Fifteen years. So sad, so much promise, such a terrific person. Brandon Burlsworth (as Chris Severio) Michael Parks Leo Burlsworth Nick Searcy The Farmer Peter Gray Lewis Coach Tice (as Peter Lewis) Fredric Lehne Coach Bender Texas Battle Anthony Lucas M.C. know it would happen, but Brandon knew all his life that God had placed His hand upon him and that he would be nowhere without God. College GameDay Built by the Home Depot airs Saturday at 9 a.m. The car accident happened on April 28, 1999, near Alpena when he was on his way back from his hometown of Harrison after a workout in Fayetteville. Burlsworth never got to join the Colts, though. When (Greater producer and co-screenwriter) Brian Reindl came to us, we instantly felt a comfort level with him and his desire to tell Brandons story. Ratliff and Coleman were suite mates, so they knew each other well off the field. He was on his heels and I was like, Im not going to stop pushing.'. In the short time Brandon was on this earth he left a legacy and a positive role model that will be remembered long after we are gone. He had worked so hard and everything was in line to make his dreams come true. I tell people all the time that if I was still in the game when that happened, we probably would have lost because I just didnt have it in the tank right then, Coleman said. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. Coach Tice: You know, football's a rough game; it's unpredictable. As spelled out in an ESPN college football video, Burlsworth was never the most athletic guy; during high school, he was slow, soft, and didnt see significant playing time until his junior year. 'Burls Kids' is a program where youngsters attend Colts and Razorbacks games, and the foundation conducts camps and prep football awards. We are very happy with the way it turned out. After his death, Burlsworth's #77 became only the second retired number in Razorback football history. CBS 2's Dana Kozlov reports. Brandon Burlsworth was killed in an automobile accident near Alpena, Arkansas, on April 28, 1999. Cover photo of Clint Stoerners fumble courtesy of University of Tennessee Athletics. If that offends you, then you probably wouldn't like this movie. **CLICK HERE FOR FOOTAGE OF BRANDON BURLSWORTH IN 1999 ROOKIE CAMP**. You cant control it, Ratliff said. Mock Draft Monday, our weekly roundup of experts' predictions for who the Colts will take in the NFL Draft, is back with the NFL Combine getting underway in Indianapolis this week. Draft but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later. Accordingly, I was thrilled to get him.". He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. My mom says that Brandons message comes through. 77 retired. I never lost my faith and that first night, after everyone had gone home, I grabbed my wife and my moms hand and we prayed. Brandon, Marty's younger brother by 16 years, was tragically killed in an auto accident on April 28, 1999 . The note arrived on the day Brandon died. If its difficult to describe the love for a brother its impossible to explain the loss of a brother. The now-retired Mudd could be forgiven if he could not remember Burlsworth vividly. "There are people in the organization we feel close to. I'm still asked by people in Harrison about the Colts, and I tell them about our close relationship to this day. Arkansas is impressed with the Colts, no doubt about that.". Without one D1 scholarship offer, Brandon Burlsworth walked on at the University of Arkansas in 1994. He earned first-team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998; he was also named a first-team All-American during the 1998 campaign. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks Football Team from 1995 to 1998. . Burlsworth was killed 15 miles from home on a road he had traveled for years when his car drifted into the on-coming lane. Two collisions followed, and the life of a wonderful human with vast talents was over. Burlsworth was killed in a car accident at age 22, 10 days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 1999 NFL draft. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation will be honoring Kevin Scanlon of Stephens Inc. with the 2023 Legends Award. Your IP: Tee came off the field and Billy told him, Hey man, dont put your helmet away. From @RazorbackFB walk-on to All-American, Brandon Burlsworth's story makes him a Razorback to remember. Q: What message do you want fans to take from this movie? John E. Hoover can be . HARRISON For one more Saturday, Brandon Burlsworth was with his Arkansas football teammates and coaches and surrounded by family and friends. BURLSWORTH, 22, a third-round draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts on April 17, was driving on U.S. 412 when he became involved in . Tommy Tice, Brandon's high school coach at Harrison, said most people couldn't know that Brandon had etched the noseband of his trademark black-rim glasses with the words "All-American. You like to see those kinds of things happen in sports. Safety Fred White didnt see it that way. 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. She smiles when she sees the many thousands of children and others who've benefited enormously from the charitable Brandon Burlsworth Foundation and from his once having lived a blessed and honorable life among us. His heart weighed a good part of that. Mock Draft Monday, our weekly roundup of experts' predictions for who the Colts will take in the NFL Draft, is back a week after the Colts named Shane Steichen head coach. "I remember he was the first college lineman I looked at on video that year," said Howard Mudd, then the Colts' line coach and one of the game's best ever. | GREATER Movie LOS ANGELES (Christian Examiner) - GREATER, a new film about the inspiring story of Christian football player Brandon Burlsworth, who shot from walk-on at the University of Arkansas to a NFL draftee, will hit theaters this summer. Sports betting in Tennessee officially launched on November 1, 2020, and many of the largest sportsbooks are live and operating in the volunteer state. Steichen's creativity and flexibility shined when the Eagles came to Indianapolis in Week 11 of the 2022 season. Burlsworth was killed in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas, on April 28, 1999, on . He was the first pick in the third round, the 63rd overall selection. It was all inner-him -- all inner-drive. Not exactly. Im not sure what coach Nutt was thinking about, Ratliff said. If it does not offend you, then you should enjoy it. After being six feet tall and weighing 200 pounds as a senior at Harrison High School in 1993, Burlsworth grew almost three inches and added 30 pounds by the following spring. The Burlsworth Trophy has been awarded every year since 2010. LSU's 3 permanent rivals for 9-game SEC schedule have been set, per report, Quinten Dormady, former Tennessee QB, under playbook investigation in XFL, Alabama basketball adds commitment from 4-star forward, Texas A&M punctuates impressive SEC season with upset of No. If Billy Ratliff is still out here playing, whatever injury I have, it cant be that bad, Coleman said. The Good Lord doesnt make things happen without a reason. So I read up on his story and the first thing that came to mind is hes Rudy [Ruettiger, the famed former Notre Dame football walk-on], only better. Q: What was your involvement with the movie process from the beginning until now? A rookie mini-camp was held days after the draft. When publicity photos were taken, the lights in a confined photo area cast reflections that made the picture impossible. To be of the offensive line Brandon took a risk and walked on 1994! In this 1999 photo, the locker of Brandon Burlsworth is seen encased in glass in the locker room at the University of Arkansas. Brandon Burlsworth is perhaps the greatest walk-on in the history of college football. ", Tammy and Danny Roth of Harrison were friends of the Burlsworths. Our opponents are set! Tee came off the field and Billy told him, Hey man, dont put your helmet away. They were winning the whole game, really. He is a great story about a guy who overcame huge obstacles through hard work, determination and perseverance. brandon burlsworth foundation to honor stephens inc. kevin scanlon with legends award "At Arkansas the coaches told him one day his legs could be stronger. Well, he ends up squatting 700 pounds.". The story of Brandon Burlsworth, possibly the greatest walk-on in the history of college football.The story of Brandon Burlsworth, possibly the greatest walk-on in the history of college football.The story of Brandon Burlsworth, possibly the greatest walk-on in the history of college football. Now, a careless fumble? I kept thinking Someone needs to make a movie about this guy,' Reindl said. Brandon was a walk on turned All American at the University of Arkansas. Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. He died in a car crash on April 28, 1999, shortly after he was drafted by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. Brandon's vehicle collided with an oncoming 18-wheeler, forcing him to re-enter his lane. Billy was great. He was drafted 59 spots after Edgerrin James and with the notion to help fortify an offense that already had young stars in Marvin Harrison and Peyton Manning. Freshmen bring people together with Bison El Puente celebrates National Hispanic Heritage University executes new check-in procedures for Harding students from Florida react to Harding students to participate in business ASI kicks off distinguished lecture series University centers Lectureship around Christ and Q&A with Lisa Williams, ambassador for University celebrates Williams inauguration, Songwriting contest ends in recording workshop. "He stayed around the house and left for Fayetteville on Tuesday," Vickie says. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Colts on Sunday remembered Brandon Burlsworth, the team's third-round draft pick who died in a traffic crash before he could take his place in their offensive line. Carrolton ap former arkansas offensive guard brandon burlsworth died in a car crash as he headed home to harrison from fayetteville officials said. Stoerner tried to balance himself with right hand. Brandon was Brandon Burlsworth, an All-American offensive guard who began his career at Arkansas as a walk-on and was known for his thick, black glasses. This is a movie not just for football fans but for everyone. He said Ford wasn't enthused and even said Brandon would never earn a scholarship because he wasn't the type of player they were looking for. Marty and Vickie Burlsworth said they thought Greater was a fantastic rendering of what was important to Brandon. That hand was holding the football. He became a three-year starter and was eventually named an All-American in 1998. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC. He was freak athlete. But that same night, April 28, Mudd received a phone call from a newspaper reporter, asking him, "Have you heard about Brandon Burlsworth?" Burlsworth had been killed in a car accident. We reviewed several different scripts over the years, and we also reviewed any revisions that were made of significance. 2 Alabama, SEC Women's Basketball Tournament action suspended due to weather delay, 2 SEC players named to late-season watch list for Oscar Robertson Player of the Year Trophy, Overrated? At halftime of the team's season-opener against Buffalo, Colts owners Jim and Meg Irsay presented Burlsworth's family and Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles with checks for $5,000 each. Life itself, squeezed into 60 minutes in 100 yards. The Arkansas win did more than preserve the Vols perfect record. After the Arkansas game, we knew that was our moment, former UT cornerback Dwayne Goodrich said. Harding University in Florence students get Sladers Alaskan Dumpling Co. hosts birthday Students attend annual National Prayer Breakfast. "He'd be completely blown away by all this attention focused on him. It was the offenses turn after Ratliff proved prophetic. At the end of summer, he weighed 311 pounds, yet the draft hopeful could dunk a basketball with both hands from a standing start. During his UT career, Ratliff suffered a severe neck injury, two torn knee ligaments and serious shin splints. Playing on the offensive line is not a "glamour" position, but he was still one of the most popular players on the team. After his time at the University of Arkansas ended, Brandon Burlsworth seemed poised to realize his NFL dreams. Two collisions followed and the life of a wonderful human with vast. He continued to grow and was a good 6-foot-2, 260 pounds in his senior season. Brandon and Ed played football together and became very close friends over the years. The youth center in Harrison, Arkansas . It became clear that this was a story that would resonate far beyond the state boundaries. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts and 11 days later was tragically killed in. Administration enforces faculty reductions to rightsize Larger than life: Family, friends, co-workers Student Health Services offers nurse practitioner, Bison basketball teams drive season further, Police investigate apartment shootings in Searcy, New shopping opportunities come to Searcy. Few of them, though, have followed the same road as Brandon Burlsworth. Before he ever hit the gridiron, though, the lineman tragically died in an offseason accident. 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. Think about how much it must have hurt Russell to keep this secret, and how much he's risking by coming out now while trying to revive his NFL career. MB: Shortly after the accident, we got a call from a national magazine. '"I told him how much it would mean to them to receive that message from him.". (Zac Budman/ESPN), The Burlsworth Award trophy (Zac Budman/ESPN), Ruettiger, the famed former Notre Dame football walk-on], ESPN Producer Michelle Rosenhouse Makes the Most of Memorable Moments, Journalism Showcase: SC Featured Highlights Cheyney States Remarkable 1982 Womens Basketball Team, Inside ESPN Marketings XFL Spot Bring It In, Journalism Showcase: SportsCenter Reporter Dives Into Growth of Girls Youth Flag Football. "Through the years, we have stayed close. We're very appreciative of Mr. Irsay and the bond his organization has with us. My mother always has gotten a Colts Christmas card. We've kept a feeling of being a part of Brandon's team.". He declined both, insisting instead on joining the Razorbacks as a walk-on. Told he wasn't good enough to play Division I football, Brandon Burlsworth took a risk and walked on in 1994, and he became the most respected player in the history of the program. That was Brandons example He could have thought of himself as a big star, but he was guided by his faith and love for his family., The Link Network is a product of the Department of Communication at Harding University. If you feel like you're losing control over your gambling experience, call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA, WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-888- 532-3500(Virginia) 1-800-522-4700 (NV, TN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO, TN), 1-855-2CALLGA (IL), 1-800-270-7117 (MI). I love that, whether its as (a former) lineman or just a person that likes sports. Brandon Burlsworth was killed in a car accident on April 28th, 1999 while driving back to his hometown when he was near Alpena, Arkansas he got involved in the accident and died on the spot. As recorded on the Colts official website, Burlsworth was driving home to Harrison, Arkansas in April 1999; he wanted to head home, have dinner with his mother, Barbara, and attend a Wednesday night church service. The lineman, however, would never arrive. It was tough. I know his teammates respected him for the work he put in and his incredible dedication. During their time of struggle, they came up with the idea for the foundation. When the 1999 NFL draft rolled around, the Indianapolis Colts made the linemans dreams a reality and selected him with the 63rd-overall pick. The accident occurred near Alpena, Arkansas, while returning to his old neighborhood. I really felt like that game built character in our team because for the first time, we felt the feeling of defeat and that was a feeling we didnt want to have anymore.. Brandon sure left an indelible impression on me.". Midnight Madness kicks off basketball season, Social clubs prepare for Homecoming Parade, James Huff receives another research grant. Even though the linemans life and career ended in tragedy, hes still managing to make an impact more than 20 years later. Burlsworth was so much about the right stuff that his dorm bed never was unmade. With a 3.4 grade point average, he earned bachelor's (marketing management) and master's (business administration) degrees at Arkansas before playing his final game. I, for one, didnt know about it, and anyone Ive talked about it with didnt either, so I dont think you try to get too outside the box in your thinking. Sad to see the pain still inside him. He was more assertive than most of the other linemen at the practices. Literally. Accident investigators indicated that Burlsworth was trailing another semi-truck rig on the winding, two-lane highway toward Harrison when he veered left just slightly to check oncoming. It was odd that Arkansas coach Houston Nutt didnt just run the football instead of calling a bootleg that allowed Ratliff to make his historic play. Considering the medical issues, an NFL career wasnt likely in the works. Cutcliffe called on Henry five consecutive times. FAYETTEVILLE There is a great . The Colts honored the Burlsworth family on opening day in 1999 with a framed jersey number 66. "I took the player's helmet and put it on," said Tice. In Anticipation Of UFC 285 On ESPN+ PPV Saturday, Four Experts Weighed In, ESPNs Renewal Of Three-Year Formula 1 Deal Is Off To A Roaring Start, Starting Five: NBA Today and NBA Countdowns Malika Andrews. 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.". They award eighteen $5,000 academic scholarships, and one $10,000 Walk-0n athletic scholarship each year. When Zac Budman was assigned to produce a feature for College GameDay Built by The Home Depot on the late Brandon Burlsworth, he did his research and learned the amazing and tragic story of the former Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman. Mudd was among the club's personnel who knew Burlsworth the best. A week after the draft, others got a glimpse of the player who drew visible comparisons to TV's Drew Carey. died in a car crash 11 days after . The coach said he managed to get back to his feet, still surrounded by the team. An Arkansas loss would end the Vols dreams for a title but keep hope alive for the Razorbacks, who were surprisingly also in the national title hunt. While you might not know his name, Brandon Burlsworth and his college football career deserve to be at the top of the list. 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. Former Arkansas football player and Indianapolis Colts draft pick Brandon Burlsworth died Wednesday in a car crash while travelling to his home, state police said. They said they were at a loss at what to do after Brandons death but knew they had to do something to keep moving forward. Carrolton (AP) - Former Arkansas offensive guard BRANDON BURLSWORTH died in a car crash as he headed home to Harrison from Fayetteville, officials said. After walking on, Burlsworth became an All-American and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts to help protect Peyton Manning. Candidates compete for Searcy mayor as Volleyball finishes record-breaking season at NCAA Thundering Herd welcomes high school guest Megias leads womens cross country team Basketball teams start seasons with high Community organization holds sixth annual Thankfulness Students take advantage of nearby concerts. Fulmer was a former offensive lineman who loved running the football. That was one of those plays that had to happen. MB: Brandon was revered pretty quickly for the obstacles that he overcame. Thats where things were headed as Arkansas quarterback Clint Stoerner lined up under center on second down with just 1:47 left on the clock. I struggled with the same things I think everybody does. Burlsworth, whose heavy frame and thick, black-rimmed . It was meant to be.. I have a son right now that just turned 22. They (Arkansas) did a good job of game-planning on us. Brandon burlsworth dies on arkansas highway after head on collision with tractor trailer. Dave Hooker started covering Tennessee in 1998. Aaron Burlsworth, Harding sophomore and nephew of Brandon Burlsworth, said his family wanted to make sure faith was directly involved in the film, as it was a huge part of Brandons life. Tennessee is only one of a handful of SEC football states with legalized sports betting. Suddenly, the Vols had the ball in Arkansas territory with time to mount a more conventional drive. He said his familys personal contribution to Brandons legacy was the Burlworth Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping underprivileged kids enjoy Arkansas Razorback and Indianapolis Colts games. The Colts also announced all members of the team will have a special decal on their helmets in a tribute to Burlsworth. The 22-year-old Burlsworth, who had been drafted by the Colts 11 days earlier after earning first-team All-America honors as a fifth-year senior, was involved in a head-on crash with a. Sow with action, you reap a habit. When relatively healthy, Ratliff