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." 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. This is a movie not just for football fans but for everyone. "He stayed around the house and left for Fayetteville on Tuesday," Vickie says. There is a much deeper message here. Brandon Burlsworth was in a car accident and was announced dead at the scene on April 28, 1999. Published: Wednesday, August 24, 2016. Billy was great. Barbara and Marty came to training camp in advance of the Buffalo opener. LSU's 3 permanent rivals for 9-game SEC schedule have been set, per report, Quinten Dormady, former Tennessee QB, under playbook investigation in XFL, Alabama basketball adds commitment from 4-star forward, Texas A&M punctuates impressive SEC season with upset of No. History happened, he said. "He spent (Tuesday) night with Joe Dean Davenport." (Joe Dean later played for the Colts.) 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. "He's in heaven now. Arkansas needed 12 yards for the first down, but that wasnt even necessary. Ratliff and Coleman were suite mates, so they knew each other well off the field. Brandon Burlsworth, Indianapolis Colts. 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. "When Brandon showed up at the rookie camp, he was even better than I thought he'd be," said Mudd. He had fresh legs and blew up the play., After the Arkansas game, we knew that was our moment.. Stoerner lost his grip as he seemingly laid the ball on the ground. Said Burlsworth's position coach and lineman on the 1964 national champion Razorback team Mike Bender, "(He's) the best to play the offensive line in Arkansas history. There has never been one like Brandon, and there never will be again.". All-American ( 1998) 2 First-team All-SEC ( 1997, 1998) Arkansas Razorbacks No. Burlsworth, who began his college career as a pudgy walk-on and became a standout offensive lineman for the Razorbacks, was killed in a traffic accident April 28 while driving from the campus. The team broke into laughter. . You sow a character, you reap a destiny. Do it the Burls way: Have character. Mock Draft Monday, our weekly roundup of experts' predictions for who the Colts will take in the NFL Draft, is back a week after the Colts named Shane Steichen head coach. The family picked Brandon up at the airport after the rookie camp. He was sore from the work, but expressed comfort with his teammates and the size of Indianapolis. Request more info or view our 3D Seat Viewer below! He declined both, insisting instead on joining the Razorbacks as a walk-on. If that offends you, then you probably wouldn't like this movie. Every national championship team that ever played college football has to have a little luck sometime. 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.". But that same night, April 28, Mudd received a phone call from a newspaper reporter, asking him, "Have you heard about Brandon Burlsworth?" Burlsworth had been killed in a car accident. 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. Although he never played a down in the NFL, he had impressed Mudd enough during mini-camp that. 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 . All of the sudden I looked down and I see the ball on the ground, Ratliff said. He was freak athlete. He didnt do it on his own, White said of Stoerners fumble. The comment about the carving is true, but the imagery of the piece is a little deeper. 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. Thats one of those that I would have loved to have seen his career if he had not been injured. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. This is an inspirational film, and I believe its a film you will want to see over and over again. Brandon was a walk on turned All American at the University of Arkansas. Burlsworth was killed in a car accident less than two weeks after he was drafted. Since 2010, the Burlsworth Trophy has been handed out to the best player in college football who started his career as a walk-on. 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 said, 'Yes, sir.' Hereof, what year did Brandon Burlsworth die? Q: What message do you want fans to take from this movie? With a chance to be Harrison's first full-time resident to make a professional sport, brother and agent Marty remembers draft day. Tragically, that never happened. He walked on to the University of Arkansas to become the first All-American from that program in a decade. Brandon Burlsworth death scene What was Brandon Burlsworth's death scene like? He didnt just lay the ball on the ground. Turns out, that conversation was all for naught thanks to Billy Ratliff. Our opponents are set! 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 Harrison, Arkansas, native walked on and became a three-year starter, All-American and NFL Draft pick. Instead, he did set goals and worked hard to achieve them.". The action you just performed triggered the security solution. 