Its just amazing to see the impact on these kids lives and the smiles on their faces by introducing them to things that we take for granted.. 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 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. It was meant to be.. Midnight Madness kicks off basketball season, Social clubs prepare for Homecoming Parade, James Huff receives another research grant. Former Arkansas football player and Indianapolis Colts third-round draft pick Brandon Burlsworth died Wednesday in a car crash near Carrolton, Ark., while travelling to his home, state police said . One of Fulmers favorite phrases was Pound the Rock, as in run the football until the other team breaks. Brandon was on his way home from the university of arkansas to pick up his mother and attend church when the accident happened 11. "We attended the First Assembly in Harrison and Brandon was always there, starting at about 10 years old. '"I told him how much it would mean to them to receive that message from him.". Thats where things were headed as Arkansas quarterback Clint Stoerner lined up under center on second down with just 1:47 left on the clock. Cover photo of Clint Stoerners fumble courtesy of University of Tennessee Athletics. Among UT fans, his name is synonymous with the Arkansas fumble and what it meant to UTs 1998 season. MB: We want them to know that bad things can and will happen. Brandon Burlsworth is growning from an unwanted accident of a child, to an abnormally large teenager, to a high school football . Rivers and Steichen worked together with the Chargers, while Turner gave Steichen his first opportunity in the NFL. When I heard Brandon passed away, it hit home, Ratliff said. 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 Burlsworth was in a car accident and was announced dead at the scene on April 28, 1999. Brandon, Marty's younger brother by 16 years, was tragically killed in an auto accident on April 28, 1999 . We dont know why, but we do know that we will see him again. He was more assertive than most of the other linemen at the practices. Its namesake was an Arkansas offensive lineman from 1995 to 1998. Under the organizations umbrella, there are multiple programs. Harding School of Theology student Ben Hansen said the movie far exceeded his low expectations due to the quality of some Christian movies. "I still believe he'd have had become one of the better guards in the NFL," said Mudd. Instead, the accident happened four days later, tearing holes in the hearts of everyone who knew Brandon. They said they were at a loss at what to do after Brandons death but knew they had to do something to keep moving forward. I know his teammates respected him for the work he put in and his incredible dedication. He was drafted 59 spots after Edgerrin James and with the notion to help fortify an offense that already had young stars in Marvin Harrison and Peyton Manning. 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. . 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. That Burlsworth was in the accident was completely like the unselfish person who established a cult following while a Razorback. 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. All rights reserved. Carrolton ap former arkansas offensive guard brandon burlsworth died in a car crash as he headed home to harrison from fayetteville officials said. Burlsworth was killed in a car accident less than two weeks after he was drafted. After college he became a third-round pick of the Colts. Surely, UT head coach Phillip Fulmer called the shots given his background. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. Marty Burlsworth said his brother always remembered where he came from and wanted to help kids in similar situations to his. He didnt do it on his own, White said of Stoerners fumble. Brandon was tragically killed in a car accident, crushing all who . 1. He continued to grow and was a good 6-foot-2, 260 pounds in his senior season. Eleven days after being drafted, Brandon is killed when he is hit head-on by a tractor trailer. The story of a small town walk-on freshman named Brandon Burlsworth transforming into a first team All-American has been inspiring to football fans of all ages, but there is much more to his legacy than most people know. After his time at the University of Arkansas ended, Brandon Burlsworth seemed poised to realize his NFL dreams. At the end of summer, he weighed 311 pounds, yet the draft hopeful could dunk a basketball with both hands from a standing start. It was tough. During their time of struggle, they came up with the idea for the foundation. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. However, the player some consider the best walk-on in college football history was tragically killed in a car accident just 11 days later. That says it all. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Having any girlfriend was something relatively new for Brandon since his focus had been solely on his family, faith, friends, football and earning his master's degree. "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!" Sow with action, you reap a habit. 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. After that ran, we began getting calls from Los Angeles about doing a movie. I love that, whether its as (a former) lineman or just a person that likes sports. 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. Once his chance, though, Burlsworth seized his opportunity. 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. The game was essentially over, as were Tennessees national championship hopes. We are very happy with the way it turned out. For instance, the film didn't disclose that, shortly before his death, Brandon had formed a budding relationship with a college co-ed, also from Harrison. Burlsworth, 22, a third-round draft pick from Arkansas, was killed in a car crash less than a half-hour from home Wednesday. After his rise to prominence at Arkansas, Brandon Burlsworth seemed poised to make the leap to the NFL. Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. The Good Lord doesnt make things happen without a reason. There is a much deeper message here. (NWA Media). Brandon Burlsworth is perhaps the greatest walk-on in the history of college football. He was drafted in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft to protect oddly enough former Vol quarterback Peyton Manning. Brandon the officer told us had collided head on with a semi. Philip Straub said the call came in at 4:17 p.m. that there was a crash involving a car and a tractor-trailer on U.S. 412 near Carrolton. He had worked so hard and everything was in line to make his dreams come true. He was made to do it. CBS 2's Dana Kozlov reports. 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 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. Brandon burlsworth accident report BURLSWORTH KILLED IN CRASH. Sports betting in Tennessee officially launched on November 1, 2020, and many of the largest sportsbooks are live and operating in the volunteer state. After his death at a young age, the football community came together to pay tribute to his achievements and his family and friends built a foundation in his name. Marty Burlsworth: Brandon had entered high school early, so he graduated at 17 years old and was still growing. He wanted to buy mom a nice house. 22, who died Wednesday in an automobile accident. After being six feet tall and weighing 200 pounds as a senior at Harrison High School in 1993, Burlsworth grew almost three inches and added 30 pounds by the following spring. Brandons goal growing up was to help underprivileged kids, Aaron Burlsworth said. Dave Hooker started covering Tennessee in 1998. #HistoricHog pic.twitter.com/xBCanCzixz. Turns out, that conversation was all for naught thanks to Billy Ratliff. John E. Hoover can be . It was all inner-him -- all inner-drive. Do it the right way when no one else is looking. "He'd be completely blown away by all this attention focused on him. 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. ", "He literally kept his goal focused right behind his nose through his college career.". UT linebacker Al Wilson witnessed his teammates proclamation to Martin on the sideline. A mother losing a child at that young age, it was tough. brandon burlsworth foundation to honor stephens inc. kevin scanlon with legends award He loved the sport, though, and worked his way to all-state honors by the time he graduated. MB: Shortly after the accident, we got a call from a national magazine. After his death, Burlsworth's #77 became only the second retired number in Razorback football history. Brandon burlsworths first act as a wealthy nfl offensive tackle was going to be to buy himself a bigger. They award eighteen $5,000 academic scholarships, and one $10,000 Walk-0n athletic scholarship each year. Billy Ratliff hit the lineman and he stepped back on his foot. Until that point in the game, he had his way with the Vols, including Ratliff. | 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. 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. The note arrived on the day Brandon died. Unfortunately, Brandon was tragically killed in a head-on automobile collision just 11 days after the draft. Another trait that set Brandon apart was his respectful devotion to doing whatever authority figures asked of him. When relatively healthy, Ratliff showed he had elite talent. "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. 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. His truck then collided with another tractor-trailer. I, for one, didnt know about it, and anyone Ive talked about it with didnt either, so I dont think you try to get too outside the box in your thinking. That was one of those plays that had to happen. He loved the kids, Marty Burlsworth said. He was already something special, but it would have been something else had he not gone through the injuries he did.. Secure the best seats & best benefits for next season, and be there live for exciting matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and more of the NFL's best opponents. Q: I remember hearing how as a high school sophomore that Brandon didnt look anything like a future SEC player. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. Billy was great. 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. Less than two weeks after he was chosen in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Brandon was driving home to go to church with his mother. 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. About Saturday Down South | Ethics and Editorial Standards | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Other Conferences: Big Ten | ACC | Pac-12, "Billy Ratliff was right next to me. Brandon said, 'Yes, sir.' Hereof, what year did Brandon Burlsworth die? 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. I knew nothing of Brandons story, said Budman. Tee came off the field and Billy told him, Hey man, dont put your helmet away. 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. Since 2010, the Burlsworth Trophy has been handed out to the best player in college football who started his career as a walk-on. Weve got to throw it. I said No, were going to run it every down and we ran the football right down their throat.. He went to mini-camp, but was killed a few days . However, once Marty stopped listening to him it returned to less detail. Fulmer was a former offensive lineman who loved running the football. The Colts also announced all members of the team will have a special decal on their helmets in a tribute to Burlsworth. "If God ever made the perfect person, it was that guy," said then teammate Sacha Lancaster to Sport Illustrated. "He stayed around the house and left for Fayetteville on Tuesday," Vickie says. Recently, I did a Q&A with his older brother Marty, who was instrumental in Brandons life. "The common . When its your time, its your time. MB: After we started receiving calls from Hollywood producers, we knew that if the story were told, we wanted it to be told in the most accurate way possible, understanding that its difficult to squeeze 15 years into two hours. You like to see those kinds of things happen in sports. There was only one problem. This book is the inspiring biography of a local boy who makes good. Coach Tice: You know, football's a rough game; it's unpredictable. All-American ( 1998) 2 First-team All-SEC ( 1997, 1998) Arkansas Razorbacks No. Wed, 09/08/2021 - 15:05. Before he ever hit the gridiron, though, the lineman tragically died in an offseason accident. . What else could I do? 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. Thats one of those that I would have loved to have seen his career if he had not been injured. He is a great story about a guy who overcame huge obstacles through hard work, determination and perseverance. After the Arkansas game, we knew that was our moment, former UT cornerback Dwayne Goodrich said. Please enjoy the peak of my journalistic career. Sure enough, it happened. The Harrison, Arkansas, native walked on and became a three-year starter, All-American and NFL Draft pick. He was able to focus and achieve his primary goals that included earning a master's degree, making All-American and being drafted by an NFL team. 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.. Brandon Burlsworth rose from a walk-on to a legitimate player at Arkansas Facebook gives people the power. Brandon Burlsworth, NFL player. Tice also told of a time when he'd become agitated with another lineman during practice and told the team to watch. The football fraternity had great expectations from the talented young man but fate had other plans and he was killed in an accident. Billy was great. After walking on, Burlsworth became an All-American and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts to help protect Peyton Manning. Hes in college at Georgia Southern. He whipped my butt that whole game, Ratliff said. One of the most unusual aspects of the Arkansas fumble is that Ratliff shouldnt have been in the game at all. After his two weeks in Indianapolis, Brandon flew home on April 18, 1999, a Sunday. Former Arkansas football player and Indianapolis Colts draft pick Brandon Burlsworth died Wednesday in a car crash while travelling to his home, state police said. Departments offer new classes across campus, Student Association hosts first birthday bash. 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. ( Marty Burlsworth ) From left to right, Brandon Burlsworth, Grant Garrett and Russ Brown pose for a picture in 1997. The foundation encourages a strong faith, character, and sportsmanship, developing positive values, and a life pattern that would exemplify Doing It The Burls Way.. 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. Known throughout Arkansas, Indianapolis was only getting to know Burlsworth. Draft but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later. 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. Were going to get the ball back.. Offensive lineman brandon burlsworth went from walk on to all american during his career at arkansas before dying in a car crash just after the 1999 nfl draft. "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. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation will be honoring Kevin Scanlon of Stephens Inc. with the 2023 Legends Award. Mudd went on to scale heights with Indianapolis that included the NFL's all-time winningest regular-season record over a decade (115-45, 2000-09), multiple division titles, two AFC crowns and a World Championship. Burlsworth 22 a third round draft pick of the indianapolis colts on april 17 was driving on us. Anyone within earshot of Ratliff just moments before heard him call his shot. Miranda Valles, 21, died in a motorcycle accident over the weekend on I-290. The storys been told a lot but it probably hasnt reached as many people as you think, he said. He said that the message spoke of the joy of living everyday life and asked big questions, making it a powerful story. My mom says that Brandons message comes through. Carrolton (AP) - Former Arkansas offensive guard BRANDON BURLSWORTH died in a car crash as he headed home to Harrison from Fayetteville, officials said. 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 . I pushed Brandon back. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. Said Fulmer, Anybody that loves football would love that. He was in the prime of his football career. "I thought it would soften the blow because there was going to be a ceremony on opening day where our family would get a framed jersey," said Marty. "Brandon hadn't been around the NFL so as a close family, we were going to live it with him. He had fresh legs and blew up the play., After the Arkansas game, we knew that was our moment.. He hosts an SEC radio show out of Chattanooga and covers the SEC for Saturday Down South. died in a car crash 11 days after . More than. Accident investigators indicated that Burlsworth was trailing another semi-truck rig on the winding, two-lane highway toward Harrison when he veered left just slightly to check oncoming. The coach said he managed to get back to his feet, still surrounded by the team. He died in a car crash on april 28 1999 shortly after he was drafted by the nfls indianapolis colts. Among the past recipients: Cleveland Browns star and former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield and Hunter Renfrow, a recent Clemson standout receiver now in his rookie year with the Oakland Raiders. The comment about the carving is true, but the imagery of the piece is a little deeper. We got the ball back. However, every time he thinks of the fumble, its hard not to think of Burlsworth. That has to be the bittersweet part for Ratliff. Brandon was elected to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2002 and the UA Letterman's Association Hall of Honor in 2004. Brandon Burlsworth was the former All-American offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts and 11 days later was tragically killed in. "We were in need of finding a guard to shore up the line. We were impressed with the "guy with the horned-rimmed glasses that looked like Drew Carey." Yet Ford agreed to let Brandon show up as a "preferred walk-on.". . I think about that all the time.. We always beat those guys. 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. Email him at [emailprotected], Copyright 2023, Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC. We're going to be fine.' Ratliff and Burlsworth will always be linked by the Arkansas fumble. Brandon doesn't start out with all . As a part of the program, the Colts will hire a Dungy Fellow for the offense and the defense. 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. 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. Q: What was your involvement with the movie process from the beginning until now? Journalism Showcase: E60 Producer Discusses How New Documentary On Undefeated 72 Dolphins Puts Fresh Perspective on 50-Year-Old Story, ESPNs Gymnastics Creative Soars and Brings the Light to Friday Night Heights, Inside The Making Of Andscape Writer Jesse Washingtons MLK Weekend Essay Living In His Legacy, ESPNs Holland Mickle Roars into Action for the Injured Clemson Cub, Whats Your Beef With Jon Jones? The temperature was a balmy 77 degrees. The Indianapolis Colts wore his initials, BB, on their helmets for the 1999 season. 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. Tragically, that never happened. "No problem, I'm used to it," quipped Burlsworth, who popped the lens of his eyeglasses out and smiled away. #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. Inspiring to watch his football and his story change others around him and his journey towards wholeness. His life and career, however, ended in tragedy rather than triumph. From @RazorbackFB walk-on to All-American, Brandon Burlsworth's story makes him a Razorback to remember. That has to be the bittersweet part for Ratliff. HEATHER NICHOLS, Everton, Ark. Arkansas needed 12 yards for the first down, but that wasnt even necessary. 1976 April 28, 1999) was killed in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas, on . Im not sure what coach Nutt was thinking about, Ratliff said. [2] Death Eleven days after being drafted, he was killed in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas on his way back to his hometown of Harrison one night after a workout in Fayetteville. Cutcliffe decided to do just that. Especially knowing the kid was getting ready to go on to the next chapter of his life and getting to the point where he was trying to help his family. Tee came off the field and Billy told him, Hey man, dont put your helmet away. https://t.co/0d1lDS8ST3, Chris Jones (@EnswellJones) August 29, 2019, Tragic what happened to him. It was a legendary drive for sure. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. He was the first pick in the third round, the 63rd overall selection. Id never heard it before. It became clear that this was a story that would resonate far beyond the state boundaries. "He's in heaven now. INDIANAPOLIS By now, Brandon Burlsworth likely would be retired, probably a world champion and former Pro Bowler and, possibly, according to his brother, Marty, headed to Canton, Ohio. When (Greater producer and co-screenwriter) Brian Reindl came to us, we instantly felt a comfort level with him and his desire to tell Brandons story. 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. Your IP: The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. Also not included in the film is that Brandon and Marty also have a brother named Grady. Burlsworth was so much about the right stuff that his dorm bed never was unmade. With a 3.4 grade point average, he earned bachelor's (marketing management) and master's (business administration) degrees at Arkansas before playing his final game. Cast [ edit] While his tragic death may have ended his football career, it didnt stop the linemans ability to change the world. The Vols won eight consecutive games to start the 1998 season before they hosted Arkansas. The Vols finished the regular season by blasting Kentucky 59-21 and Vanderbilt 41-0. Ratliff continued playing football for the love of the game. 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.
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