Another trait that set Brandon apart was his respectful devotion to doing whatever authority figures asked of him. Thats the way I went about it.. Miranda Valles, 21, died in a motorcycle accident over the weekend on I-290. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. 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. Said Martin, It was really good for us as a team to win in the fashion we won. 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. He definitely was, Coleman said. 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. You cant control it, Ratliff 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 . There is a much deeper message here. I dont want to tell them what to walk away with I want to inspire them through this story.. Tice also told of a time when he'd become agitated with another lineman during practice and told the team to watch. Brandon Burlsworth died from a car accident just eleven days after being drafted. Brandon Burlsworth excelled in high school football, making All-Conference and All-State. 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. We have a saying in our family, said Marty Burlsworth. Thats one of those that I would have loved to have seen his career if he had not been injured. 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. He made close friends with Ed Robinson, who was a bit older. He went after it without caution.". 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 stayed around the house and left for Fayetteville on Tuesday," Vickie says. 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. To be of the offensive line Brandon took a risk and walked on 1994! Hewalked on at Arkansas in 1994 after having zero FBS scholarship offers and eventually became team captain and a two-time All-SEC pick. 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. He is a great story about a guy who overcame huge obstacles through hard work, determination and perseverance. Personal Life & Death. 1976 April 28, 1999) was killed in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas, on . Burlsworth was killed 15 miles from home on a road he had traveled for years when his car drifted into the on coming lane. Draft but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later. Brandon doesn't start out with all . Throughout his football career, Brandon Burlsworth never let adversity stop him from achieving his goals. There is some footage of the real Brandon after the last credits. 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. [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. MB: Our agreement was that the family could object if we felt something was not portrayed in the right manner. The Vols won eight consecutive games to start the 1998 season before they hosted Arkansas. The Arkansas win did more than preserve the Vols perfect record. 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. Burlsworth died in a car accident on April 28, 1999, and his story of faith and conviction has been gaining recognition in recent years due to various programs and a new biopic called "Greater.". Fulmer was a former offensive lineman who loved running the football. For fans of the Arkansas Razorbacks, Burlsworth has been a household name for years. In the world of sports, there are plenty of iconic underdog stories. 'Burls Kids' is a program where youngsters attend Colts and Razorbacks games, and the foundation conducts camps and prep football awards. In Anticipation Of UFC 285 On ESPN+ PPV Saturday, Four Experts Weighed In, ESPNs Renewal Of Three-Year Formula 1 Deal Is Off To A Roaring Start, Starting Five: NBA Today and NBA Countdowns Malika Andrews. Until that point in the game, he had his way with the Vols, including Ratliff. With a chance to be Harrison's first full-time resident to make a professional sport, brother and agent Marty remembers draft day. Brandon Burlsworth was the former All-American offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks. 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. Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. Scanlon will be the 14 th recipient of the award, the first being awarded in 2010 to Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt.. A 2-year letterman for the Razorbacks, Kevin . 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. 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. The lineman had returned from the Colts' weekend minicamp. More than. Marty Burlsworth said his brother always remembered where he came from and wanted to help kids in similar situations to his. Brandon Burlsworth is perhaps the greatest walk-on in the history of college football. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American . I promise you that ball seemed like it was there for 5 or 6 seconds.. Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. Billy was great. 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 death, Burlsworth's #77 became only the second retired number in Razorback football history. The book, Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story, was delivered in 2001. Stoerner tried to balance himself with right hand. That Burlsworth was in the accident was completely like the unselfish person who established a cult following while a Razorback. The note arrived on the day Brandon died. 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. 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. 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. 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. I asked Barbara about what her son's faith meant to him. 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. In this 1999 photo, the locker of Brandon Burlsworth is seen encased in glass in the locker room at the University of Arkansas. (Zac Budman/ESPN), The Burlsworth Award trophy (Zac Budman/ESPN), Ruettiger, the famed former Notre Dame football walk-on], ESPN Producer Michelle Rosenhouse Makes the Most of Memorable Moments, Journalism Showcase: SC Featured Highlights Cheyney States Remarkable 1982 Womens Basketball Team, Inside ESPN Marketings XFL Spot Bring It In, Journalism Showcase: SportsCenter Reporter Dives Into Growth of Girls Youth Flag Football. His brother, Marty, and their mother, Barbara, met him at the airport in Springfield. "The common . Actor Chris Severio as Brandon Burlsworth, wearing his trademark black-rimmed glasses. Q: How important for you was it that this movie get made? "As time goes on, you deal with the hurt. That 'what ifs' never really go away," said Marty. "We're life-long Colts fans, always will be. He wanted to help underprivileged kids with his NFL money. After walking on, Burlsworth became an All-American and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts to help protect Peyton Manning. While his tragic death may have ended his football career, it didnt stop the linemans ability to change the world. As tangible as his encased locker in the Broyles Athletics Center, the Burls' kids program and the Burlsworth Trophy given each year to the nation's most outstanding walk on football player,. 