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. I know his teammates respected him for the work he put in and his incredible dedication. Another trait that set Brandon apart was his respectful devotion to doing whatever authority figures asked of him. They were winning the whole game, really. Aaron Burlsworth, Harding sophomore and nephew of Brandon Burlsworth, said his family wanted to make sure faith was directly involved in the film, as it was a huge part of Brandons life. Casting Directors are now casting for the upcoming SAG feature film "Greater" filming in Arkansas. As a part of the program, the Colts will hire a Dungy Fellow for the offense and the defense. He was the first pick in the third round, the 63rd overall selection. The program provides free exams and glasses for up to 1,000 preschool-through-12th grade students in Arkansas, and there are plans to take it nationwide. As spelled out in an ESPN college football video, Burlsworth was never the most athletic guy; during high school, he was slow, soft, and didnt see significant playing time until his junior year. Two collisions followed, and the life of a wonderful human with vast talents was over., Jerry Jones Had a Number of Hall of Fame Teammates and Coaches at Arkansas, Including Jimmy Johnson. UT took over at the Hogs 43-yard line with just 1:43 left. From @RazorbackFB walk-on to All-American, Brandon Burlsworth's story makes him a Razorback to remember. Anyone within earshot of Ratliff just moments before heard him call his shot. Q: What was your involvement with the movie process from the beginning until now? 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. Burlsworth never got to join the Colts, though. 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 . Aaron Burlsworths parents, Marty and Vickie Burlsworth, are in charge of the foundation and its numerous roles from taking kids in poor financial situations to games to getting them quality eye care. After his rise to prominence at Arkansas, Brandon Burlsworth seemed poised to make the leap to the NFL. Said Martin, It was really good for us as a team to win in the fashion we won. Were going to get the ball back., "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. I have a son right now that just turned 22. 412 when he became involved in the crash with two tractor trailers officials said. If its difficult to describe the love for a brother its impossible to explain the loss of a brother. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. 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. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Vols finished the regular season by blasting Kentucky 59-21 and Vanderbilt 41-0. Tice said he also called then-Hog head coach Danny Ford and asked him to take a look at Brandon. Burlsworth ran a 40-yard touchdown in 4.88 seconds during the combine, more than any other player. "Then I turned around and the next player I faced was Brandon. "I took the player's helmet and put it on," said Tice. The Vols won eight consecutive games to start the 1998 season before they hosted Arkansas. That says it all. That was Brandons example He could have thought of himself as a big star, but he was guided by his faith and love for his family., The Link Network is a product of the Department of Communication at Harding University. I think the movie speaks to people in many different ways, Reindl said. A UT win would mean the Vols national title hopes would stay alive. 77 retired. Honors College announces new faculty fellow. 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. This is incredible. After the Arkansas game, we knew that was our moment, former UT cornerback Dwayne Goodrich said. Brandon's vehicle collided with an oncoming 18-wheeler, forcing him to re-enter his lane. Steichen's creativity and flexibility shined when the Eagles came to Indianapolis in Week 11 of the 2022 season. While you might not know his name, Brandon Burlsworth and his college football career deserve to be at the top of the list. 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. See production, box office & company info, Well-done and inspiring faith-based movie, Mike & Mike: Episode dated 23 August 2016. 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. 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. 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). "I remember it being exciting and extremely stressful. We knew he wouldn't be picked in the upper first round, but it took a toll on us," said Burlsworth. "Getting picked by the Colts was a blessing. It couldn't have been a better fit for Brandon.". If it does not offend you, then you should enjoy it. brandon burlsworth foundation to honor stephens inc. kevin scanlon with legends award "I sent one of those shirts to the funeral home and Brandon was buried in it," said Barbara. I love that, whether its as (a former) lineman or just a person that likes sports. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. 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. If Billy Ratliff is still out here playing, whatever injury I have, it cant be that bad, Coleman said. As of the 2020 census the population stood at 128. Throughout his football career, Brandon Burlsworth never let adversity stop him from achieving his goals. 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. The youth center in Harrison, Arkansas . Carrolton (AP) - Former Arkansas offensive guard BRANDON BURLSWORTH died in a car crash as he headed home to Harrison from Fayetteville, officials said. During his UT career, Ratliff suffered a severe neck injury, two torn knee ligaments and serious shin splints. 