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. Currently you are able to watch "Greater" streaming on fuboTV, Hoopla, DIRECTV or for free with ads on Peacock, Peacock Premium, The Roku Channel, VUDU Free, Tubi TV, Redbox, Crackle, Pluto TV, Freevee. He knew he could. And I could see a little white car parked in her driveway. I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. Then I turned on Netflix and watched an honest, humble, earnest movie about the man called "Greater.". Became a two-time All-SEC selection and a first-team All-American as a senior in 1998. He called to check in a couple of times. 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. Some of the tougher scenes, you know, thats a little different. Brandon was the first ever Arkansas player to complete his masters degree before he appeared in his final game against the University of Texas. Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. As it turned out, it was a squad car, with officials there to convey the bad news. Unassuming, devout and a little dense, he never drinks, never swears and never takes anything personally. Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. Predictably, trash-talking opponents laughed at him and called him names. company, Get valuable lists emailed directly
Other boys would go home after school got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July. She started her career with Century 21 and then joined Jerry Jackson as he opened his office in 2001. I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. 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. After the draft, he spoke to me a lot about helping other kids in Harrison. Director Yelena Popovic discusses why this film had to be made. Those were offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworths trademark, and they were prominent even behind the facemask of his Arkansas Razorbacks helmet. Directed by David L. Hunt . "It was a passion project for everyone who was involved," actor Neal McDonough told CBN News. 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. Trophy honors most outstanding Walk-On for twelfth year . Background Report. Sure, there's some creative license in the movie, but the message rings true. In 1996, he earned himself a scholarship and also sealed his own starting place as a right guard on the offensive line for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Neal McDonough (L) plays Marty Burlsworth in 'Greater' (Hammond Entertainment). We didnt expect Brandon to go real high, and we had been told that he wouldnt. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission, or unlicensed commercial use or Brandon Burlsworth bulked himself up to 300 lbs to be an offensive guard and by his sophomore season in 1996, he had earned a scholarship and a starting position at right guard on the offensive line. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. The former Arkansas hostile, Brandon Burlsworth was headed to his Harrison, Ark., home from Fayetteville, where he got a SEC West title ring alongside the remainder of the 1998 Razorbacks on April 28, 1999. 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. He initially joined Arkansas Razorbacks as a walk-on but later he was handed an athletes scholarship and eventually became an all-American. Apr 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. 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. He wasnt as tall or as heavy as D-I colleges wanted him to be. After his death, the Arkansas Razorbacks retired his jersey in his honor and encased his locker in glass for public display. But [the death was] not the ending. "I know Brandon would be super proud of that," Marty said . arkansas football. 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. He was my brother and I just wanted everything for him. And for the next three years, every Friday at 5:30 p.m., Id close up the photography studio I owned in Harrison, pick up my mom, and my wife and kids, and drive to Brandons football games. At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? Greater, though, looks to something more than this: something greater than any loss or tragedy. Brandons exceptional journey came to an abrupt, tragic end when a devastating car crash took his life, shocking his hometown, the state of Arkansas, and the national football community. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. 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. Always why. We found 2 people in 2 states named Marty Burlsworth living in the US. I had about 212,000 miles on it by the time I got rid of it. Brandon did not get married before he passed away when he was only twenty-two years old. The film covers the issues he had with his weight and his incredible work ethic that earned him a chance. After the season, over the holidays, we got a call. That was very very tough. Possible relatives for Marty Burlsworth include Roselee Arnold, Keshia Flowers, Brady Burlsworth and several . Marty's ethnicity is Caucasian, whose political affiliation is unknown; and religious views are listed as Christian. The story unfolds in two strands. (as David Hunt) (directed by) Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification Produced by Music by Stephen Endelman . The film promotes Burlsworth as the greatest walk-on in the history of college football and there is an award the Brandon Burlsworth Trophy, which Marty oversees that is given annually to college footballs best player who began his career as a walk-on. And we were concerned that his faith would take a big backseatAnd we just werent up for that at all. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. (as David Hunt) (edited by) Casting By That game was, in a way, a symbol for the highest highs, the lowest lows and the unforeseen. SubscribeStart your Register subscription today. We may still get one. In a few weeks hed be heading back. . Steven D. Greydanus is the Registers film critic and creator of Decent Films. https://www.ncregister.com/features/sdg-reviews-greater, Man of God A Film of Faith and Tranquility of the Soul for Our Troubled Time, Interview: Jim Caviezel Goes Back to the Bible in Paul, Apostle of Christ, Portuguese Bishops Announce Steps to End Sexual Abuse in the Church, We Know That Hes in Heaven: Thousands Gather for Funeral of Bishop David OConnell in Los Angeles, Archbishop Naumann and Bishop Paprocki Speak Out in Support of Traditional Latin Massgoers in Their Dioceses, Survey: Decline in Vocations to the Priesthood Is Worse Where Priests Serve Larger Flocks, Amber and Dave VanVickle on Finding God in the Midst of Suffering. 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. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. The movie was well-received upon its theatrical release, but thanks to its March debut on streaming giant Netflix, it's finding a new audience at a perfect time. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. If you followed the SEC back then, you may remember the Brandon Burlsworth story. His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. She enjoys singing on the worship team at church, riding motorcycles with her husband, photography, and scrapbooking. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. Hed be all over the line, right off the snap. He was the kind of guy that we would have plugged in our offensive line for 10-plus years, said then-Colts general manager Bill Polian. And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. View Marty Burlsworth's record in Harrison, AR including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. Company Credits Not early or easily when it came to football, but eventually and powerfully. Marty Burlsworth knew it even as he struggled to understand the horrific ending. I wasnt sure. He loved football, Marty said. We want Brandon here, but if he cant handle it I can see what I can do to get him to a smaller school, he said. Vickie L Burlsworth is also associated with this address. 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. Its unreal. But, you know, how would you make it where it wasnt basically depressing. So you didnt know if that was going to happen but that wasnt really the main [concern]. Hed be very humbled that parents would want to bring their kids to see this movie., Copyright 1995 -
In the film, we see a lot of moments where the Marty character is learning from the persistence and drive of Brandon. MARTY BURLSWORTH CONTRIBUTOR Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Marty Burlsworth is available to appear at special events as his schedule allows. By all accounts, Burlsworth spent his 22 years on this earth showing everyone in his orbit how to do faith, family and football right. The University of Arkansas prides itself on doing things 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. 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. 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. 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. Real Estate. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. 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. 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. This was the dream. McDonough plays Marty, Brandon's big brother and father figure in the film, and he . Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. 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. 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 . If there was anything inappropriate in it, of course that was all made up. Dang, Marty, what have you been feedin that boy?. Becoming a Razorback As the title suggests, this is the story of the most successful walk-on in the history of college football at the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. But this was my brother. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. His jersey #77 was retired at the University of Arkansas as a gesture of honoring his memory. For someone who had worked so hard and not only did he work so hard, but [for] the family to be backing him and supporting him and talking to him everyday and seeing him everyday and [him] moving on and going on to greater things and then for that to- boom- [and be] over.