"Then I turned around and the next player I faced was Brandon. Brandon Burlsworth was in a car accident and was announced dead at the scene on April 28, 1999. Morgan Casting describes "Greater" as the unlikely career of Brandon Burlsworth is perhaps the greatest walk-on story in the history of college football.Known for his distinctive thick black glasses and resemblance to the 1990s incarnation of Drew Carey, the small-town Burlsworth had always . He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts and 11 days later was tragically killed in. The Colts also announced all members of the team will have a special decal on their helmets in a tribute to Burlsworth. by Clay Henry | August 27, 2016 at 1:00 a.m. Arkansas' Brandon Burlsworth tells a story to teammates before the beginning of practice at Thunder Field on Dec. 30, 1998 . College GameDay Built by the Home Depot airs Saturday at 9 a.m. "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!" While he received some offers from smaller schools, Burlsworth wanted to go to the University of Arkansas and play for the Razorbacks. Throughout his football career, Brandon Burlsworth never let adversity stop him from achieving his goals. | 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. "GREATER" tells the story of Burlsworth, a former college walk-on, who would go on to earn All-America honors at the . 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. . Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. Mens cross-country places 11th at regional Christmas Market features student-owned businesses. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of Greater, said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. The movie tells how Burlsworth, against all odds, went to Arkansas without an athletic scholarship and became an All-American football player and National Football League third-round draft choice. Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. Brandon was very undersized as a freshman and sophomore, a skinny kid. Now, you can't control who your mom and daddy is, but you can control how hard you work. Ill never understand, but I know that thousands of kids have been helped through Brandons foundation and so many great things have come from our tragedy. 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. Instead, he did set goals and worked hard to achieve them.". This is an inspirational film, and I believe its a film you will want to see over and over again. It was tough. Sure enough, it happened. Weve got to throw it. I said No, were going to run it every down and we ran the football right down their throat.. Stoerner lost his grip as he seemingly laid the ball on the ground. Burlsworth was killed in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas, on April 28, 1999, on . In his junior year, he split time with a senior on the offensive line for half the season and then became the full-time starter. Brandon Burlsworth was killed in an automobile accident near Alpena, Arkansas, on April 28, 1999. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. Inspiring to watch his football and his story change others around him and his journey towards wholeness. Every national championship team that ever played college football has to have a little luck sometime. Im going to try jump the snap, get off the ball as quick as possible and Im going to put my hand straight on his chest and run him through the goalpost, Ratliff said recently when asked what he remembered about the play that would most define UTs national championship season. In fact, Ed, who works for FedEx in Harrison and has three children, even named his oldest son after Brandon. "He's in heaven now. They (Arkansas) did a good job of game-planning on us. Every place starts with a cadence and ends with a whistle. From @RazorbackFB walk-on to All-American, Brandon Burlsworth's story makes him a Razorback to remember. 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. After college he became a third-round pick of the Colts. He was freak athlete. Certainly, football was immensely important to Brandon, but it was his character and the relationship he had with God that defined who Brandon Burlsworth really was. All of the sudden I looked down and I see the ball on the ground, Ratliff said. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. "I couldn't stop talking to my wife about how impressive he was and what a bright future he had.". Few of them, though, have followed the same road as Brandon Burlsworth. check will go to Burlsworth's former high school for its scholarship fund and the other was presented to Arkansas, his alma mater. The temperature was a balmy 77 degrees. He was on his way back to Harrison, his hometown, following a workout in Fayetteville. 