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. Proudly created with Wix.com. Sure, there's some creative license in the movie, but the message rings true. 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 had intended to help under advantaged children and the Burlsworth family settled the establishment that in his honor. 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. It was just something that we thought of, you know. 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. The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. When Stoerner fell the ball came out and Tennessee recovered. And we were concerned that his faith would take a big backseatAnd we just werent up for that at all. (The devoutly Catholic McDonough, who also executive produced, has called Marty Burlsworth his favorite role.). How is the dynamic in reality versus how its shown in the film? Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. The family respectfully declined. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. Brandon Burlsworth, NFL player. McDonough plays Marty, Brandon's big brother and father figure in the film, and he . | Neal McDonough (L) plays Marty Burlsworth in 'Greater' (Hammond Entertainment). After the season, over the holidays, we got a call. Earlier this year in an interview with Christian Examiner, Reindl said: The film is as much about Martys journey as it is about Brandons. 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. By Carl Kozlowski. 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. It seemed as if the whole town was there to support Brandon and who he was and what he meant to everybody. You know, Brandon, you could think about entering the draft. 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. There were many times I know it was tough. That's not a boast. You take care of it, you get things done. He is married to Vickie who serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation. Greater than my limited understanding of the painful search for meaning every time a life ends so young. But as Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's 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. Marty is a resident of 3775 Savannah Drv, Harrison, AR 72601-9851. (Marty Burlsworth) Neal McDonough was born on February 13, 1966 in Dorchester, Massachusetts, to Catherine (Bushe) and Frank McDonough, motel owners who were born in Ireland. She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was an American football player who played for the Arkansas Razorbacks as an offensive lineman between 1995 and 1998. The Passion of the Christ actor talks about the challenges of playing iconic roles and why good movies arent always family-friendly. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Order Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization "I know Brandon would be super proud of that," Marty said . Over the next two years he reformed his body to become more muscular and went back to a 300lb physique. 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. 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. 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. Not good at all. It just takes some time. Because we dont want to be there- that close- to some scenes thatll be tough to watch even being filmed. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Toggle header content Harrison, Arkansas, United States. 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." 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. 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. Then I turned on Netflix and watched an honest, humble, earnest movie about the man called "Greater.". The school was going to give Brandon a scholarship. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals. ", Forgotten? Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. His age is 36. . 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. Every chance he got, Burlsworth went home to Harrison, a town of about 10,000 in the Ozarks, near the Missouri state line. Greater than my narrow expectation of "Rudy Calls the Hogs." Didn't buy it or rent it or watch it on DVD. 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. Im sure he just got stuck in traffic, or maybe ran out of gas. He goes through something we all face when we experience tragedy and trials: Which voices do we listen to? 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. During Martys conversation with Searcy this metaphor is further developed; a pattern emerges that Marty cant appreciate without a higher perspective. 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. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission, or unlicensed commercial use or 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 The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference. Dang, Marty, what have you been feedin that boy?. At that moment, we both felt so close to his dream coming true something that wasnt even a possibility for a boy who had been sitting on the sidelines just two years ago. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. Renew or manage your subscription here. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. 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. Opposing teams made game plans just to handle Brandon. 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. The 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church. I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. | Asked what hes doing, Brandon says, Nothing, because he really hadnt given it a second thought. Burlsworth and Associates. 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. 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. Company Credits And I remembered to do what other agents had advised me to do, I kept multiple lines open. It had this outdoor patio that you could stand on and look down on the field. Locations and showtimes are available onwww.greaterthemovie.com. Eleven days later he passed on attending a Razorback ring presentation ceremony to drive to his hometown to take his mom to church. Powered by WebJIVE ~ Featured on the Harrison Arkansas Network. Boy, did he have the size and did he have the skills. Predictably, trash-talking opponents laughed at him and called him names. 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. 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. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. After his death, the Arkansas Razorbacks retired his jersey in his honor and encased his locker in glass for public display. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. 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. 