Teens and up. 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. Dang, Marty, what have you been feedin that boy?. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. The Passion of the Christ actor talks about the challenges of playing iconic roles and why good movies arent always family-friendly. 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. 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. He was born on 31-08-1986. By Carl Kozlowski. Marty Burlsworth tells us about bringing the story of Greater to the screen, his relationship with Brandon, and making ones way through understanding and accepting God in times of crisis. Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. Or Drew Carey, the comedian. Bob has worked in the business community for many years, but his love for working with kids brought him into a teaching career where he is also a teacher in the Mt. Real Estate. So Mom, Brandon and I piled into my minivan and we drove over to Fayetteville. He spent his first season of high school football as a sophomore on the sidelines. 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. He initially joined Arkansas Razorbacks as a walk-on but later he was handed an athletes scholarship and eventually became an all-American. Didn't buy it or rent it or watch it on DVD. When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. He grew up in Barnstable, Massachusetts, graduated from Barnstable High School, and attended Syracuse University. He spent as many days as he could in the weight room getting stronger. 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. One weekend when I was driving with Brandon to campus I think maybe it was his junior year a thought crossed my mind. During his first year, he faced a delay in earning his eligibility and worked hard to transform his 300lb chubby physique into a moderate 260lb body. He called to check in a couple of times. So I started calling coaches and seeing where he could play. Just give us a call at 870-741-5111 . The latest videos from KNWA FOX24. 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. They couldnt give us any assurances that there wouldnt be a lot of Hollywood going into it. 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. 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. Its a simple but effective response, nicely underscored by the gospel anthem Ill Fly Awayrunning through the film. 2022 by BBF. That's not a boast. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. It was just something that we thought of, you know. 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. He wasthatgood. 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. 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. The Olympic Gold Medalist shines light on her Hispanic heritage fueling her career. When the pandemic started, I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us pass the time. For me, it was reading. "He said, 'You'll have veto power,' " Marty Burlsworth remembered. Powered by WebJIVE ~ Featured on the Harrison Arkansas Network. (as Stephen Raynor-Endelman) (music by) Cinematography by Gabe Mayhan . Sure, there's some creative license in the movie, but the message rings true. Selfishly, I don't want Brandon to be forgotten. That's what Brandon did. Thats the dream. Greater, a film about Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, opens Aug. 26. The foundation, which symbolizes his ethics and values, works for the benefit of needy children and provides them with physical as well as spiritual support, something Brandon was known for. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. Brandon didnt dress the first two games of his freshman season, but we found out that hed be on the field for the third. In a few weeks hed be heading back. . And it was Brandons time. EWTN News, Inc. is the worlds largest Catholic news organization, comprised of television, radio, to you, Keep an eye on trends and events Hed be all over the line, right off the snap. Two buses of Razorbacks players arrived. Greater has three surprises, which is three more than most faith-based films, particularly of the inspirational sports-movie variety. 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. Brandon knew what it was like to be doubted, to be told you werent good enough. 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. I never used to worry before Brandon died. We suddenly needed that gear, because we would be rooting for the Colts. 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. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. They can assist you with all your real estate needs. Even after away games, when the Razorbacks returned to Fayetteville late at 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. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. I didn't see it in the theater. There were many times I know it was tough. Marty Leo Burlsworth (age 62) is listed at 3775 Savannah Drive Harrison, Ar 72601 and is affiliated with the Optional Party. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. Burlsworth was also Arkansas' first All-American player since 1993 and was also on the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll from 1995 to 1998. "People are seeing it for the first time, and that's really cool," Marty said. But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. 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. So was I. That looks good, doesnt it? I said. He took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. | He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different. We wont be there. 2022 by BBF. It goes without saying that Brandon, making the team as a walk-on (a player who is not recruited or offered an athletic scholarship), is harassed and abused by his teammates. "I . Unassuming, devout and a little dense, he never drinks, never swears and never takes anything personally. 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. He asked me to help him, but theres all this certification that goes into being an agent. [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. His age is 36. Cindi Hagood is our Program Director of the Eyes of a Champion program. monetization of National Catholic Register RSS feeds is strictly prohibited. Brandon was so single-minded, so focused. Because we dont want to be there- that close- to some scenes thatll be tough to watch even being filmed. Burlsworth was selected to be of the team captains by his junior season in 1997 for the University of Arkansas. 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. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. 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. Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. In the film, we see a lot of moments where the Marty character is learning from the persistence and drive of Brandon. We had to have the funeral at the high school gym. So you just walk down this side of the stadium, O.K.? The present-day strand follows preparations for Brandons funeral and Martys internal struggle with doubt and nihilism, a struggle movingly realized by McDonough. The National Junior Auxiliary awarded her Volunteer of the Year, and the Governor appointed her to the State Board of Dispensing Opticians. He just kicked it in, No, this is not happening.. 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 top of that, Dad had trouble with drinking and wasnt really in our lives when Brandon was a little boy. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. 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. Brandon, the officer told us, had collided head-on with a semi. Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. Proudly created with Wix.com. Greater than my narrow expectation of "Rudy Calls the Hogs." As it turned out, it was a squad car, with officials there to convey the bad news. 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. Itll be real cool.. 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 . I dont even think he played one game. And he justdominatedon the field didnt matter if he was on defense or offense. Burlsworth was too small (260 pounds) when he finished high school. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Pig Trail Nation / Jun 1, 2021 / 04:30 PM CDT. The 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church. He had planned to help underprivileged children, and his. The University of Arkansas prides itself on doing things the "Burls Way.". 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. It was all over ESPN. So a few months after his death, we started the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, where we do all of that and more. But this was my brother. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. 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. 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. But that summer Brandon had two things going for him: His work ethic and, luckily, a pretty big growth spurt. With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth. 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. He is married to Vickie who serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation. Became a two-time All-SEC selection and a first-team All-American as a senior in 1998. Evelyn lives in North Little Rock, AR with her husband, Paul, two sons, Bo and Owen, and dog Layla. The football fraternity had great expectations from the talented young man but fate had other plans and he was killed in an accident. Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. 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. The next week, Brandon flew to Indianapolis for minicamp. The year is 1999 and Marty Burlsworth is awaiting the funeral of his 22-year-old brother, Brandon. SubscribeStart your Register subscription today. Harrison, Arkansas, United States. He never got there, dying in a car accident at age 22. But almost every boy growing up in the state wants to be a Razorback. Company Credits A list of possible email addresses for Marty includes burlsworth@cox.net, mburlsworth@aol.com. We probably put 30,000 miles on my minivan each season. But I knew we still needed a scholarship. So you didnt know if that was going to happen but that wasnt really the main [concern]. And it paid off. Brandon was also the first Arkansas football player to complete his Masters Degree before playing his final college football game. Yeah, lets go buy some Colts stuff.. And that spring, the Burls boys found themselves in Indianapolis at the combine. I mean everybody knew. Black horn-rimmed glasses. 1 Tennessee. 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. This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. Renew or manage your subscription here. So that makes it quite a bit easier to revisit because weve never really gone away. ", Forgotten? is 61 years old today because Marty's birthday is on 11/13/1960. It was 2005 and the . or school. Bob Edmonson is a lifelong native of Harrison. In her free time she enjoys hiking, watching sports, riding motorcycles with her husband and catching up with friends. Out of nowhere, Brandon knocks him out of bounds, Marty said. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. (as David Hunt) (directed by) Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification Produced by Music by Stephen Endelman . She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. The movie will be shown on 800 screens throughout the U.S. on March 21 and March 28. When he set his mind to something, you better believe you were going to witness him do it. Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. His faith, his family and his football, in that order. The odds were against him and nobody was looking his way. Vickie's love for children is hard to escape. But this was on a different level. Especially after it was all over and, you know, that was bad times. 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. In 1999, he completed an MBA and was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree. Another initiative announced was the creation of a memorial for victims of abuse. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. Most important to Marty and the Burlsworth family: They kept us in the loop.. When I turned on to the street behind Moms house, I could see her driveway through this little opening between houses. We still dont really know what happened that afternoon. The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. Of course, he was my brother and you do anything for family, but things were a little tougher for him. The state with the most residents by this name is Arkansas, followed by Colorado. Brandon was home. 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 would just say Yeah we did this, we did this, we did this and it was just like this is what were doing, you know he never [said] I cant do this. That just wasnt there because, you know, thats where his faith led him. Greater, a film depicting the life and tragic death of Brandon Burlsworth will be released in theaters on August 26th. Theres never a day where I dont think about Brandon. choose Christ at a young age and you will always be a winner in Christ's eyes; excelling at a sport is fine as . (Now we see through a glass darkly ). Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was an American football player who played for the Arkansas Razorbacks as an offensive lineman between 1995 and 1998. 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. Other boys would go home after school got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July. He wasnt as tall or as heavy as D-I colleges wanted him to be. 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. This life demanded a movie. He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. David Hunt, the movies director, also assisted with the screenplay. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known." . company, Get valuable lists emailed directly 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. 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.". And the first call I made was to the recruiting coordinator at Arkansas. This one painful scene is wiser than all the movies the Fireproof / Courageous people have made (including their football movie, Facing the Giants). She then pursued her graduate degree at the University of Louisville where she interned for the athletic department. Greater than my limited understanding of the painful search for meaning every time a life ends so young. Greaters response to the problem of evil, to disbelief and nihilism, is not an argument, but an action: a choice to trust. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. I dont think I got there. Barbara Burlsworth. Arkansas doesnt have a pro football team I dont even know if a pro team could survive here. Hell show up and everything will be fine.. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of. 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. The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. His Subaru clipped an incoming 18-wheeler and then collided head-on with a tractor-trailer in Alpena, Arkansas. Thats what its all about: What you do while you were here. 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. arkansas football. He believes by sheer word of mouth, the movie will develop a dedicated following. Over the next two years he reformed his body to become more muscular and went back to a 300lb physique. 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." 2018 Burlsworth & Associates Real Estate in Harrison, AR So when he was two hours late that evening, Mom started to get worried. 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. Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. by The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. - All Rights Reserved, VOL. I was high as a kite. I would talk to him most every night. Catholic actor Neal McDonough costars in a Rudy-like faith-based inspirational sports biopic that dares to explore doubt as well as belief. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. Chris Severio plays Burlsworth (No. We first meet him as an overweight young couch potato (Ethan Waller) with apparent delusions of grandeur: Hes convinced hes going to attend the University of Arkansas and play for the Razorbacks. After the draft, he spoke to me a lot about helping other kids in Harrison. It was composed and produced by Brian Reindl and David Hunt. EIN 27-4581132 Brandon Burlsworth found certainty in an uncertain world.
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