Official Sites Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. He was in the prime of his football career. 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. 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. McDonough plays Marty, Brandon's big brother and father figure in the film, and he . He asked me to help him, but theres all this certification that goes into being an agent. Neal McDonough (L) plays Marty Burlsworth in 'Greater' (Hammond Entertainment). He wont be going down., Well, thats good, he said, sort of laughing. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. print and digital media outlets, dedicated to reporting the truth in light of the Gospel and the He is married to Vickie who serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation. How is the dynamic in reality versus how its shown in the film? You dont lose your faith I had struggles because [Id think] why?, you know. I would talk to him most every night. She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. He grew up in Barnstable, Massachusetts, graduated from Barnstable High School, and attended Syracuse University. Thats the dream. Unassuming, devout and a little dense, he never drinks, never swears and never takes anything personally. Sometimes Marty goes by various nicknames including Marty L Burlsworth and Marty Leo Burlsworth. So when Brandon got it in his mind that he was going to be a Razorback, I was all in. I didn't see it in the theater. French Monastery Survives War and Famine After 885 Years, the Basilica of St. Ambrose in Milan, and More Great Links! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Other boys would go home after school got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July. Harrison, Arkansas, is set as small town as it receives. (The devoutly Catholic McDonough, who also executive produced, has called Marty Burlsworth his favorite role.). Now, if you find yourself at that Colts shop, I told him, You make sure and get us some gear this time.. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. 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 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. is 61 years old today because Marty's birthday is on 11/13/1960. Marty Leo Burlsworth's Arkansas Voter Registration. I dont think I got there. Channing Frye and Iman Shumpert are back to explain the stakes, place bets and analyze the most valuable players in the NBA Finals. It's a show of faith. Everybody knew. What were the vital elements that you knew had to be involved in the movie, no matter who made it, in order to fully capture Brandons life? Judea school district. Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. 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. Chris Severio plays Burlsworth (No. We drove it to death. If there was anything inappropriate in it, of course that was all made up. I think Brandon would be proud of the work were doing in his name. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. "Brian wouldn't let go.". Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. The idea wasnt to be the greatest walk-on, Marty explained, it was to get a scholarship.. 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." Out of nowhere, Brandon knocks him out of bounds, Marty said. He lauds Chris Severio for his measured portrayal of Brandon, and veteran actor Neal McDonough, he says, does a tremendous job as Marty Burlsworth. He believes by sheer word of mouth, the movie will develop a dedicated following. 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. 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. I want him here, buthellknow andwellknow., Coach, dont worry about it. Each Wednesday, he came back to take his mother, Barbara, to chapel. Filming & Production When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. On the way there, Burlsworth died an unthinkable death that shook the entire state. In the end, Brandon got invited to be a walk-on. Obese, unathletic and clumsy, Brandon confronts his shortcomings as sports-underdog movie heroes have ever done: through determination, hard work and a limitless capacity to absorb punishment, both physical and social. In the film, we see a lot of moments where the Marty character is learning from the persistence and drive of Brandon. Brandon was so single-minded, so focused. Burlsworth was also Arkansas' first All-American player since 1993 and was also on the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll from 1995 to 1998. When we got back home to Harrison, the day of the draft was just filled with anxiety. The National Junior Auxiliary awarded her Volunteer of the Year, and the Governor appointed her to the State Board of Dispensing Opticians. I had about 212,000 miles on it by the time I got rid of it. He spent his first season of high school football as a sophomore on the sidelines. 2023 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. 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. 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. 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. The Official Website of the Southeastern Conference. He had intended to help under advantaged children and the Burlsworth family settled the establishment that in his honor. It was my dream, too, and I sure worked hard at it. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. Black horn-rimmed glasses. Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. He goes through something we all face when we experience tragedy and trials: Which voices do we listen to? 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 And it was Brandons time. 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. "It was a struggle similar to Brandon's struggle to play college football," Marty Burlsworth said. He told the family, "We don't want to take Brandon's faith out of this movie.". I kept gaming out who was left. 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. But now that my own boys are older, if theyre even ten minutes late, I get a little concerned and think that maybe theyre in trouble, maybe something went wrong. Caveat Spectator: Football roughness; some language; some thematic elements including alcoholism and religious questioning. Brandon also earned his masters degree at Arkansas before his playing career was done the first Razorback to do so. 