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. With the tragic way he died, how did you make sense of it all? "He loved the coaching staff and grew close to Coach Mudd immediately," said Marty. "Brandon felt very good about getting on the field and beginning the next step of his career. He knew he could be going against Bruce Smith on opening day. He was already getting ready for that challenge.". Brandon burlsworth accident report BURLSWORTH KILLED IN CRASH. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. When relatively healthy, Ratliff showed he had elite talent. ", "He literally kept his goal focused right behind his nose through his college career.". Eleven days after being drafted burlsworth was killed in a car accident near alpena arkansas on april 28 1999 on his way back to his hometown of harrison after a workout in fayetteville. Now, a careless fumble? 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. After his time at the University of Arkansas ended, Brandon Burlsworth seemed poised to realize his NFL dreams. Brandon was very undersized as a freshman and sophomore, a skinny kid. HARRISON For one more Saturday, Brandon Burlsworth was with his Arkansas football teammates and coaches and surrounded by family and friends. 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 . That has to be the bittersweet part for Ratliff. The Good Lord doesnt make things happen without a reason. 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. | 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. "If God ever made the perfect person, it was that guy," said then teammate Sacha Lancaster to Sport Illustrated. MB: Our agreement was that the family could object if we felt something was not portrayed in the right manner. Departments offer new classes across campus, Student Association hosts first birthday bash. Surely, UT head coach Phillip Fulmer called the shots given his background. Brandon Burlsworth died from a car accident just eleven days after being drafted. Sports betting in Tennessee officially launched on November 1, 2020, and many of the largest sportsbooks are live and operating in the volunteer state. Actor Chris Severio as Brandon Burlsworth, wearing his trademark black-rimmed glasses. "Brandon was such a humble person who cared about and respected others," she continued. He went after it without caution.". You want to just tell the story as if no one had ever heard it before. 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. https://t.co/0d1lDS8ST3, Chris Jones (@EnswellJones) August 29, 2019, Tragic what happened to him. The Colts also announced all members of the team will have a special decal on their helmets in a tribute to Burlsworth. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. https://t.co/FFBoin68fO, Subscribe to our newsletter to get daily updates, Tom Rinaldi interviews Barbara Burlsworth, mother of the late Brandon Burlsworth. Billy Ratliff was right next to me, Wilson said. We are very happy with the way it turned out. 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. ESPN NHL Production Coordinator Camille Bova Does it All for the 2023 NHL Stadium Series in Raleigh, N.C. FAYETTEVILLE There is a great . A mother losing a child at that young age, it was tough. His heart weighed a good part of that. Ratliff pounced on the ball. That was a caused fumble. We had never had a problem with anybody in the SEC but Florida. To be of the offensive line Brandon took a risk and walked on 1994! Your IP: The Arkansas win did more than preserve the Vols perfect record. Its hard not to imagine what kind of player Ratliff would have been had he not been injured so often. Brandon burlsworth car accident details. 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. The Colts honored the Burlsworth family on opening day in 1999 with a framed jersey number 66. Sow with action, you reap a habit. It was one of those games where we always thought we were going to win, Ratliff said. 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. Accordingly, I was thrilled to get him.". After his two weeks in Indianapolis, Brandon flew home on April 18, 1999, a Sunday. Marty Burlsworth said his brother always remembered where he came from and wanted to help kids in similar situations to his. She smiles when she sees the many thousands of children and others who've benefited enormously from the charitable Brandon Burlsworth Foundation and from his once having lived a blessed and honorable life among us. Even though the linemans life and career ended in tragedy, hes still managing to make an impact more than 20 years later. 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. Sow with thought, you reap in action. Hewalked on at Arkansas in 1994 after having zero FBS scholarship offers and eventually became team captain and a two-time All-SEC pick. died in a car crash 11 days after . After his death, Burlsworth's #77 became only the second retired number in Razorback football history. Click to reveal That defined the Tennessee offense that year, Cutcliffe said. I think about that all the time.. 