Not that it got him very far initially. Thats pretty tough. Not as devout as his brother, Marty turns desperately to faith in a moment of crisis when he wants a miracle. Technical Specs, See agents for this cast & crew on IMDbPro, executive producer / producer (produced by), Managing Director: My Spotlight Independent & MY Production, hair stylist: additional photography / makeup artist: additional photography, second second assistant director (as Izzy Cowell), assistant stunt coordinator / stunt performer, casting director: Arkansas / extras casting / local casting, assistant to composer / music preparation, driver / driver: cast / production driver, production accountant (as Andrew Grey Johnson), very special thanks: the fayetteville volunteer fire department, very special thanks: the arkansas state film commission, special thanks (as Sheriff Steve Grundek), special thanks (as Pastor Ervin Hutchinson), special thanks (as Prinicpal Bill Keaster), special thanks (as Coach Norman Mitchell), very special thanks: the university of arkansas and the university athletic department. Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. Its clear, though, that Martys harshness is meant as the tough love of an older brother obliged to assume a father-figure role in the absence of their alcoholic bum of a father (Michael Parks of the Kill Bill movies in a small but affecting role). The main [concern] was that it was going to go somewhere that really never happened. The voices of faith, hope and trust or the voices of doubt, disbelief and despair?. He slept either in his little room at his mother's house or at his brother Marty's, to be close to his three nephews. And then he walked out and there it was: BURLSWORTH. However, even from a young age, Brandon Burlsworth (Christopher Severio) knew in his heart he would one day play college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks, and dedicated his life to making a difference for himself and his teammates. Trophy honors most outstanding Walk-On for twelfth year . "It was a struggle similar to Brandon's struggle to play college football," Marty Burlsworth said. His faith is what he relied on. Public records for Marty Burlsworth range in age from 35 years old to 61 years old. At present, through the Burls Kids program, the foundation works towards providing underprivileged youths a chance to visit Razorback and Colts football games. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals. 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. 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. 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 graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. Martys struggle is not entirely internal. But Id do anything for that kid. 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. After interning at Super Bowl 46 in Indianapolis, she started full-time with USA Football, the NFLs non-profit partner which led her to her love of mega-events and non-profit work. And I dont want to say [it means] youre angry at God. View Marty Burlsworth's record in Harrison, AR including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. We suddenly needed that gear, because we would be rooting for the Colts. company, Get valuable lists emailed directly She received her Bachelors in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. Pope Francis, Biden Commend Peacemaker Bishop OConnell as Memorial Services Begin. It was disappointing, but Brandon wanted to go to Arkansas more than anything and, well, he didnt want any regrets. They can assist you with all your real estate needs. 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. It had this outdoor patio that you could stand on and look down on the field. Sometimes Marty goes by various nicknames including Marty L Burlsworth and Marty Leo Burlsworth. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. And I remembered to do what other agents had advised me to do, I kept multiple lines open. barbaraann@burlsworth.com. 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. (Now we see through a glass darkly ). Each Wednesday, he came back to take his mother, Barbara, to chapel. Or Kurt Rambis, the funny-looking center for the Los Angeles Lakers. 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. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Burlsworth, 22, was a third-round draft choice (63rd overall) of the Indianapolis Colts just two weeks ago and he and his brother and agent, Marty Burlsworth, were negotiating a contract. On the way there, Burlsworth died an unthinkable death that shook the entire state. She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. If there was anything inappropriate in it, of course that was all made up. Finally, in the third round Brandon answered the phone and gave us the thumbs-up. 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. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. Even after away games, when the Razorbacks returned to Fayetteville late at The movie will be shown on 800 screens throughout the U.S. on March 21 and March 28. or school. We understand that your home is important to you and we strive to walk you through the steps to get the most for your dollar. Locations and showtimes are available onwww.greaterthemovie.com. One of my sons, who was in my car with me, started asking what was wrong, what had happened. That's not a boast. Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. That was very very tough. Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's brother, with Neal McDonough, who portrayed Marty in Greater. I wanted everything for Brandon, and within a few moments, it had all been taken away. Greater than my limited understanding of the painful search for meaning every time a life ends so young. Today, those glasses remain the symbol of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation brandonburlsworth.org. I kept track of how many might be left for Brandon.O.K., they gave one to that boy, thats 12 so far. interested in booking Marty for your event? A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. 