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. Burlsworth was killed 15 miles from home on a road he had traveled for years when his car drifted into the on-coming lane, the write-up continued. The Vols finished the regular season by blasting Kentucky 59-21 and Vanderbilt 41-0. As a part of the program, the Colts will hire a Dungy Fellow for the offense and the defense. Burlsworth tragically lost his life in a car accident April 28, 1999, going from Fayetteville to a Wednesday night church service in his hometown of Harrison. He was more assertive than most of the other linemen at the practices. We didnt really get a chance until the end of the game.. "As time goes on, you deal with the hurt. That 'what ifs' never really go away," said Marty. "We're life-long Colts fans, always will be. Leo Burlsworth United States Social Security Death Index Age 59 Given Name Leo Surname Burlsworth Birth Date 19 Oct 1938 State Arkansas Last Place of Residence Boone, Arkansas Previous Residence Postal Code 72601 Event Date 02 Apr 1997 ===== LEO BURLSWORTH 19 Oct 1938 02 Apr 1997 (V) 72601 (Harrison, Boone, AR) 72601 (Harrison, Boone, AR) 000 . Hollywood keeps making movies about superheroes and people who arent heroes at all, but here is a real life hero that my kids can look up to.. After his time at the University of Arkansas ended, Brandon Burlsworth seemed poised to realize his NFL dreams. We got the ball back. Scanlon will be the 14 th recipient of the award, the first being awarded in 2010 to Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt.. A 2-year letterman for the Razorbacks, Kevin . He continued to grow and was a good 6-foot-2, 260 pounds in his senior season. Burlsworth's death on April 28, only 11 days after the Indianapolis Colts took him in the third round of the NFL draft, left people in Arkansas in shock and asking questions that will remain. Accordingly, I was thrilled to get him.". Before I leave the remarkable legacy of Harrison's Brandon Burlsworth and the film of his life called Greater, now showing in nearly 400 theaters across America, I want to share a few back-story notes about the 22-year-old Razorback All-American who died in a tragic traffic accident on April 28, 1999. For people unfamiliar with Brandons story, walk us through his development from your perspective. Brandon burlsworths first act as a wealthy nfl offensive tackle was going to be to buy himself a bigger. Some called the Vols lucky after the Arkansas game. He died in a car crash on April 28, 1999, shortly after he was drafted by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. You take the ball and drive it and run almost the same play, sometimes right, sometimes left, but basically the same play and run it down their throat and win the game and dont leave hardly any time on the clock. The book, Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story, was delivered in 2001. It was an interesting set of play calls for Cutcliffe, who is widely considered a quarterback and passing game guru. I kept thinking Someone needs to make a movie about this guy,' Reindl said. Said Fulmer, Anybody that loves football would love that. Surely, UT head coach Phillip Fulmer called the shots given his background. Brandon burlsworth was the former all american offensive lineman for the arkansas razorbacks. A&P Commission approves funding for robotics Campus Life introduces Cotton Candy Friday. Its very possible the two would have had many more epic battles in the NFL. The Burlsworth Trophy has been awarded every year since 2010. #HistoricHog pic.twitter.com/xBCanCzixz. Ratliffs explosive push into the backfield caused Burlsworth to step on Stoerners foot. Turns out, that conversation was all for naught thanks to Billy Ratliff. 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. He hosts an SEC radio show out of Chattanooga and covers the SEC for Saturday Down South. One of the most unusual aspects of the Arkansas fumble is that Ratliff shouldnt have been in the game at all. It was a crazy play. He became very active in the youth group. However, once Marty stopped listening to him it returned to less detail. Life itself, squeezed into 60 minutes in 100 yards. Eyes of a Champion, for example, helps provide free vision exams and glasses to low to moderate income, uninsured children. Burls Kids, which operates in both Arkansas and Indianapolis, brings children to football games and provides them with an unforgettable experience. Brandon was a walk on turned All American at the University of Arkansas. The youth center in Harrison, Arkansas . #OvercomingTheOddsParalympian Scout Bassett embraces her story of scars, survival ESPN https://t.co/HHMSCULYIU, Lillian Jackson (@diamondlil1016) August 29, 2019, Friends, I spent the day with Arsenals Gunnersaurus Rex. History happened, he said. CBS 2's Dana Kozlov reports. Q: Brandons life seemed to have incredible highs and lows. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. Sports betting in Tennessee officially launched on November 1, 2020, and many of the largest sportsbooks are live and operating in the volunteer state. But Arkansas was the dream. When he got to Arkansas as a walk-on, he knew that he had to put everything he had into it and more. If its difficult to describe the love for a brother its impossible to explain the loss of a brother. To this day, I still think if he would have fulfilled (his career), wed be talking All-Pro and Hall of Fame Brandon Burlsworth right now., NEXT: David Cutcliffe throws Vols a curveball just before National Championship Game. Carrolton ap former arkansas offensive guard brandon burlsworth died in a car crash as he headed home to harrison from fayetteville officials said. Burlsworth, whose heavy frame and thick, black-rimmed . 