marty burlsworth age

Thats the dream. Third, its beautifully and atmospherically shot by director David Hunt and cinematographer Gabe Mayan. So I started calling coaches and seeing where he could play. 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. Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 - Sure, there's some creative license in the movie, but the message rings true. Greater is currently playing in theaters and stars Neal McDonough, Christopher Severio, and Leslie Easterbrook. How is the dynamic in reality versus how its shown in the film? So Mom, Brandon and I piled into my minivan and we drove over to Fayetteville. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. On top of that, Dad had trouble with drinking and wasnt really in our lives when Brandon was a little boy. The 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church. ", Forgotten? Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. There were many times I know it was tough. 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. 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. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. 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. It always seemed like a movie to me. 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. The University of Arkansas prides itself on doing things the "Burls Way.". 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. | Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. 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. The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. 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 received many scholarship offers from smaller universities but eventually chose to become a walk-on football player for the University of Arkansas. 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. So I did whatever I could to be there for Brandon. She started her career with Century 21 and then joined Jerry Jackson as he opened his office in 2001. Real Estate. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. The family respectfully declined. Harrison, Arkansas, is set as small town as it receives. The brothers age difference is the basis for one of the movies running gags, Martys discomfort at being mistaken for Brandons father. Man, you might get to play at the next level., Ah, I dont know, I just gotta focus on this season.. Boy, did he have the size and did he have the skills. Small sins lead to big sins, and big sins bring about a terrible spiritual darkness. Brandon Burlsworth, NFL player. Greater has three surprises, which is three more than most faith-based films, particularly of the inspirational sports-movie variety. "I . (as Stephen Raynor-Endelman) (music by) Cinematography by Gabe Mayhan . He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. We want Brandon here, but if he cant handle it I can see what I can do to get him to a smaller school, he said. On the way there, Burlsworth died an unthinkable death that shook the entire state. If its difficult to describe the love for a brother, its impossible to explain the loss of a brother. 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. Becoming a Razorback As the title suggests, this is the story of the most successful walk-on in the history of college football at the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. Brandon was home. Marty is registered to vote in Boone County, Arkansas. He was buried at the Gass Cemetery in Omaha, Arkansas, on May 2, 1999. It would take 11 years - with Reindl financing the independent production himself when other investors dried up - but in 2016, "Greater" hit the theaters. From anyone who is struggling with God because of a loss theyve faced, especially one as devastating as a close family member, what wisdom would you share with them? Evelyn Allen started as the Development and Social Media Director for the foundation in March of 2020. We planned to move out to Indianapolis with him. 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. I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. On Aug. 26, the movie about his life, Greater, opens nationwide. Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. There are few actors in Hollywood brave enough to wear their Catholic faith on . 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. We had to have the funeral at the high school gym. He spent his first season of high school football as a sophomore on the sidelines. With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth. Surely, he reasons, God will be merciful; Marty would be, and he cant be more merciful than God. barbaraann@burlsworth.com. "It was a passion project for everyone who was involved," actor Neal McDonough told CBN News. Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? Burlsworth was too small (260 pounds) when he finished high school. 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. He put on weight before enrolling at Arkansas, but it was a bad 40 or so pounds that he eventually had to melt before. Why? At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". Cindi Hagood is our Program Director of the Eyes of a Champion program. 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. Greater than my previous knowledge of a young man's winding road from small-town walk-on to home-state hero. And I couldnt wait to be right there with him. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. What was your first thought when someone approached you about making Greater? So a few months after his death, we started the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, where we do all of that and more. 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. That's not a boast. A couple of weeks before Brandon left for school, one of the Arkansas coaches called me. 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. 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. Vickie Burlsworth is the Executive Director of the Foundation that she and Marty founded honoring Brandon after his passing in 1999. It is also possible to rent "Greater" on Redbox, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Apple TV, Microsoft Store online and to . "It was a struggle similar to Brandon's struggle to play college football," Marty Burlsworth said. Company Credits Now, I was taking calls from the same stations about Brandons death.. near you, Up-to-date reports of crimes near But this was on a different level. 