Facts Also Known As: Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth Died At Age: 22 Family: father: Leo Burlsworth mother: Barbara Burlsworth siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth Died Young American Football Players Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. And I dont want to say [it means] youre angry at God. Brandon doesnt start out with all that promise. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the foundation and has been with the BBF since 2010. 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. Was there anything that you had to do for yourself spiritually or emotionally to prepare for the making of this movie? It was 2005, and the Burlsworth family . Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. 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. 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. Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States, siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth, place of death: Alpena, Arkansas, United States. is 61 years old today because Marty's birthday is on 11/13/1960. At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". Marty Leo Burlsworth (age 62) is listed at 3775 Savannah Drive Harrison, Ar 72601 and is affiliated with the Optional Party. There were many times I know it was tough. Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. But Id do anything for that kid. When Stoerner fell the ball came out and Tennessee recovered. 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. Company Credits Marty's ethnicity is Caucasian, whose political affiliation is unknown; and religious views are listed as Christian. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. Its a simple but effective response, nicely underscored by the gospel anthem Ill Fly Awayrunning through the film. The Passion of the Christ actor talks about the challenges of playing iconic roles and why good movies arent always family-friendly. There are about 11,000 people in town and one unspoken rule: If its Friday night, youre going to the Harrison High football game. But Arkansas was the dream. It is also possible to rent "Greater" on Redbox, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Apple TV, Microsoft Store online and to . He initially joined Arkansas Razorbacks as a walk-on but later he was handed an athletes scholarship and eventually became an all-American. He died instantly. They put it in more of a condensed form which is the way filmmaking generally always happens. 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. The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. 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. Sign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox. Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. You take care of it, you get things done. He wasthatgood. In the award's twelfth year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas Walk . 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. Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. It's "Greater." Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. The Olympic Gold Medalist shines light on her Hispanic heritage fueling her career. The SEC Blog: The inspiring story of Burlsworth On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. Its condensed. At the point when he showed up, he saw the rear of a white vehicle that he from the start thought was Brandon's. 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. That's not a boast. (Now we see through a glass darkly ). Brandon did not get married before he passed away when he was only twenty-two years old. Surely, he reasons, God will be merciful; Marty would be, and he cant be more merciful than God. Release Dates I kept gaming out who was left. 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. 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. Theres never a day where I dont think about Brandon.
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