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 . You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. Cast [ edit] All rights reserved. He whipped my butt that whole game, Ratliff said. That was one of those plays that had to happen. 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). 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. Brandon Burlsworth (as Chris Severio) Michael Parks Leo Burlsworth Nick Searcy The Farmer Peter Gray Lewis Coach Tice (as Peter Lewis) Fredric Lehne Coach Bender Texas Battle Anthony Lucas M.C. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Rivers and Steichen worked together with the Chargers, while Turner gave Steichen his first opportunity in the NFL. 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." Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. He walked onto the team and, despite spending a season as a redshirt on the scout team, proved his worth; ahead of his sophomore year, the offensive lineman had earned a scholarship. They came to town to interview everyone and get photographs for the magazine. She agreed, and the night. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts and 11 days later was tragically killed in. The Comfort Inn's scrolling marquee was simple, but also eerie: ``Remember Brandon Burlsworth,'' followed by the time and temperature. I kept thinking Someone needs to make a movie about this guy,' Reindl said. 1. You take the ball and drive it and run almost the same play, sometimes right, sometimes left, but basically the same play and run it down their throat and win the game and dont leave hardly any time on the clock. "I kept coming back to comparisons with Brandon. They (Arkansas) did a good job of game-planning on us. ESPN College GameDay 8-31-19 #WeTrust pic.twitter.com/x3UCtOjLLf, Burlsworth Trophy (@BurlsworthTrust) August 29, 2019. That wouldnt be the case. ESPN NHL Production Coordinator Camille Bova Does it All for the 2023 NHL Stadium Series in Raleigh, N.C. Brandon was a walk on turned All American at the University of Arkansas. 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. Not exactly. Tragically, that never happened. He died in a car crash on April 28, 1999, shortly after he was drafted by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. I pushed Brandon back. 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. "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. "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. It was a legendary drive for sure. 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. Literally. 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. 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. Id never heard it before. . He continued to grow and was a good 6-foot-2, 260 pounds in his senior season. He didnt do it on his own, White said of Stoerners fumble. See production, box office & company info, Well-done and inspiring faith-based movie, Mike & Mike: Episode dated 23 August 2016. Brandon burlsworth car accident details. The football fraternity had great expectations from the talented young man but fate had other plans and he was killed in an accident. "I just wished I'd had the opportunity to have been part of his development. 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. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. Fate intervened. Email him at [emailprotected], Copyright 2023, Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC. Burlsworth 22 a third round draft pick of the indianapolis colts on april 17 was driving on us. 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. Chorus travels for Mississippi performance, Football alumni receive Division II honors, College of Education introduces new course. His heart weighed a good part of that. Why did he have to die when he had everything to live for? The youth center in Harrison, Arkansas . From @RazorbackFB walk-on to All-American, Brandon Burlsworth's story makes him a Razorback to remember. His truck then collided with another tractor-trailer. 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. "Brandon was such a humble person who cared about and respected others," she continued. 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 22-year-old Burlsworth, who had been drafted by the Colts 11 days earlier after earning first-team All-America honors as a fifth-year senior, was involved in a head-on crash with a. Brandon Burlsworth, NFL player. A&P Commission approves funding for robotics Campus Life introduces Cotton Candy Friday. Tice, now the athletic director for Huntsville, said he's never donned another helmet. 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. 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. The Indianapolis Colts wore his initials, BB, on their helmets for the 1999 season. Facebook gives people the power. For more information contact us at [email protected] or visit us at harding.edu/communication. Two months after the accident, Harrison football coach Tommy Tice told Sports Illustrated, "You had to be careful what you told Brandon. Brandon believed whatever his coach, his mother and his preacher told him was right. 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It's an image of how the "farmer" was capturing Marty's soul and he was becoming the "farmers". It was a tough situation. MB: Shortly after the accident, we got a call from a national magazine. He died in a car crash on april 28 1999 shortly after he was drafted by the nfls indianapolis colts. CBS 2's Dana Kozlov reports. Surely, UT head coach Phillip Fulmer called the shots given his background. 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. My mom says that Brandons message comes through. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. Hes in college at Georgia Southern. In The Walk-on, which airs Saturday, College GameDay celebrates the annual ceremony of a walk-on player being rewarded with a scholarship by looking back at Burlsworths impact at Arkansas 25 years ago. Said Fulmer, Anybody that loves football would love that. 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. "I still believe he'd have had become one of the better guards in the NFL," said Mudd. 