Brandon Burlsworth movie 'Greater' finally hits theaters - Sports As they chat, Searcy whittles a face on a block of wood, a symbolic quirk with a meaning made nearly explicit in a startling line. ", Trouble was, every time he asked "what input would the family have" in how the story was told, he got the same answer: "None.". "People are seeing it for the first time, and that's really cool," Marty said. If there was anything inappropriate in it, of course that was all made up. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". 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. 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." I wanted everything for Brandon, and within a few moments, it had all been taken away. Thats what its all about: What you do while you were here. Sure, bring him on up for a game, he said. Sign up for 6 Free IssuesTry us out with a free trial subscription. 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. 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. The 22-year-old, drafted 11 days earlier by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, was headed home to take his mother to church. For Burlsworth filmmaker, Netflix distribution a thrill Walk-on player from Harrison, Ark., considered a long shot to get real playing time. The life and still-impactful legacy of Brandon Burlsworth Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. 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. We planned to move out to Indianapolis with him. He goes through something we all face when we experience tragedy and trials: Which voices do we listen to? We wont be there. 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. I didn't see it in the theater. EWTN News, Inc. is the worlds largest Catholic news organization, comprised of television, radio, Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. I go straight to the sports and see if any scholarships were offered. If you followed the SEC back then, you may remember the Brandon Burlsworth story. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. And would you believe it, it was the Indianapolis Colts who took him. She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. Each Wednesday, he came back to take his mother, Barbara, to chapel. At present, through the Burls Kids program, the foundation works towards providing underprivileged youths a chance to visit Razorback and Colts football games. Other boys would go home after school got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July. Brandon was home. 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. As Brandon and I were standing out there, the offensive linemen came out, running on the field with their helmets on. Dang, Marty, what have you been feedin that boy?. MORE: Deserving teacher who received $530 from plane passengers surprised with more than . | Beliefnet Exclusive Interview: Marty Burlsworth on "Greater" Those were offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworths trademark, and they were prominent even behind the facemask of his Arkansas Razorbacks helmet. And then we were approached 11 years ago by Brian Reindl whos the producer- who had no experience in the filmmaking industry at all but had a passion for it. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. No Greater Love Than This: Foundation Carries On Legacy of - AMP 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. Directed by David L. Hunt . Leslie Easterbrook plays Burlsworth's mother, Barbar. 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? EIN 27-4581132 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. 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. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the foundation and has been with the BBF since 2010. Thats pretty tough. director of photography Film Editing by David L. Hunt . One, told in flashback, is a familiar, uplifting Rudy-like arc of an unpromising underdog who makes good despite enormous obstacles. Order Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization Brandons number 77 became one of only two numbers retired in Arkansas Razorback football history. Marty Leo Burlsworth (age 62) is listed at 3775 Savannah Drive Harrison, Ar 72601 and is affiliated with the Optional Party. Theres no explanation for it. 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. Greater is playing in limited release (find theaters). Public records for Marty Burlsworth range in age from 35 years old to 61 years old. Greater: Brandon Burlsworth movie as unlikely as Razorback career By all accounts, Burlsworth spent his 22 years on this earth showing everyone in his orbit how to do faith, family and football right. Earlier this year in an interview with Christian Examiner, Reindl said: The film is as much about Martys journey as it is about Brandons. His high school coaches couldnt believe his size when he came back for his junior season. French Monastery Survives War and Famine After 885 Years, the Basilica of St. Ambrose in Milan, and More Great Links! He just kicked it in, No, this is not happening.. Previously she worked for the Arkansas Travelers, USA Football, NFL, Athleta and the Outlets of Little Rock. By using BiJog.com you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. So I think its normal. Small sins lead to big sins, and big sins bring about a terrible spiritual darkness. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. 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. 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. The phone number for him is (870) 741-7472 (Windstream Arkansas, Inc). The police could not determine the reason behind the tragic accident. Hes always taking a knee, and he crosses himself (a curious gesture, since from his funeral his family is clearly not Catholic). We may still get one. But this was on a different level. I dont even think he played one game. . Greater (film) - Wikipedia And then he walked out and there it was: BURLSWORTH. Martys struggle is not entirely internal. It was all over ESPN. The SEC Blog: The inspiring story of Burlsworth Starting the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation shortly after his death, even as the grief was overwhelming, just set those plans into motion sooner. But that summer Brandon had two things going for him: His work ethic and, luckily, a pretty big growth spurt. I dont how many times Id call to check in.Coach, ya need anything?Id sit every week with the newspaper. 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. Trophy honors most outstanding Walk-On for twelfth year . He put on weight before enrolling at Arkansas, but it was a bad 40 or so pounds that he eventually had to melt before. 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. It would take 11 years - with Reindl financing the independent production himself when other investors dried up - but in 2016, "Greater" hit the theaters. 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. Still, with each pick, even in the first round, you get more and more nervous. It always seemed like a movie to me. or school. He grew up in Barnstable, Massachusetts, graduated from Barnstable High School, and attended Syracuse University. 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. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals! ", Forgotten? Neal McDonough (L) plays Marty Burlsworth in 'Greater' (Hammond Entertainment). It just takes some time. Then I turned on Netflix and watched an honest, humble, earnest movie about the man called "Greater.". "I wanted Brandon's story to be known." But me and friends that were close to me were like This is like a movie. We had to have the funeral at the high school gym. 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 . 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. Now, if you find yourself at that Colts shop, I told him, You make sure and get us some gear this time.. 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. It just seemed like it was just a storybook thingwith a at that time just seemed like a bad ending Its such a great story, how can it be told, you know? 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. 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. Marty says the finished product doesnt get everything exact, such as speeding up the time of events and taking conversations that happened over the phone and making them into face-to-face exchanges, but thats not a criticism just a nod to the difference between a book and a screenplay. Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? She received her Bachelors in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. Film depicting ex-Arkansas Razorbacks star Brandon Burlsworth to - ESPN Twenty-One Years Later, Brandon Burlsworth Legacy Endures For Retired 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. Brandon Burlsworth - Football Players, Family and Childhood Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. This story focuses on Burlsworth's ambition, work ethic, family relationships, and strong religious convictions; teamwork and courage are strong themes. After working 11 years on his Brandon Burlsworth biopic Greater, Reindl is within days of seeing his dream project open on 400 to 450 screens across the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest next week.. Burlsworth was an All-American football player for the University of Arkansas, who died tragically in an automobile . 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. With The Aid Of Marty Burlsworth - SECHARS You know, Brandon, you could think about entering the draft. properties, Build a downloadable list It had this outdoor patio that you could stand on and look down on the field. She has 3 sons, Marty, Grady and the late Brandon Burlsworth. Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. And the first call I made was to the recruiting coordinator at Arkansas. (Now we see through a glass darkly ). Theres never a day where I dont think about Brandon. Spreading the Story of a Christ-like Football Hero - PENews Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. 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. As it turned out, it was a squad car, with officials there to convey the bad news.