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. I dont think I got there. The play became known as the Stumble and Fumble, and Tennessee would go on to score the winning touchdown and eventually win the national championship at the end of the season. So you didnt know if that was going to happen but that wasnt really the main [concern]. 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. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. This story focuses on Burlsworth's ambition, work ethic, family relationships, and strong religious convictions; teamwork and courage are strong themes. That game was, in a way, a symbol for the highest highs, the lowest lows and the unforeseen. you, Subscribe to The Daily Greater, though, looks to something more than this: something greater than any loss or tragedy. 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. But Brandon would stay on campus, working painting the stadium, setting up dorms, things like that and taking classes. We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. Brandon Burlsworth, NFL player. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Greater is playing in limited release (find theaters). This was the dream. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. She then pursued her graduate degree at the University of Louisville where she interned for the athletic department. Greater may not be in Rudys league cinematically, but Burlsworth was a far more gifted player than Daniel Rudy Ruettiger. By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. 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. Aug 26, 2016. Catholic Church. Sign-up for E-NewsletterGet Register Updates sent daily or weeklyto your inbox. And in Arkansas it was a statewide tragedy. Brandon knew what it was like to be doubted, to be told you werent good enough. 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. 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. 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. 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. Brandon Burlsworth found certainty in an uncertain world. He was the kind of guy that we would have plugged in our offensive line for 10-plus years, said then-Colts general manager Bill Polian. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. And I know a lot of good has come out of it and I think a lot of good is going to continue to come out of it and only grow what were [doing] through this film and through Brandons foundation, to impact a lot of kids for many years. If you followed the SEC back then, you may remember the Brandon Burlsworth story. Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. 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 . Unassuming, devout and a little dense, he never drinks, never swears and never takes anything personally. His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. Hell show up and everything will be fine.. Share. This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. Marty Leo Burlsworth (age 62) is listed at 3775 Savannah Drive Harrison, Ar 72601 and is affiliated with the Optional Party. This one painful scene is wiser than all the movies the Fireproof / Courageous people have made (including their football movie, Facing the Giants). His age is 36. Filming & Production Faith and family they meant everything to Brandon. We just never felt comfortable with the literary license or whatever, said Marty, who to a degree was both brother and father; their father had long ago divorced from their mother, Barbara, and Leo Burlsworth died of cancer while Brandon was in college. He was determined to drive home the same day so he could attend evening church service with the family. He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. 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. 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. Only 30 of 175 dioceses ordained an average number of priests at or above replacement level over the five years from 2016 to 2021, according to the report. He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. It seemed as if the whole town was there to support Brandon and who he was and what he meant to everybody. Brandons exceptional journey came to an abrupt, tragic end when a devastating car crash took his life, shocking his hometown, the state of Arkansas, and the national football community. Although he never played a down in the NFL, he had impressed Mudd enough during mini-camp that the . He wasnt as tall or as heavy as D-I colleges wanted him to be. Arkansas doesnt have a pro football team I dont even know if a pro team could survive here. His jersey #77 was retired at the University of Arkansas as a gesture of honoring his memory. I want him here, buthellknow andwellknow., Coach, dont worry about it. Release Dates Brandon's passionate yet painful faith story is now captured in a film called "Greater" which is inspired by the book written about the life of number 77. Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different. There are few actors in Hollywood brave enough to wear their Catholic faith on . Didn't buy it or rent it or watch it on DVD. 1 Tennessee. And I didnt want him to always be wondering what could have been. of prospects that meet your criteria, Monitor any person, property or Burlsworth died in a car accident on April 28, 1999, and his story of faith and conviction has been gaining recognition in recent years due to various programs and a new biopic called "Greater.". Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. I know it was hard. 77 is one of just two numbers retired in the history of Arkansas football. A servant at heart, she also serves as president of their local foodbank, Ozark Share & Care. He earned 1st team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998 and was selected for the 1998 College Football All-America Team. The idea wasnt to be the greatest walk-on, Marty explained, it was to get a scholarship.. Marty Burlsworth, in the aftermath of Brandon's death, suffers a crisis of conscience that questions his . 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. Brandons family and friends came together to form the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in his honor. 