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. Brandon was so single-minded, so focused. Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. I dont think I got there. The voices of faith, hope and trust or the voices of doubt, disbelief and despair?. company, Get valuable lists emailed directly Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. An expression that implied do it the correct way, in any event, when nobody is looking. The National Junior Auxiliary awarded her Volunteer of the Year, and the Governor appointed her to the State Board of Dispensing Opticians. I think Brandon would be proud of the work were doing in his name. Not that it got him very far initially. We may still get one. 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. And would you believe, all these NFL agents started flying into Harrison wanting to sign Brandon. Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? Its a good story and, you know, Neal McDonough struggling in the aftermath thats absolutely true. When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. 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. Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. 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. Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. She received her Bachelors in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. Still, with each pick, even in the first round, you get more and more nervous. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. 2022 by BBF. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. Other boys would go home after school got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July. Finally, in the third round Brandon answered the phone and gave us the thumbs-up. The phone number for him is (870) 741-7472 (Windstream Arkansas, Inc). Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. This life demanded a movie. Leslie Easterbrook plays Burlsworth's mother, Barbar. near you, Up-to-date reports of crimes near We didnt want that Sports Illustrated did a feature piece on Brandon. 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. It was 2005, and the Burlsworth family . He and his wife Tresia have four children, Michael, Jordan, Brandon and Samantha. He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. The brothers age difference is the basis for one of the movies running gags, Martys discomfort at being mistaken for Brandons father. 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. Burlsworth was selected to be of the team captains by his junior season in 1997 for the University of Arkansas. Brandon was the kind of guy you win with.. (as David Hunt) (edited by) Casting By I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. Burlsworth was also Arkansas' first All-American player since 1993 and was also on the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll from 1995 to 1998. 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. Brandon did not get married before he passed away when he was only twenty-two years old. When the pandemic started, I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us pass the time. For me, it was reading. 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. Judea school district. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. 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. One of my sons, who was in my car with me, started asking what was wrong, what had happened. His story has been told in a movie that's not "Rudy.". It was composed and produced by Brian Reindl and David Hunt. She has 3 sons, Marty, Grady and the late Brandon Burlsworth. I never used to worry before Brandon died. He was a Razorback. One weekend when I was driving with Brandon to campus I think maybe it was his junior year a thought crossed my mind. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. Small sins lead to big sins, and big sins bring about a terrible spiritual darkness. Vickie's love for children is hard to escape. Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. 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. Greater, a film depicting the life and tragic death of Brandon Burlsworth will be released in theaters on August 26th. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. 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. Brandon doesnt start out with all that promise. His No. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. 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. I kept gaming out who was left. But he had his priorities right. Theres never a day where I dont think about Brandon. The story unfolds in two strands. Lacking the football scholarship he absurdly hoped for, Brandon turns down full rides elsewhere to attend Arkansas. So was I. That looks good, doesnt it? I said. You know, we established his foundation shortly thereafter [the accident]. As we walked by one of the pro shops, we joked to each other. by The Daily News Publishing Co. Inc. - All Rights Reserved, VOL. 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. Background Report. 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. I can only hope I did as much as I could to help 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. Every week, Brandon made the drive home. Marty Burlsworth hasn't provided a bio yet. So you just walk down this side of the stadium, O.K.? Public records for Marty Burlsworth range in age from 35 years old to 61 years old. 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.". He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. He's been gone to a better place for almost as long. 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. There are few actors in Hollywood brave enough to wear their Catholic faith on . Walk-on player from Harrison, Ark., considered a long shot to get real playing time. What was your first thought when someone approached you about making Greater? He grew up in Barnstable, Massachusetts, graduated from Barnstable High School, and attended Syracuse University. Trust. Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. MORE: Deserving teacher who received $530 from plane passengers surprised with more than . 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. In the wake of new restrictions on the traditional Latin Mass, two American bishops spoke with EWTNs Raymond Arroyo Thursday about how their dioceses have responded. I didn't see it in the theater. And Ill get a photo of you in your uniform. So I did whatever I could to be there for Brandon. And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. Brandon, the officer told us, had collided head-on with a semi. 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.