And Ill get a photo of you in your uniform. Greater (2016) - Full Cast & Crew - IMDb 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. Weve felt like weve been very involved and kept up to date on what was going on and were very happy with the outcome. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. 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 didn't see it in the theater. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. He was, with various modifiers, Clark Kent. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. Brandon was the kind of guy you win with.. There just wasnt enough space anywhere else. No Greater Love Than This: Foundation Carries On Legacy of - AMP What was your first thought when someone approached you about making Greater? 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. As indicated by the police report, Burlsworth's vehicle floated somewhat over the middle line on U.S. 412, cut the front bumper of a tractor-trailer, and afterward, while he was probably attempting to recover control, crossed the inside line again and hit another tractor-trailer. Background Report. I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. We probably put 30,000 miles on my minivan each season. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. 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. or school. 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. 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). Reindl made another unique promise that he kept. This story focuses on Burlsworth's ambition, work ethic, family relationships, and strong religious convictions; teamwork and courage are strong themes. I let out a little sigh of relief. The brothers age difference is the basis for one of the movies running gags, Martys discomfort at being mistaken for Brandons father. He believes by sheer word of mouth, the movie will develop a dedicated following. The National Junior Auxiliary awarded her Volunteer of the Year, and the Governor appointed her to the State Board of Dispensing Opticians. Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different. As floodwaters washed away his Louisiana home, the pretend Brandon 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. Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. So a few months after his death, we started the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, where we do all of that and more. "I know Brandon would be super proud of that," Marty said . 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. 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. The year is 1999 and Marty Burlsworth is awaiting the funeral of his 22-year-old brother, Brandon. 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. She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. Follow him on Twitter. We watched the game from this conference room at the top of the stadium. 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. His screenplay grew out of the book Through the Eyes of a Champion: The Brandon Burlsworth Story, by Jeff Kinley. The SEC Blog: The inspiring story of Burlsworth Where it doesnt have such a bad ending? And the first call I made was to the recruiting coordinator at Arkansas. His jersey has been retired, his locker encased in glass, his spirit captured in a trophy awarded to the best college football player who started his career as a walk-on. It just takes some time. The story unfolds in two strands. Marty Burlsworth and his agents have been and will continue to be trusted names in the real estate market. 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. 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. 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. Brandon doesnt start out with all that promise. On top of that, Dad had trouble with drinking and wasnt really in our lives when Brandon was a little boy. I kept gaming out who was left. 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. 2018 Burlsworth & Associates Real Estate in Harrison, AR Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States, siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth, place of death: Alpena, Arkansas, United States. Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. company, Get valuable lists emailed directly By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. Copyright 2023 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. Surely, he reasons, God will be merciful; Marty would be, and he cant be more merciful than God. Sure, bring him on up for a game, he said. 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. Chris Severio plays Burlsworth (No. Because we dont want to be there- that close- to some scenes thatll be tough to watch even being filmed. In November 1998, the Razorbacks were 8-0, ranked 10th in the country, and playing at No. Greater uses Marty to critique misguided or deficient forms of faith prior to Brandons death. Not that it got him very far initially. This has been a pretty big year for me tra. When the pandemic started, I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us pass the time. For me, it was reading. Here its a nagging voice in a grieving believers heart asking a question that admits no simple, final answer: Why do bad things happen to good people? He spent his first season of high school football as a sophomore on the sidelines. It had this outdoor patio that you could stand on and look down on the field. View Marty Burlsworth's record in Harrison, AR including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. The latest videos from KNWA FOX24. One of my sons, who was in my car with me, started asking what was wrong, what had happened. 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. Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? "It was a struggle similar to Brandon's struggle to play college football," Marty Burlsworth said. Harrison, Arkansas, United States. Director Yelena Popovic discusses why this film had to be made. Third, its beautifully and atmospherically shot by director David Hunt and cinematographer Gabe Mayan. He received many scholarship offers from smaller universities but eventually chose to become a walk-on football player for the University of Arkansas. 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. Marty Burlsworth, 61 - Harrison | Free Public Reputation Profile - MyLife He earned 1st team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998 and was selected for the 1998 College Football All-America Team. Small sins lead to big sins, and big sins bring about a terrible spiritual darkness. 'GMA' surprises foundation helping young football lovers across Marty L Burlsworth, Harrison Public Records Instantly Brandon didnt dress the first two games of his freshman season, but we found out that hed be on the field for the third. Steven D. Greydanus is the Registers film critic and creator of Decent Films. The next week, Brandon flew to Indianapolis for minicamp. Twenty-One Years Later, Brandon Burlsworth Legacy Endures For Retired 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. 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. Marty Leo Burlsworth (age 62) is listed at 3775 Savannah Drive Harrison, Ar 72601 and is affiliated with the Optional Party. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. COINCIDENCES. But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. By that point he was about six-foot-two, over 200 pounds and still growing. You take care of it, you get things done. The present-day strand follows preparations for Brandons funeral and Martys internal struggle with doubt and nihilism, a struggle movingly realized by McDonough. He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. The football fraternity had great expectations from the talented young man but fate had other plans and he was killed in an accident. Dramatic backlighting and silhouettes create a sense of foreboding and uncertainty, resonating with the themes of tragedy and doubt. The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. I think Brandon would be proud of the work were doing in his name. They put it in more of a condensed form which is the way filmmaking generally always happens. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals! SubscribeStart your Register subscription today. The film covers the issues he had with his weight and his incredible work ethic that earned him a chance. Leslie Easterbrook plays Burlsworth's mother, Barbar. My Brother Brandon AUG 26 2016 By MARTY BURLSWORTH On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. Pope Francis, Biden Commend Peacemaker Bishop OConnell as Memorial Services Begin. Brandon Burlsworth - Wikipedia So was I. That looks good, doesnt it? I said. . Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination - YouTube So you just walk down this side of the stadium, O.K.? ", Forgotten? Barbara Burlsworth. 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. 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. 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. you, Subscribe to The Daily There he is, 300 pounds, and he just runs down this linebacker. Well if you had taken God out of it, it [wouldve] been fiction. A dream shattered by tragedy - Tulsa World The Burlsworth family created the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in honor of Brandon who was tragically killed in a car accident in 1999. Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. Its a simple but effective response, nicely underscored by the gospel anthem Ill Fly Awayrunning through the film. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. EWTN News, Inc. is the worlds largest Catholic news organization, comprised of television, radio, The family respectfully declined. Marty Burlsworth - HARRISON, AR Real Estate Agent | realtor.com 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. His age is 36. Share. He had planned to help underprivileged children, and his. (The devoutly Catholic McDonough, who also executive produced, has called Marty Burlsworth his favorite role.). On Aug. 26, the movie about his life, Greater, opens nationwide. Anything that wasnt right, wasnt real, wasnt what Brandon was about. Brandon isnt a very interesting character, but hes a likable one. Burlsworth rouses 'big brother' actor - Arkansas Online 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. We may still get one. But Brandon would stay on campus, working painting the stadium, setting up dorms, things like that and taking classes. 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. "It was a passion project for everyone who was involved," actor Neal McDonough told CBN News. The movie was well-received upon its theatrical release, but thanks to its March debut on streaming giant Netflix, it's finding a new audience at a perfect time. Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. And that spring, the Burls boys found themselves in Indianapolis at the combine. After the season, over the holidays, we got a call. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. If there was anything inappropriate in it, of course that was all made up. "I . Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Being Catholic in Hollywood: it's possible. Just ask Neal McDonough And I was equally impressed with Missy, his wife [They] live in Fayetteville and they drove over to Harris to meet with us and she said Whatever he sets his mind to, he gets done that resonates with me because that was like Brandon. Public records for Marty Burlsworth range in age from 35 years old to 61 years old. But I didnt have that natural talent. Brandon Burlsworth movie 'Greater' finally hits theaters - Sports 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. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. 1 Tennessee. Even in earthly terms it can be argued that Brandons life and achievements were not a waste. 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. 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. Barbara Burlsworth has been in real estate since 1997. Marty's ethnicity is Caucasian, whose political affiliation is unknown; and religious views are listed as Christian. EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Marty Burlsworth of New Faith-Based Film He initially joined Arkansas Razorbacks as a walk-on but later he was handed an athletes scholarship and eventually became an all-American. Greater, a film depicting the life and tragic death of Brandon Burlsworth will be released in theaters on August 26th. It seemed as if the whole town was there to support Brandon and who he was and what he meant to everybody. 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 . I was high as a kite. 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.

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