All rights reserved. There was no overlooking those two foes like the Vols might have done against Arkansas. "He spent (Tuesday) night with Joe Dean Davenport." (Joe Dean later played for the Colts.) You want to just tell the story as if no one had ever heard it before. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. Unfortunately, Brandon was tragically killed in a head-on automobile collision just 11 days after the draft. 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.. 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. Under the organizations umbrella, there are multiple programs. See production, box office & company info, Well-done and inspiring faith-based movie, Mike & Mike: Episode dated 23 August 2016. Eleven days after being the 63rd pick in the draft, Burlsworth. While Ratliffs NFL future was never a realistic option because of his myriad injuries, Burlsworth had an incredibly bright future ahead of him. "The common . Marty and Vickie Burlsworth said they thought Greater was a fantastic rendering of what was important to Brandon. Mens cross-country places 11th at regional Christmas Market features student-owned businesses. (Zac Budman/ESPN), Marty Burlsworth, brother of the late Brandon Burlsworth, is interviewed. He became very active in the youth group. That was a caused fumble. The movie really addressed the question of why bad things happen to good people, Hansen said. "I sent one of those shirts to the funeral home and Brandon was buried in it," said Barbara. Considering the medical issues, an NFL career wasnt likely in the works. 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 . Burlsworth, 22, a third-round draft pick from Arkansas, was killed in a car crash less than a half-hour from home Wednesday. Brandon burlsworth was the former all american offensive lineman for the arkansas razorbacks. His name was Brandon Burlsworth, and a new movie in theaters this weekend - Greater (PG) - tells the incredible story of the chubby kid who wasn't recruited by any big-name colleges out of high school but proceeded to walk on with the home-state Arkansas Razorbacks, earn a scholarship, and become an All-American offensive lineman. 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It was all inner-him -- all inner-drive. "I just wished I'd had the opportunity to have been part of his development. He loved the kids, Marty Burlsworth said. During his junior and senior years, his work ethic and focus really kicked in. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a2d144239416bbd We were involved from start to finish in a sort of advisory role. This is a movie not just for football fans but for everyone. HARRISON For one more Saturday, Brandon Burlsworth was with his Arkansas football teammates and coaches and surrounded by family and friends. 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. Our opponents are set! I will never do better, and I am at peace with that. Justin Herbert set an NFL rookie record with 31 passing touchdowns in 2020, when Shane Steichen was his offensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Chargers. 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 . 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. Chorus travels for Mississippi performance, Football alumni receive Division II honors, College of Education introduces new course. Cast [ edit] Arkansas needed 12 yards for the first down, but that wasnt even necessary. University announces student survey results, new Track construction nearly complete, ready to Whataburger celebrates beginning construction on Searcy Harding hosts Arkansas National History Day Students visit historic Little Rock Central Students plan to attend upcoming mission ASI continues distinguished lecture series with Harding to host annual womens conference, Breaking out: University introduces breakout chapels, Construction on Berryhill Park courts continues. Ratliff replaced fellow defensive lineman Jeff Coleman, who was suffering from cramps on the sideline when Ratliffe made history. 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. Departments offer new classes across campus, Student Association hosts first birthday bash. The comment about the carving is true, but the imagery of the piece is a little deeper. That defined the Tennessee offense that year, Cutcliffe said. 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. That was one of those plays that had to happen. My mom says that Brandons message comes through. Among UT fans, his name is synonymous with the Arkansas fumble and what it meant to UTs 1998 season. 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. Do it the right way when no one else is looking. [3] "No problem, I'm used to it," quipped Burlsworth, who popped the lens of his eyeglasses out and smiled away. Brandon burlsworth dies on arkansas highway after head on collision with tractor trailer. It was one of those games where we always thought we were going to win, Ratliff said. Tee came off the field and Billy told him, Hey man, dont put your helmet away. After that ran, we began getting calls from Los Angeles about doing a movie. I struggled with the same things I think everybody does. He never got there, dying 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. 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. We reviewed several different scripts over the years, and we also reviewed any revisions that were made of significance. . He had absolutely no quit in him. On the practice field, a dedicated and fully-focused Burlsworth did not remove his helmet or unbutton his chin strap. The accident came less than two weeks after the Colts selected him and shortly after he had participated in the team's minicamp where coaches tabbed him as a potential starter at guard. Had he joined the Indianapolis Colts, Brandon Burlsworth probably would have made quite the impact on the football field. (NWA Media). With the tragic way he died, how did you make sense of it all? Known throughout Arkansas, Indianapolis was only getting to know Burlsworth. 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. If Arkansas could just run the clock and punt the ball deep, theyd likely upset the top-ranked Vols in Neyland Stadium. "Brandon was such a humble person who cared about and respected others," she continued. Burlsworth was selected as the 63rd overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL draft, but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later. They were winning the whole game, really. Safety Fred White didnt see it that way. His life and career, however, ended in tragedy rather than triumph. Brandon burlsworth a second team all america guard who was recently drafted by the indianapolis colts was killed last night when his car collided with a tractor trailer rig near carrolton ark. Brandon burlsworth accident report BURLSWORTH KILLED IN CRASH. They award eighteen $5,000 academic scholarships, and one $10,000 Walk-0n athletic scholarship each year. Until that point in the game, he had his way with the Vols, including Ratliff. He didnt just lay the ball on the ground. 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. As UTs defense tried to hold on, quarterback Tee Martin and UT offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe were devising a drive in which theyd have very little time left if they got the ball back at all. He was more assertive than most of the other linemen at the practices. On the line, Tarik Glenn and Adam Meadows were at tackles. Steve McKinney was one guard. Jeff Saturday was a street free agent, and Burlsworth could have helped the guard position for years. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. I asked Barbara about what her son's faith meant to him. He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the 3rd round of the 1999 NFL draft, but sadly, after eleven days, he was involved in a road accident. He was drafted in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft to protect oddly enough former Vol quarterback Peyton Manning. 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. The more the "farmer" talked to Marty about faith and religion and making him doubt the more detailed it became. Brandon sure left an indelible impression on me.". "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. I kept thinking Someone needs to make a movie about this guy,' Reindl said. That says it all. "Brandon Burlsworth was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. 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. He walked on to the University of Arkansas to become the first All-American from that program in a decade. Burlsworth first caught the eye of Mudd at the Senior Bowl, just prior to the Combine. Foreign Language Department brings back after-school Harding employees bring families to swim Searcy Police and Public Safety investigate Reframing chapel: administration introduces changes, Student Association celebrates Earth Week. The Vols finished the regular season by blasting Kentucky 59-21 and Vanderbilt 41-0. 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. . She agreed, and the night. Sad to see the pain still inside him. 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. He was already something special, but it would have been something else had he not gone through the injuries he did.. The offensive guard had been named an All-American and a two-time All-SEC First Team player. The Vols won eight consecutive games to start the 1998 season before they hosted Arkansas. After his two weeks in Indianapolis, Brandon flew home on April 18, 1999, a Sunday. In the world of sports, there are plenty of iconic underdog stories. 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. Playing on the offensive line is not a "glamour" position, but he was still one of the most popular players on the team. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. He went after it without caution.". Before he ever hit the gridiron, though, the lineman tragically died in an offseason accident. Few of them, though, have followed the same road as Brandon Burlsworth. Wed, 09/08/2021 - 15:05. The fans respected him for starting out as a walk-on, working hard to become a three-year starter and finishing his career as an All-American. We dont have to understand it -- BUT we do have the choice of how we react to it. Brandon Burlsworth was killed in an automobile accident near Alpena, Arkansas, on April 28, 1999. During the summer after his sophomore year, he had a big growth spurt, enough where he was able to get playing time on the varsity. While his tragic death may have ended his football career, it didnt stop the linemans ability to change the world. After all, UT needed a pass interference penalty to beat Syracuse and were outgained by Florida but still beat the Gators. They (Arkansas) did a good job of game-planning on us. 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 . There is a much deeper message here. He hosts an SEC radio show out of Chattanooga and covers the SEC for Saturday Down South. 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. Brandon Burlsworth rose from a walk-on to a legitimate player at Arkansas Accordingly, I was thrilled to get him.". 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. Brandon was very undersized as a freshman and sophomore, a skinny kid. Brandon burlsworth car accident details. ", "He literally kept his goal focused right behind his nose through his college career.". UT took over at the Hogs 43-yard line with just 1:43 left. The film shows Brandon receiving a scholarship offer from Arkansas Tech University. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. Brandon Burlsworth is perhaps the greatest walk-on in the history of college football. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Comfort Inn's scrolling marquee was simple, but also eerie: ``Remember Brandon Burlsworth,'' followed by the time and temperature. He was killed in a car accident just days after the 1999 NFL Draft. 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. After minicamp, he was projected by his coaches to start as a rookie. Oh well, it was a great run. In fact, Ed, who works for FedEx in Harrison and has three children, even named his oldest son after Brandon. 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. Two collisions followed and the life of a wonderful human with vast. 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. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Although Brandon became a stickler for staying focused and doing things the right way, he also was a typically sloppy teenager until the 10th grade when Barbara told him if he was serious about going to college, "he'd better get his act together." Stoerner tried to balance himself with right hand. After walking on, Burlsworth became an All-American and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts to help protect Peyton Manning. Q: What message do you want fans to take from this movie? "I kept coming back to comparisons with Brandon. Burlsworth's Arkansas jersey number 77 was retired by the Colts for Hall-of-Famer Jim Parker, but Burlsworth's memorial picture ran on page 77 of the Indianapolis media guide. A "BB" sticker inside the club logo was worn on the rear of helmets that season. The press conference will be streamed live. There is some footage of the real Brandon after the last credits. Ratliff and Burlsworth will always be linked by the Arkansas fumble. https://t.co/UV3TEAGddV, Danielle Lerner (@danielle_lerner) August 29, 2019, @espn Amazing photo and article. 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. Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. 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. With a chance to be Harrison's first full-time resident to make a professional sport, brother and agent Marty remembers draft day. 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 Burlsworth was in a car accident and was announced dead at the scene on April 28, 1999. Turns out, that conversation was all for naught thanks to Billy Ratliff. You like to see those kinds of things happen in sports. Why did he have to die when he had everything to live for? "Then I turned around and the next player I faced was Brandon. 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. Ratliff continued playing football for the love of the game. Harding University in Florence students get Sladers Alaskan Dumpling Co. hosts birthday Students attend annual National Prayer Breakfast. "He listened, then just did it," said Tice. https://t.co/FFBoin68fO, Subscribe to our newsletter to get daily updates, Tom Rinaldi interviews Barbara Burlsworth, mother of the late Brandon Burlsworth. After walking on, Burlsworth became an All-American and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts to help protect Peyton Manning. This is an inspirational film, and I believe its a film you will want to see over and over again. 1. Brandon Burlsworth died from a car accident just eleven days after being drafted. 1976 April 28, 1999) was killed in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas, on . 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 the Arkansas game, we knew that was our moment, former UT cornerback Dwayne Goodrich said. MB: Our agreement was that the family could object if we felt something was not portrayed in the right manner.