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. In the book about Brandon's life, retired businessman Bud Walsh of Harrison is credited with advising Brandon's older brother Marty to contact Razorback Assistant Coach Harold Horton to hopefully become a walk-on. The Indianapolis Colts wore his initials, BB, on their helmets for the 1999 season. Coach Tice: You know, football's a rough game; it's unpredictable. FIFA World Cup - Best Goals from Every Angle, Draw for the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, FOX SPORTS, SPEED, SPEED.COM & 2023 Fox Media LLC and Fox Sports Interactive Media, LLC. MB: Shortly after the accident, we got a call from a national magazine. During the Razorbacks football history, plenty of great players have hit the gridiron. But he loses that control over him and his faith is restored making the carving revert back. 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. 20 college football teams we aren't sold on in 2023, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: Mizzou shocks Tennessee, Alabama downs Auburn and more, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: Alabama stays unbeaten in SEC play, Tennessee outlasts Auburn and more, SEC Basketball Power Rankings: A new top team emerges, Alabama loses in blowout fashion, Mizzou lights it up again. He loved the kids, Marty Burlsworth said. 2 Alabama, SEC Women's Basketball Tournament action suspended due to weather delay, 2 SEC players named to late-season watch list for Oscar Robertson Player of the Year Trophy, Overrated? 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. 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 . He made close friends with Ed Robinson, who was a bit older. However, he was killedin an automobile accident 11 days after the draft. Every place starts with a cadence and ends with a whistle. Midnight Madness kicks off basketball season, Social clubs prepare for Homecoming Parade, James Huff receives another research grant. Burlsworth was killed in a car accident less than two weeks after he was drafted. "There are people in the organization we feel close to. I'm still asked by people in Harrison about the Colts, and I tell them about our close relationship to this day. Arkansas is impressed with the Colts, no doubt about that.". 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. "I kept coming back to comparisons with Brandon. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation will be honoring Kevin Scanlon of Stephens Inc. with the 2023 Legends Award. "He always said there would be time for girls later, but he had things he needed to accomplish first," said his mother, Barbara Burlsworth, a Harrison Realtor. "I couldn't stop talking to my wife about how impressive he was and what a bright future he had.". Two collisions followed and the life of a wonderful human with vast. One of the most unusual aspects of the Arkansas fumble is that Ratliff shouldnt have been in the game at all. When his brother Marty sees how much he meant to the people of his hometown and how many have shown up for his funeral, he rebuffs The Farmer, deciding to celebrate Brandon's life and move on with his own. 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. MB: Brandon was revered pretty quickly for the obstacles that he overcame. I will never do better, and I am at peace with that. For people unfamiliar with Brandons story, walk us through his development from your perspective. He became a three-year starter and was eventually named an All-American in 1998. 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. There were times when he was almost late to games because he would never turn a kid down for an autograph or anything.. Known throughout Arkansas, Indianapolis was only getting to know Burlsworth. It was all inner-him -- all inner-drive. 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. Tice also told of a time when he'd become agitated with another lineman during practice and told the team to watch. Why did he have to die when he had everything to live for? 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. I dont want to tell them what to walk away with I want to inspire them through this story.. MB: We want them to know that bad things can and will happen. "I remember he was the first college lineman I looked at on video that year," said Howard Mudd, then the Colts' line coach and one of the game's best ever. They added that they hope the movie raises awareness for what they are trying to do with their foundation and helps make the Burlsworth name synonymous with strong character. Unfortunately, Brandon was tragically killed in a head-on automobile collision just 11 days after the draft." But Arkansas was the dream. Life itself, squeezed into 60 minutes in 100 yards. Instead, the dreams of a family and the promise of an NFL career were cut short tragically when Burlsworth was killed 15 years ago today in a car accident as he headed home to Harrison, Arkansas. He became very active in the youth group. Please read our Terms of Use or contact us. 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. After walking on, Burlsworth became an All-American and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts to help protect Peyton Manning. "I liked him so much that I used him as the barometer for the rest of the players I evaluated that year. Cutcliffe decided to do just that. Brandon Burlsworth was killed in an automobile accident near Alpena, Arkansas, on April 28, 1999.
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