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. The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Yet Ratliff kept fighting through his injuries to help his teammates. Phillip was saying Weve got to throw it. Accordingly, I was thrilled to get him.". Our opponents are set! After Burslworths death, those close to him created the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation; according to the foundations website, the Christian organizations mission is to support the physical and spiritual needs of children, in particular those who have limited opportunities. **CLICK HERE FOR FOOTAGE OF BRANDON BURLSWORTH IN 1999 ROOKIE CAMP**. 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. Tice said he also called then-Hog head coach Danny Ford and asked him to take a look at Brandon. 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. At the combine, Burlsworth topped all linemen with a 4.88 40-yard dash. He bench pressed 225 pounds 28 times, weighed 308 pounds and measured a slight notch below 6-4. Ratliff pounced on the ball. Q: Brandons life seemed to have incredible highs and lows. "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.". . It became clear that this was a story that would resonate far beyond the state boundaries. 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. 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. Some called the Vols lucky after the Arkansas game. He was traveling to Harrison from Fayetteville to . Sow with action, you reap a habit. Playing on the offensive line is not a "glamour" position, but he was still one of the most popular players on the team. During the Razorbacks football history, plenty of great players have hit the gridiron. John E. Hoover can be . Greater misses key fact. The Burlsworth Trophy has been awarded every year since 2010. 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. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. "We attended the First Assembly in Harrison and Brandon was always there, starting at about 10 years old. Powered by ThinkWeb, THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION'S STUDENT MEDIA NETWORK AT HARDING UNIVERSITY, Faith, Trust and Character: The Life and Legacy of Brandon Burlsworth, Three players lead softball team to terrific start, Track construction nearly complete, ready to host, 22 teams compete in annual pickle ball tournament, Womens and mens tennis teams push through season, Bison baseball kicks off season with five straight wins, Harding softball begins season in Louisiana, Ambassador discusses efforts against human trafficking. Brandon Burlsworth went from freshman walk-on to an All-American at Arkansas before being the Colts' third-round pick in 1999. He went to mini-camp, but was killed a few days . After his time at the University of Arkansas ended, Brandon Burlsworth seemed poised to realize his NFL dreams. Brandon Burlsworth rose from a walk-on to a legitimate player at Arkansas He was already something special, but it would have been something else had he not gone through the injuries he did.. They award eighteen $5,000 academic scholarships, and one $10,000 Walk-0n athletic scholarship each year. The NFL Combine begins next week in Indianapolis and will begin to bring more clarity to how teams around the league rate this year's group of draft-eligible quarterbacks. 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. The storys been told a lot but it probably hasnt reached as many people as you think, he said. Anyone within earshot of Ratliff just moments before heard him call his shot. 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. 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. Im not sure what coach Nutt was thinking about, Ratliff said. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. Cutcliffe called on Henry five consecutive times. Unfortunately, Brandon was tragically killed in a head-on automobile collision just 11 days after the draft." Do it the right way when no one else is looking. Ratliff replaced fellow defensive lineman Jeff Coleman, who was suffering from cramps on the sideline when Ratliffe made history. Inspiring to watch his football and his story change others around him and his journey towards wholeness. The boy was almost 6-foot-4 and tipped the scales at more than 300 pounds. Once his chance, though, Burlsworth seized his opportunity. Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. Dave Hooker started covering Tennessee in 1998. Carrolton ap former arkansas offensive guard brandon burlsworth died in a car crash as he headed home to harrison from fayetteville officials said. With the tragic way he died, how did you make sense of it all? Just days after the draft, tragedy struck. We always beat those guys. 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. 22, who died Wednesday in an automobile accident. He was made to do it. Candidates compete for Searcy mayor as Volleyball finishes record-breaking season at NCAA Thundering Herd welcomes high school guest Megias leads womens cross country team Basketball teams start seasons with high Community organization holds sixth annual Thankfulness Students take advantage of nearby concerts. He earned first-team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998; he was also named a first-team All-American during the 1998 campaign. There was only one problem. The game was essentially over, as were Tennessees national championship hopes. However, he was killed in an automobile accident 11 days after the draft. Eleven days after being drafted, Brandon is killed when he is hit head-on by a tractor trailer. I hope he finds a home on an NFL team, and more than that hope he finds peace. What else could I do? Coach Tice: You know, football's a rough game; it's unpredictable. For people unfamiliar with Brandons story, walk us through his development from your perspective. One "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. 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. 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. Its no surprise that Wilson, who was on the sideline with a torn groin, was leading the charge to get the ball back late in the game. Burlsworth, 22, a third-round draft pick from Arkansas, was killed in a car crash less than a half-hour from home Wednesday. Before he ever hit the gridiron, though, the lineman tragically died in an offseason accident. That has to be the bittersweet part for Ratliff. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. He was the first pick in the third round, the 63rd overall selection. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Burlsworth never got to join the Colts, though. Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson advanced Tuesday to a runoff election as they seek to become the Windy City's next mayor, putting an end to incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot's one-term tenure leading the city amid an unprecedented crime wave.. Who are the two candidates looking to come out on top in the April 4 runoff election?