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. 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 . It was 2005, and the Burlsworth family . Marty is a resident of 3775 Savannah Drv, Harrison, AR 72601-9851. Had you ever thought of Brandons story as a film? 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. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. 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 . McDonough plays Marty, Brandon's big brother and father figure in the film, and he . 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. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. I think it was in June [1999] I think [thats] kinda when that started. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission, or unlicensed commercial use or Thats the dream. So a few months after his death, we started the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, where we do all of that and more. And that spring, the Burls boys found themselves in Indianapolis at the combine. We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. "We want Brandon's message out there. It's a show of faith. 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. 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. Harrison, Arkansas, is set as small town as it receives. Brandon isnt a very interesting character, but hes a likable one. On top of that, Dad had trouble with drinking and wasnt really in our lives when Brandon was a little boy. Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Brandon was home. Renew or manage your subscription here. It was composed and produced by Brian Reindl and David Hunt. 131 | NO. Because we dont want to be there- that close- to some scenes thatll be tough to watch even being filmed. Why? Marty Burlsworth and his agents have been and will continue to be trusted names in the real estate market. Surely, he reasons, God will be merciful; Marty would be, and he cant be more merciful than God. Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. 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. So I did whatever I could to be there for Brandon. 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. Company Credits All-time overachiever Brandon Burlsworth had his life tragically cut short at the age of 22, but his impact lives on 17 years later . But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. That's an inadequate synopsis of an exemplary life. 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. 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. 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. He grew up in Barnstable, Massachusetts, graduated from Barnstable High School, and attended Syracuse University. 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. He is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. The film promotes Burlsworth as the greatest walk-on in the history of college football and there is an award the Brandon Burlsworth Trophy, which Marty oversees that is given annually to college footballs best player who began his career as a walk-on. Creative camerawork is another asset; consider a moment of rapprochement lit by car headlights and filmed through swishing windshield-wiper blades on a night of pouring rain. 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. Still, with each pick, even in the first round, you get more and more nervous. 2018 Burlsworth & Associates Real Estate in Harrison, AR Marty is registered to vote in Boone County, Arkansas. When we got back home to Harrison, the day of the draft was just filled with anxiety. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. 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. Order Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization 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. Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? Directed by David L. Hunt . Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. She enjoys singing on the worship team at church, riding motorcycles with her husband, photography, and scrapbooking. He was born on 31-08-1986. He was, with various modifiers, Clark Kent. The school was going to give Brandon a scholarship. by The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. - All Rights Reserved, VOL. There were many times I know it was tough. He had intended to help under advantaged children and the Burlsworth family settled the establishment that in his honor. 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. It was just one of those things when its time, its time. He knew he could. His story has been told in a movie that's not "Rudy.". This has been a pretty big year for me tra. But this was on a different level. In a movie like Gods Not Dead, disbelief is a straw-man villain that exists solely to be vanquished and humiliated by the righteous hero. I was just so proud of him. Marty's ethnicity is Caucasian, whose political affiliation is unknown; and religious views are listed as Christian. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. . 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. That's what Brandon did. "I . And I could see a little white car parked in her driveway. They put it in more of a condensed form which is the way filmmaking generally always happens. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. He was my brother and I just wanted everything for 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. 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. The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference. Brandon did not get married before he passed away when he was only twenty-two years old. Even his peers saw an innocent kid who just didn't understand why he couldn't make it in college football, and certainly not the NFL. His screenplay grew out of the book Through the Eyes of a Champion: The Brandon Burlsworth Story, by Jeff Kinley. 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. I was high as a kite. (The devoutly Catholic McDonough, who also executive produced, has called Marty Burlsworth his favorite role.). We may still get one. The Olympic Gold Medalist shines light on her Hispanic heritage fueling her career.