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. Instead, the accident happened four days later, tearing holes in the hearts of everyone who knew Brandon. We have a saying in our family, said Marty Burlsworth. With the tragic way he died, how did you make sense of it all? He wanted to help underprivileged kids with his NFL money. You sow a character, you reap a destiny. Tragically, at the age of 22, 10 days after the draft, he was killed in a car accident on April 28th, 1999 while on his way home from the University of Arkansas to attend church with his mom. After Brandon was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, the caring couple asked Barbara if they might give Brandon some new shirts and a set of luggage for his trip. The Harrison, Arkansas, native walked on and became a three-year starter, All-American and NFL Draft pick. Yet Ford agreed to let Brandon show up as a "preferred walk-on.". 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. Use of this website (including any and all parts and components) constitutes your acceptance of these. If Arkansas could just run the clock and punt the ball deep, theyd likely upset the top-ranked Vols in Neyland Stadium. "He spent (Tuesday) night with Joe Dean Davenport." (Joe Dean later played for the Colts.) Q: What message do you want fans to take from this movie? Good fortune was certainly on the Vols side against Arkansas. Arkansas needed 12 yards for the first down, but that wasnt even necessary. One Brandon burlsworth dies on arkansas highway after head on collision with tractor trailer. Known throughout Arkansas, Indianapolis was only getting to know Burlsworth. He was in the prime of his football career. Billy Ratliff was right next to me, Wilson said. "I sent one of those shirts to the funeral home and Brandon was buried in it," said Barbara. As the mind flashes back 15 years ago, the accident remains just as tragic. The life of a tremendous human being was ended. That is an incalculable loss. That was one of those plays that had to happen. You can say that if you werent a part of it and you didnt see what I saw. Draft but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later. "He stayed around the house and left for Fayetteville on Tuesday," Vickie says. Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. After walking on, Burlsworth became an All-American and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts to help protect Peyton Manning. Marty and Vickie Burlsworth said they thought Greater was a fantastic rendering of what was important to Brandon. 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. #biGTime #TogetherWeSwarm https://t.co/Ak89larnux, Following a resignation for personal misconduct and an NCAA show-cause penalty, he finds a home at the conservative Christian school in Virginia. Stoerner tried to balance himself with right hand. The Comfort Inn's scrolling marquee was simple, but also eerie: ``Remember Brandon Burlsworth,'' followed by the time and temperature. If it does not offend you, then you should enjoy it. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. "The connection with the Colts now is just what we want it to be. It's almost like it was at Arkansas," said Marty. "When you go on their campus, it feels like family because we know so many people. It feels that way with the Colts. Gainey Coach Ford Wayne Duvall Pastor Rick Mark Dobies Coach Nutt Grant Cook Grant Garrett Josh Emerson Nathan Ward Ethan Waller Young Brandon Todd Julian His brother, Marty, and their mother, Barbara, met him at the airport in Springfield. All rights reserved. The foundation encourages a strong faith, character, and sportsmanship, developing positive values, and a life pattern that would exemplify Doing It The Burls Way.. The storys been told a lot but it probably hasnt reached as many people as you think, he said. The press conference will be streamed live. At the end of summer, he weighed 311 pounds, yet the draft hopeful could dunk a basketball with both hands from a standing start. Recently, I did a Q&A with his older brother Marty, who was instrumental in Brandons life. Burlsworth was a walk-on offensive lineman at the University of Arkansas who, throughout his career at Arkansas, went from being a red-shirt out-of-shape freshman to a player that the Indianapolis Colts would draft. When I told him to come at me full force to demonstrate my lesson about blocking, Brandon knocked me flat on my back, leaving me dazed for several seconds.". Brandon doesn't start out with all . It was apparently a shocker to a few of the reviewers here, but Greater includes some Christian themes in it. Brandon burlsworth car accident details. In this 1999 photo, the locker of Brandon Burlsworth is seen encased in glass in the locker room at the University of Arkansas. Please read our Terms of Use or contact us. Harding University in Florence students get Sladers Alaskan Dumpling Co. hosts birthday Students attend annual National Prayer Breakfast. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. Under the organizations umbrella, there are multiple programs. A mother losing a child at that young age, it was tough. Burlsworth was killed in a car accident less than two weeks after he was drafted. Brandon Burlsworth rose from a walk-on to a legitimate player at Arkansas Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. They award eighteen $5,000 academic scholarships, and one $10,000 Walk-0n athletic scholarship each year. I will never do better, and I am at peace with that. Once his chance, though, Burlsworth seized his opportunity. Burlsworth first caught the eye of Mudd at the Senior Bowl, just prior to the Combine. He was a gentle giant with an instinct to win. Brandon sure left an indelible impression on me.". "I liked him so much that I used him as the barometer for the rest of the players I evaluated that year. The walk-on who became an All-American, a person who responded, 'Yes sir,' or 'No sir,' to every question, decided to bypass a ring ceremony honoring the school's SEC Western Division title. He wanted to head home, have dinner with his mother, Barbara, and attend a Wednesday night church service. Our opponents are set! He is a great story about a guy who overcame huge obstacles through hard work, determination and perseverance. After Brandon was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, the caring couple asked Barbara if they might give Brandon some new shirts and a set of luggage for his trip. 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. John E. Hoover can be . 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. https://t.co/Ny448gVZWB, A really cool story by @ADavidHaleJoint on @GeorgiaTechFBs @pharvin27 and his role as a groundbreaker and an inspiration to other young punters. What else could I do? Sow with thought, you reap in action. "No problem, I'm used to it," quipped Burlsworth, who popped the lens of his eyeglasses out and smiled away. That was a caused fumble. Considering the medical issues, an NFL career wasnt likely in the works. He whipped my butt that whole game, Ratliff said. Burlsworth ran a 40-yard touchdown in 4.88 seconds during the combine, more than any other player. Coach Tice: You know, football's a rough game; it's unpredictable. Coleman had seen the suffering Ratliff had been through. All Martin had to do was hand the ball off to running back Travis Henry. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. Steichen's creativity and flexibility shined when the Eagles came to Indianapolis in Week 11 of the 2022 season. "That first year was tough. Every year, it was a little easier," said Burlsworth. "That first year when Brandon was supposed to be on the field was hard, and I think anyone could understand that. You always wanted the best for your team, but you wanted your family member to be out there. Burlsworth was killed in a traffic accident last Wednesday as he drove from working out at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville to his home in Harrison, a city of about 11,000. It made them believe they could win a title and instilled fear of the possibility of coming up short. Marty Burlsworth said his brother always remembered where he came from and wanted to help kids in similar situations to his. Tice also told of a time when he'd become agitated with another lineman during practice and told the team to watch. After an exhaustive, deliberate process, Colts Owner and CEO Jim Irsay and general manager Chris Ballard were in agreement: Shane Steichen was the top candidate for the team's head coaching position. Barbara and Marty came to training camp in advance of the Buffalo opener. 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). She agreed, and the night before Brandon's fatal accident, he sat with his mother at the dinner table to send the Roths a thank-you note. I was high as a kite. This is the life story of Brandon Burlsworth who is probably best known as a former offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks from 1995 - 1999 (which is also the same time I went to the University of Arkansas). Director David Hunt (from left) poses Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016, with producer Brian Reindl, and Marty Burlsworth, brother of Brandon Burlsworth, during a red carpet event ahead of the premiere. Do it the Burls way: Have character. 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. Its hard not to imagine what kind of player Ratliff would have been had he not been injured so often. Carrolton (AP) - Former Arkansas offensive guard BRANDON BURLSWORTH died in a car crash as he headed home to Harrison from Fayetteville, officials said. The movie really addressed the question of why bad things happen to good people, Hansen said. His life and career, however, ended in tragedy rather than triumph. 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. As a player, "Brandon promised to be one of those players we point to and say, 'This is how it's done,' " said a top Colts official.