Houston Nutt: I was locked into Brandon Burlsworth. I remember Ford talking about going to a hotel ballroom late one night the day before a game. Arlis Thrasher, said the couple was to have spent Saturday picking out wedding rings. This was 1998. Burlsworth was declared dead at the scene. Brandon didn't dress the first two games of his freshman season, but we found out that he'd be on the field for the third. That will change this weekend, with the release of Greater , an independently produced, PG-rated movie that will premiere in more than 400 theaters nationwide, primarily in the South. Burlsworth was recruited by the Arkansas football team, but only as a walk-on. Burlsworths dream was a lofty one, as an unathletic kid -- as many remember him -- he would have to work harder than anyone to have a shot. ". Brandon was killed in a car accident eleven days after the draft when he was thrown from his vehicle in a head-on collision. Burlsworth was given a fatal diagnosis right away. Brandon Burlsworth was known for always playing to the whistle. The University of Arkansas has only ever retired two numbers In honor of Burlsworth, the Razorback locker rooms locker is covered in glass and maintained for upcoming players and fans. After a year as a walk-on, he was rewarded with a full scholarship. How old was Brandon Burlsworth when he passed away? On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. Coach Nutts first real memory of Brandon is one of several anecdotes he shared with Mr. Reindl, who included it in his script, That story, says Coach Nutt, also illustrates the leadership of Mr. Burlsworth, who was known for yelling frequently to his teammates: , If he had lived and played, Mr. Burlsworth would have realized the dreams of every kid who dreams of the NFL. Who Was Luke Balstad? Burlsworth ran a 40-yard touchdown in 4.88 seconds during the combine, more than any other player. Although he never played a down in the NFL, he had impressed Mudd enough during mini-camp that the Colts were projecting the newcomer as a starter. We have tagged some real-life moments to compare to the movie. Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. The ceremony lasted about 1 hour, 15 minutes, and included a 5-minute video, mostly of football highlights. A whittling farmer (Nick Searcy) is cast as a faith antagonist because film makers believe they must have one to create a message. Who has won the Brandon Burlsworth trophy? (Photo: University of Arkansas Athletics) In 1994, Burlsworth graduated from Harrison High School in Arkansas. "He beat me to work every single day his senior year. A movie about his life, Greater, was released on August 26, 2016. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. At the minicamp, Brandon met Peyton, Vickie says. The Footballers Love Interest, Is Kiara Advani Really Pregnant? Attending the funeral were many of Burlsworth's Arkansas teammates as well as Arkansas coaches and athletic department staff and Chancellor John White. I dont want him forgotten, said Brandons brother, Marty, who is also president, CEO and founder of the foundation. He outruns his teammates to knock the linebacker out of bounds at the Arkansas 36. He was treated wrongfully by coaches because he a was walk on. Nutt said Burlsworth was ready for each stage in his life, even his tragic death. "Brandon knew that champions were made when no one else was around and no one else was looking," Tice said. (Photo by Bob Coleman), Player's past, present, future come together for funeral in Harrison. ' That was an unbelievable thing for Howard to say after just a couple of practices, especially since Howard was the kind of coach who was extremely stingy with his praise. After Howard made that declaration . He was a walk-on who later rose to the position of All-American. On the ground, he rushed for 1,375 yards and 25 touchdowns. Polian related a story told to him by Mudd, who had pushed for the Colts to draft Burlsworth, after the team's four-day minicamp last week. The Burlsworth Foundation provides underprivileged kids with corrective glasses and a chance to go to football camp. 10 Arkansas and No. All Rights Reserved. Growing up in Arkansas, Brandon loved playing sports, especially football. Brandon Burlsworth played offensive tackle for the University of Arkansas from 2004 to 2007. We hear from people all over the country who have been inspired by the movie. Has Arkansas ever won a national title in football? Heather Nichols and he were about to tie the knot. He was an All-SEC offensive guard in 1997 and 1998 and a first-team All-American in 1997. I dont want to forget. Green Bay Packers / 7th / 212th pick / 1999, Jacksonville Jaguars / 6th / 201st pick / 2016, San Francisco 49ers / 1st / 8th pick / 1962, Kansas and Kentucky (Kansas might not have a team, but the Chiefs bear their name and are close enough in distance: Missouri). Recognizing it was her son's dream, Burlsworths mother took out a mortgage on the family home. Shortly after his death, Burlsworths jersey number, 77, was permanently retired in a ceremony at Arkansass first home game of the 1999 season. "As one of our other coaches said to me yesterday very eloquently before we left to come here, 'Others will play guard for us, but we won't replace Brandon Burlsworth.' 77 retired. Your email address will not be published. Your email address will not be published. Slowly but surely, coaches took notice. After his two weeks in Indianapolis, Brandon flew home on April 18, 1999, a Sunday. He was in an accident close to Alpena, Arkansas, while returning to his hometown. Definitely recommend. How Many Online Classes Should High School Students Take? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He was buried in Omaha, Arkansas's Gass Cemetery, on May 2, 1999. He had the future ahead of him, having been drafted and picked by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft. Brandon belonged on that field, and he knew it. I knew how big the Alabama team was., About 9 p.m. on Wednesday before the game, Coach Nutt was leaving his office in the Broyles Center and heard someone in the indoor arena. A tragic death just days after the NFL draft. His body was laid to rest in Gass Cemetery in Omaha, Arkansas, on May 2, 1999. Brandon Burlsworth was a Christian, so his friends and family established the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation to honor his beliefs. After that, he collided directly with another tractor-trailer. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School, where he played football and wrestled. He was perfect. Tice recalled the dedication and work ethic Burlsworth showed in transforming himself from a sophomore that Tice doubted could play for the Goblins into an all-state player as a senior who started on the offensive and defensive lines. Probably the most significant win that year was a stunning upset of the USC Trojans . Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. The present part of the film shows us Martin Burlsworth, Brandons older brother by 17 years. His coaches raved about him, because his work ethic was unmatched. Why Was Bride Found Dead in 5-Star Suite She Shared with Husband? "It was a service that will be remembered by everyone who was here," Arkansas Athletic Director Frank Broyles said. Entrepreneur Eric Buckner, 10 Fitness founder, on why https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XmgMiPuYm4, Arkansas Federal Credit Union Names New Executive VP, CFO, Cameron Little Featured in this Episode of The Ridin Around Show, Arkansas Health Network Earns Clinical Integration, Employer Based Population Health, Anonymous Donor Gives UAMS $600k to Provide Post-Partum Contraceptive Devices, Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau Releases 2022 Report, Conway Social: A New Recreation Concept Moves to Conway Block Plant, Burlsworth Foundation to Honor Kevin Scanlon with Legends Award, Irish Company RelateCare Bringing 255 Jobs to Sherwood, AcreTrader Named as One of Worlds Most Innovative Companies, Click Here To View All AY Media Group Publications. The sequence that leads to his fourth-quarter save starts at 2:05:40 Tennessee sacks Clint Stoerner; Arkansas drops a pass that would have been a sure touchdown; Tennessee blocks a field goal, recovers the ball and the Volunteers Al Lewis runs like his feet are on fire for the endzone; but Brandon wont let it happen. 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. Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. He really was.". "He's in heaven now. American (1998) 2 First-team All-SEC (1997, 1998) Arkansas Razorbacks #77 Retired Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. Brandons family established a foundation in 1999 to honor him. McDonough frequently appeared as Captain Laser, inspiring young students to bring their studies to completion. The offensive lineman's bride-to-be, Heather Nichols, was getting set to wed him. Proceeds of the merchandise you purchase go back into our programs to provide opportunities to underprivileged children. Over the Labor Day weekend, we were the No. As a faith antagonist, Nick Searcy plays a whittling farmer, who filmmakers believe must represent a message. Dornhoffer Named Otolaryngology Chairman in UAMS College of LR Marketing Firm launches Facebook Series, Vowell, Inc. welcomes Heather Baker as publisher. Undeterred, Brandon took a risk by walking on to the team in 1994. Top 10 all-time NFL players from Arkansas. Burlsworth earned a B.A. 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. Thank you for your patience. Faith and determination transform a talentless football player at the University of Arkansas into an All-American in this inspiring true story. Unfortunately, the star died in 1999, aged 22. He was the middle child of three boys. The Colts sent two flower arrangements in the shape of their horseshoe logo, a framed No. Eric Mangham has been promoted to executive vice president/chief finance officer of Arkansas Federal Credit Union. Without one D1 scholarship offer, Brandon walked on to the Razorback team in 1994, worked his way to being a three-year starter and was eventually named an All-American in 1998. His brother, Marty, and their mother, Barbara, met him at the airport in Springfield. , Former Arkansas Players Currently In The NBA. Brandon Burlsworth was only 22 years old when he died. The service was held before a closed casket that was adorned by dozens of photographs and football mementos, including a framed No. Once again, Brandon had to . "I'm a Colts fan right now because of that.". 1 Tennessee. Brandon Burlsworth leaves the field at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock during the 1998 season. Burlsworth was selected by the team with the 63rd pick in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. The Burlsworth Trophy is given annually to the most outstanding FBS college football player who began his career as a walk-on (a non-scholarship athlete). "I said, 'Brandon, what are you doing?' Brandon Burlsworth was born September 20th, 1976 in Harrison, Arkansas. Arkansas fans know that the Indianapolis Colts took him in the third round of the NFL draft in 1999, and that he died in a car crash weeks later. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. He graduated from Harrison High School and was a recruited walk-on football player at the University of Arkansas. He made the movie, Greater, which opened the last weekend in August and is still playing in theaters. The namesake for that award is Brandon Burlsworth. They had read about Burlsworth in an Atlanta Journal Constitution article previewing the draft. A state police report said that for unknown reasons, Burlsworths car drove left of the center line and hit the left front fender of a tractor-trailer. *Orders will be processed and shipped within 7 days of purchase. We made Alabama quit that day, Coach Nutt says. Who is the woodcarver in the movie greater? Brandon said, 'Yes, sir. The coach was thinking ahead to 1999 and 2000, so in effect, he was peptalking the juniors, sophomores and freshmen. We were nervous, Coach Nutt says. After Arkansas Coach Houston Nutt spoke Saturday, he presented Burlsworth's mother, Barbara, with her son's SEC Western Division championship ring. Did Brandon Burlsworth have an open casket? In real life, Brandons chase is more amazing than the movie version. I want to make sure my steps are right on the power encounter., Everybody had been a little tight that day, Coach Nutt says. A new recreation concept is about to call the old Conway Block Plant home. Brandon Burlsworth, Indianapolis Colts. The project took more than a decade and cost millions of dollars. Burlsworth was pronounced dead at the scene. Brandon Burlsworth, a former Arkansas football player, is best known for his time with the Razorbacks from 1995 to 1998. Brandon has deep trust in God. Brandon got drafted in the third round of the 1999 draft by the Indianapolis Colts. As a result, his funeral was held in a high school gymnasium, allowing his teammates and family to attend as well. His awards and his many accolades are numerous but among them are earning a scholarship the first year. Hes an excellent example of glory earned rather than given. To be of the offensive line Brandon took a risk and walked on 1994! He says, I wish you wouldnt use the word rebuild ever. This group wants to win in the worst way., From that moment on, Coach Nutt says, I was locked into Brandon Burlsworth.. Why Do Cross Country Runners Have Skinny Legs? Brandons number 77 was retired as a result of the Arkansas Razorback football program. He knew he only had three months left to play football in college. Your email address will not be published. When the season was finally here, Brandon became a walk on. He earned first-team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998; he was also named a first-team All-American during the 1998 campaign. More details about Brandon Burlsworth's wounds and manner of death were revealed in the autopsy report. With track and field implemented it really opens opportunity for the athletes. Friends and former teammates of Brandon Burlsworth carry his casket on Saturday, May 1, 1999, in Harrison. Burlsworth was an American offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team who became an All-American after joining the team as a walk-on. The family respectfully declined. Below is a list of the remaining 22 states without NFL teams, in alphabetical order: Arkansas has won one national championship (1964), so its a no-brainer in picking its best year ever. The Colts retired his jersey number, 77, and created the Burlsworth Trophy, which is awarded to the nations most outstanding collegiate walk-on. Tennessee stalls, and with a minute, 54 seconds left on fourth and 9, the Volunteers fail to convert, and the Hogs take over on downs. Despite receiving scholarship offers from some lesser universities, Burlsworth chose to play football as a volunteer walk-on at the University of Arkansas after graduating from Harrison High School in 1994 and being named to the All-State team there. I said, 'Oh, Brandon, we're going to be all right. He was on his way home to Harrison to attend church with his mother. In 1998, he was selected to the college football all-america team. With 30 seconds left, Tennesse scores a touchdown, goes ahead for the first time in the game, and wins 28-24. Burlsworth, a guard who earned second-team All-America honors as a senior last season, was remembered warmly Saturday at a funeral ceremony attended by an estimated 2,000 people at Harrison High School Gymnasium. Based on the true story of Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth, the film is both a football story and a Christian parable, due to the faith that sustained the overachiever Burlsworth as the most successful walk-on football player in the modern age of collegiate football. His parents, who had divorced, had bought a Subaru for Brandon to drive to college. In the movie, Brandon tries to convince Stoerner to blame him for the turnover, but Stoerner takes responsibility. He was preparing to marry Heather Nichols. After Douda healed fromthe gunshot, he told his wife his shooters identity and admitted he murdered Brandon or had something to do with it because he figured out the aspiring chef flipped on them.

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