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. 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. Finally, in the third round Brandon answered the phone and gave us the thumbs-up. 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. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission, or unlicensed commercial use or "I know Brandon would be super proud of that," Marty said . As we walked by one of the pro shops, we joked to each other. I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. And then apparently that thought process was also out there in California we did hear from some that approached us but one thing I wasnt 100 percent sure [of] was the commitment level over there which was why when Reindls wife said [when] he sets his mind to it, he gets it done, you know, Ive always heard that in Hollywood [scripts] can sit on the shelf forever. 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. Pope Francis, Biden Commend Peacemaker Bishop OConnell as Memorial Services Begin. 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. We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. 2022 by BBF. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. 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. Especially after it was all over and, you know, that was bad times. So was I. That looks good, doesnt it? I said. 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. We were going to Fayetteville for the game and I called him early in the week to tell him where our seats would be. 77), who was killed in a car accident days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. And would you believe, all these NFL agents started flying into Harrison wanting to sign Brandon. Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation. It was my dream, too, and I sure worked hard at it. 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. Didn't buy it or rent it or watch it on DVD. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. The Olympic Gold Medalist shines light on her Hispanic heritage fueling her career. It had this outdoor patio that you could stand on and look down on the field. 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. This has been a pretty big year for me tra. He was in the prime of his football career. 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." Or Drew Carey, the comedian. 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. Official Sites She enjoys singing on the worship team at church, riding motorcycles with her husband, photography, and scrapbooking. 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. 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.. 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. His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. 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. 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. choose Christ at a young age and you will always be a winner in Christ's eyes; excelling at a sport is fine as . Its a simple but effective response, nicely underscored by the gospel anthem Ill Fly Awayrunning through the film. Still, with each pick, even in the first round, you get more and more nervous. Although he never played a down in the NFL, he had impressed Mudd enough during mini-camp that the . It's a show of faith. 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. Brandon was the kind of guy you win with.. A list of possible email addresses for Marty includes burlsworth@cox.net, mburlsworth@aol.com. His faith, his family and his football, in that order. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. Powered by WebJIVE ~ Featured on the Harrison Arkansas Network. Share. It seemed as if the whole town was there to support Brandon and who he was and what he meant to everybody. He had intended to help under advantaged children and the Burlsworth family settled the establishment that in his honor. Hell show up and everything will be fine.. Not that it got him very far initially. Evelyn lives in North Little Rock, AR with her husband, Paul, two sons, Bo and Owen, and dog Layla. 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. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. 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 took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. So when he was two hours late that evening, Mom started to get worried. COINCIDENCES. The Burlsworth family created the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in honor of Brandon who was tragically killed in a car accident in 1999. He may be gone, but I still want to do whatever I can to keep his dreams going, to keep his legacy going. He wasnt as tall or as heavy as D-I colleges wanted him to be. He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. That was very very tough. Neal McDonough (L) plays Marty Burlsworth in 'Greater' (Hammond Entertainment). Brandon knew what it was like to be doubted, to be told you werent good enough. 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. Second, while Brandons own faith never wavers, the film cross-examines Christian pieties and even faith itself to a greater degree than any other faith-based film I can think of. But me and friends that were close to me were like This is like a movie. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. 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. 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. He knew he could. I think it was in June [1999] I think [thats] kinda when that started. The mindset, which is inspired by former student Brandon Burlsworth, is all about doing things "the best you can," high school football coach Tommy Tice told "GMA.". Always why. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. 2018 Burlsworth & Associates Real Estate in Harrison, AR Greater than my limited understanding of the painful search for meaning every time a life ends so young. It was 2005, and the Burlsworth family . He was, with various modifiers, Clark Kent. arkansas football. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. Or Kurt Rambis, the funny-looking center for the Los Angeles Lakers. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production.