showed he had elite talent. We dont have to understand it -- BUT we do have the choice of how we react to it. However, every time he thinks of the fumble, its hard not to think of Burlsworth. "I couldn't stop talking to my wife about how impressive he was and what a bright future he had.". Brandon had always dreamed of playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks, but was considered too short and too fat to play Division I. Undeterred, Brandon took a big risk and walked on in 1994. . It was a crazy play. MB: We want them to know that bad things can and will happen. Its just amazing to see the impact on these kids lives and the smiles on their faces by introducing them to things that we take for granted.. Casting Directors are now casting for the upcoming SAG feature film "Greater" filming in Arkansas. Brandon Burlsworth is growning from an unwanted accident of a child, to an abnormally large teenager, to a high school football . After Burslworths death, those close to him created the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation; according to the foundations website, the Christian organizations mission is to support the physical and spiritual needs of children, in particular those who have limited opportunities. (Zac Budman/ESPN), Marty Burlsworth, brother of the late Brandon Burlsworth, is interviewed. He died in a car crash on april 28 1999 shortly after he was drafted by the nfls indianapolis colts. Shane Steichen quarterbacked Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado, Calif., where he teamed up with future Colts wide receiver Austin Collie. "GREATER" tells the story of Burlsworth, a former college walk-on, who would go on to earn All-America honors at the . Yet Ratliff kept fighting through his injuries to help his teammates. Brandon Burlsworth was in a car accident and was announced dead at the scene on April 28, 1999. He was on his way back to Harrison, his hometown, following a workout in Fayetteville. Ratliff replaced fellow defensive lineman Jeff Coleman, who was suffering from cramps on the sideline when Ratliffe made history. Ratliff and Burlsworth will always be linked by the Arkansas fumble. Wed, 09/08/2021 - 15:05. When his brother Marty sees how much he meant to the people of his hometown and how many have shown up for his funeral, he rebuffs The Farmer, deciding to celebrate Brandon's life and move on with his own. Reindl went on to say that the 11 years spent making the movie were not about personal glory, but about telling a great story of faith and trust and how to apply them in everyday life. He inspires people. The Vols won eight consecutive games to start the 1998 season before they hosted Arkansas. Its hard not to imagine what kind of player Ratliff would have been had he not been injured so often. "We were in need of finding a guard to shore up the line. We were impressed with the "guy with the horned-rimmed glasses that looked like Drew Carey." Although he never played a down in the NFL, he had impressed Mudd enough during mini-camp that. "I remember handing the helmet back to the other player, then shouting: "Well, by gosh, that will be the last time I teach you that lesson!" We had never had a problem with anybody in the SEC but Florida. He went after it without caution.". 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.. Burlsworth 22 a third round draft pick of the indianapolis colts on april 17 was driving on us. Brandon doesn't start out with all . Tragically, that never happened. 20 college football teams we aren't sold on in 2023, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: Mizzou shocks Tennessee, Alabama downs Auburn and more, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: Alabama stays unbeaten in SEC play, Tennessee outlasts Auburn and more, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: A new top team emerges, Alabama loses in blowout fashion, Mizzou lights it up again. INDIANAPOLIS By now, Brandon Burlsworth likely would be retired, probably a world champion and former Pro Bowler and, possibly, according to his brother, Marty, headed to Canton, Ohio. Once his chance, though, Burlsworth seized his opportunity. The movie really addressed the question of why bad things happen to good people, Hansen said. The Vols finished the regular season by blasting Kentucky 59-21 and Vanderbilt 41-0. Marty Burlsworth said his brother always remembered where he came from and wanted to help kids in similar situations to his. For more information contact us at communication@harding.edu or visit us at harding.edu/communication. As tangible as his encased locker in the Broyles Athletics Center, the Burls' kids program and the Burlsworth Trophy given each year to the nation's most outstanding walk on football player,. Chorus travels for Mississippi performance, Football alumni receive Division II honors, College of Education introduces new course. He walked onto the team and, despite spending a season as a redshirt on the scout team, proved his worth; ahead of his sophomore year, the offensive lineman had earned a scholarship. Having any girlfriend was something relatively new for Brandon since his focus had been solely on his family, faith, friends, football and earning his master's degree. Brandons goal growing up was to help underprivileged kids, Aaron Burlsworth said. All rights reserved.
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