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 Most important to Marty and the Burlsworth family: They kept us in the loop.. I dont how many times Id call to check in.Coach, ya need anything?Id sit every week with the newspaper. But I didnt have that natural talent. But before all that, Brandon made one last trip to Fayetteville to visit with his Razorbacks teammates. He did not survive the accident and passed away on April 28, 1999. The next week, Brandon flew to Indianapolis for minicamp. Surely, he reasons, God will be merciful; Marty would be, and he cant be more merciful than God. I'd traveled to Razorback Stadium for decades - long considered it the SEC's most hospitable hostile environment - so I thought I knew the story of Arkansas football legend Brandon Burlsworth. Yeah, lets go buy some Colts stuff.. Greater than my previous knowledge of a young man's winding road from small-town walk-on to home-state hero. Brandons number 77 became one of only two numbers retired in Arkansas Razorback football history. 2018 Burlsworth & Associates Real Estate in Harrison, AR Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. Im sure he just got stuck in traffic, or maybe ran out of gas. [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. Evelyn lives in North Little Rock, AR with her husband, Paul, two sons, Bo and Owen, and dog Layla. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? There are about 11,000 people in town and one unspoken rule: If it's Friday night, you're going to the Harrison High football game. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. . His story has been told in a movie that's not "Rudy.". The phone number for him is (870) 741-7472 (Windstream Arkansas, Inc). When I turned on to the street behind Moms house, I could see her driveway through this little opening between houses. Proudly created with Wix.com. Burlsworth rouses 'big brother' actor. It always seemed like a movie to me. The phones calls started coming right after that. Youll have all your coursework done and can graduate at the end of the year anyway., Yeah, he said with a smile. Hed tell me what it was like but hed never say it was really hard and Im not sure I can do this. I mean it was for me. He was born on 31-08-1986. At present, through the Burls Kids program, the foundation works towards providing underprivileged youths a chance to visit Razorback and Colts football games. We watched the game from this conference room at the top of the stadium. Previously she worked for the Arkansas Travelers, USA Football, NFL, Athleta and the Outlets of Little Rock. News. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. By Carl Kozlowski. In 1999, he completed an MBA and was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree. It was all over ESPN. It would take 11 years - with Reindl financing the independent production himself when other investors dried up - but in 2016, "Greater" hit the theaters. Neal McDonough does an outstanding job as Marty Burlsworth. A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. I think it was in June [1999] I think [thats] kinda when that started. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. interested in booking Marty for your event? He had planned to help underprivileged children, and his. Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's brother, with Neal McDonough, who portrayed Marty in Greater. And the only element bigger than excessive faculty soccer in Harrison or anywhere else . This was the dream. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. 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. But me and friends that were close to me were like This is like a movie. 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. Bob is optimistic about the real estate market in Harrison and is looking forward to meeting the real estate needs of the clients and customers in the area in and surrounding Harrison. 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. We wont be there. I let out a little sigh of relief. 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. He and his wife Tresia have four children, Michael, Jordan, Brandon and Samantha. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. Mr. Severio sounds like a guy that Brandon Burlsworth would have been proud to have depict him in a movie, as a selfless, hard-working, humble, self-deprecating character. We suddenly needed that gear, because we would be rooting for the Colts. Its a simple but effective response, nicely underscored by the gospel anthem Ill Fly Awayrunning through the film. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. MORE: Deserving teacher who received $530 from plane passengers surprised with more than . I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. And boy, was he soaking it in. He knew he could. The Olympic Gold Medalist shines light on her Hispanic heritage fueling her career. That's not a boast. 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. So I did whatever I could to be there for Brandon. I go straight to the sports and see if any scholarships were offered. 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. Brandons family and friends came together to form the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in his honor. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals. Share. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. Proudly created with Wix.com. But [the death was] not the ending. Its condensed. But Id do anything for that kid. Just give us a call at 870-741-5111 . And the first call I made was to the recruiting coordinator at Arkansas. Brandon, the officer told us, had collided head-on with a semi. He spent as many days as he could in the weight room getting stronger. He died instantly. When the pandemic started, I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us pass the time. For me, it was reading. 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. 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. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. She then pursued her graduate degree at the University of Louisville where she interned for the athletic department. (as David Hunt) (directed by) Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification Produced by Music by Stephen Endelman . | The police could not determine the reason behind the tragic accident. Well if you had taken God out of it, it [wouldve] been fiction. 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. Slain Los Angeles auxiliary bishop was remembered at the Mass of Christian burial as friend of Jesus Christ and of Mary, our Blessed Mother.. Brandon wanted to do more, though. Locations and showtimes are available onwww.greaterthemovie.com. Neal McDonough plays his older brother, Marty, who took on a father figure role after their parents divorced. Earlier this year in an interview with Christian Examiner, Reindl said: The film is as much about Martys journey as it is about Brandons. MARTY BURLSWORTH CONTRIBUTOR Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. His screenplay grew out of the book Through the Eyes of a Champion: The Brandon Burlsworth Story, by Jeff Kinley. On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. Renew or manage your subscription here. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. Thats pretty tough. This has been a pretty big year for me tra. As we walked by one of the pro shops, we joked to each other. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. Even an idea, you knowa script can sit on the shelf and never see the light of day. Sure, there's some creative license in the movie, but the message rings true. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. 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 foundation has also worked with Walmart/Sam's Optical Department and independent optometrists throughout Arkansas to provide eye care to thousands of school students. 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. Burlsworth and Associates. 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. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. Today, those glasses remain the symbol of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation brandonburlsworth.org. director of photography Film Editing by David L. Hunt . 1 Tennessee. Marty Burlsworth hasn't provided a bio yet. 166 | Friday, August 19, 2016, Arkansas All-American Walk-On Burlsworth Now the Subject of Film, You have entered an invalid email address, Research millions of people and The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. 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. They tackle that query via Burlsworth's much-older brother Marty (Neal McDonough), who, on the cusp of his sibling's funeral, struggles to understand why awful things happen to the innocent . "It was a passion project for everyone who was involved," actor Neal McDonough told CBN News. "He said, 'You'll have veto power,' " Marty Burlsworth remembered. They couldnt give us any assurances that there wouldnt be a lot of Hollywood going into it. In a few weeks hed be heading back. Anything that wasnt right, wasnt real, wasnt what Brandon was about. Our parents divorced when Brandon was just two years old. I think the overall message of the film is we can learn from this and my character in the movie may not be 100 percent the way it is or the way it was, but that doesnt really matter. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the foundation and has been with the BBF since 2010. And then he walked out and there it was: BURLSWORTH. Marty Burlsworth Aug 26, 2016 Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Marty Burlsworth Discusses the Upcoming 2021 Brandon Burlsworth Football Camps. Marty Burlsworth, in the aftermath of Brandon's death, suffers a crisis of conscience that questions his . 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. I was just so proud of him. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. 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. Price Range (last 24 months) $125K - $450K Areas Served Harrison Specializations Buyers Sellers Marty Burlsworth Burlsworth & Associates. | Boy, did he have the size and did he have the skills. Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different. This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. And that spring, the Burls boys found themselves in Indianapolis at the combine. Brandon doesnt start out with all that promise. 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. But as I turned the next corner onto Moms street and pulled up to her house, I got a good look at the car. 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. Public records for Marty Burlsworth range in age from 35 years old to 61 years old. Jessica Mendoza's greatest pride is her background. By using BiJog.com you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We probably put 30,000 miles on my minivan each season. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. Weve felt like weve been very involved and kept up to date on what was going on and were very happy with the outcome. 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. Bob has been active in the community for many years from volunteer coaching youth sports activities such as soccer, baseball and basketball and also serving in a leadership capacity in community organizations and boards such as United Way, North Arkansas Soccer Association and the Bergman School Board. You take care of it, you get things done. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. I dont think anyone was at fault. There are about 11,000 people in town and one unspoken rule: If its Friday night, youre going to the Harrison High football game. His final game with the team was in the 1999 Citrus Bowl. Still, with each pick, even in the first round, you get more and more nervous. It was a terrible day for Harrison, it was a terrible day for the state. At the point when he showed up, he saw the rear of a white vehicle that he from the start thought was Brandon's. 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. With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth. He's been gone to a better place for almost as long. (Now we see through a glass darkly ). Brandon was also the first Arkansas football player to complete his Masters Degree before playing his final college football game. Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. He earned 1st team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998 and was selected for the 1998 College Football All-America Team. So that makes it quite a bit easier to revisit because weve never really gone away. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ. One, told in flashback, is a familiar, uplifting Rudy-like arc of an unpromising underdog who makes good despite enormous obstacles. His high school coaches couldnt believe his size when he came back for his junior season. 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. 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 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. One weekend when I was driving with Brandon to campus I think maybe it was his junior year a thought crossed my mind. 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. 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. The Burlsworth family created the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in honor of Brandon who was tragically killed in a car accident in 1999. Man, you might get to play at the next level., Ah, I dont know, I just gotta focus on this season.. 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. The family respectfully declined. Harrison, Arkansas. David Hunt, the movies director, also assisted with the screenplay. The film covers the issues he had with his weight and his incredible work ethic that earned him a chance. But Brandon would stay on campus, working painting the stadium, setting up dorms, things like that and taking classes. I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation.