I struggled with the same things I think everybody does. 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. If it does not offend you, then you should enjoy it. Also not included in the film is that Brandon and Marty also have a brother named Grady. (NWA Media). 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. . He earned first-team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998; he was also named a first-team All-American during the 1998 campaign. However, the player some consider the best walk-on in college football history was tragically killed in a car accident just 11 days later. 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. Burlsworth never got to join the Colts, though. 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 . Brandon burlsworth dies on arkansas highway after head on collision with tractor trailer. 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. Miranda Valles, 21, died in a motorcycle accident over the weekend on I-290. 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. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. But Arkansas was the dream. He was a gentle giant with an instinct to win. What you do in between, determines your legacy, so make sure you give it everything you've got until you hear that whistle. Burlsworth, whose heavy frame and thick, black-rimmed . Carrolton ap former arkansas offensive guard brandon burlsworth died in a car crash as he headed home to harrison from fayetteville officials said. Once his chance, though, Burlsworth seized his opportunity. At Arkansas, the former Harrison High School player became a three-year starter and finished as an All-Southeastern Conference pick and on the Associated Press All-America second team. Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. During the Razorbacks football history, plenty of great players have hit the gridiron. 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. 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. Eleven days after being drafted, Brandon is killed when he is hit head-on by a tractor trailer. ESPN NHL Production Coordinator Camille Bova Does it All for the 2023 NHL Stadium Series in Raleigh, N.C. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. Email him at [emailprotected], Copyright 2023, Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC. Burlsworth was killed 15 miles from home on a road he had traveled for years when his car drifted into the on coming lane. Cover photo of Clint Stoerners fumble courtesy of University of Tennessee Athletics. His story is the subject of movie that debuts Friday calledGreater.. Brandon's vehicle collided with an oncoming 18-wheeler, forcing him to re-enter his lane. 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? However, once Marty stopped listening to him it returned to less detail. Hate to see Desir be the victim lol. Brandon Burlsworth, Indianapolis Colts. 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. Another trait that set Brandon apart was his respectful devotion to doing whatever authority figures asked of him. Click to reveal 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 . 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. 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. Brandon burlsworth car accident details. Burlsworth ran a 40-yard touchdown in 4.88 seconds during the combine, more than any other player. Request more info or view our 3D Seat Viewer below! "Brandon was such a humble person who cared about and respected others," she continued. Brandon Burlsworth rose from a walk-on to a legitimate player at Arkansas ET on ESPN from Sundance Square in Fort Worth, Texas. From @RazorbackFB walk-on to All-American, Brandon Burlsworth's story makes him a Razorback to remember. "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. Playing on the offensive line is not a "glamour" position, but he was still one of the most popular players on the team. Actor Chris Severio as Brandon Burlsworth, wearing his trademark black-rimmed glasses. 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. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. It was apparently a shocker to a few of the reviewers here, but Greater includes some Christian themes in it. It was the type of impression Burlsworth provided with everyone over the three-day camp before heading home. Throughout his football career, Brandon Burlsworth never let adversity stop him from achieving his goals. 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. 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. Departments offer new classes across campus, Student Association hosts first birthday bash. 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. Not exactly. "Then I turned around and the next player I faced was Brandon. 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 Vols won eight consecutive games to start the 1998 season before they hosted Arkansas. 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 foundation encourages a strong faith, character, and sportsmanship, developing positive values, and a life pattern that would exemplify Doing It The Burls Way.. Brandon Burlsworth went from freshman walk-on to an All-American at Arkansas before being the Colts' third-round pick in 1999. 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. "I couldn't stop talking to my wife about how impressive he was and what a bright future he had.". 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. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. Its very possible the two would have had many more epic battles in the NFL. I think about it all the time. Brandon Burlsworth was in a car accident and was announced dead at the scene on April 28, 1999. 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. Coleman had seen the suffering Ratliff had been through. The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. Steichen's creativity and flexibility shined when the Eagles came to Indianapolis in Week 11 of the 2022 season. Brandon burlsworths first act as a wealthy nfl offensive tackle was going to be to buy himself a bigger. Tice also told of a time when he'd become agitated with another lineman during practice and told the team to watch. Before he ever hit the gridiron, though, the lineman tragically died in an offseason accident. You sow a character, you reap a destiny. "We got to know a lot of Colts personnel at training camp. Through the years, we have stayed close.". The Indianapolis Colts wore his initials, BB, on their helmets for the 1999 season. "When Brandon showed up at the rookie camp, he was even better than I thought he'd be," said Mudd. If Arkansas could just run the clock and punt the ball deep, theyd likely upset the top-ranked Vols in Neyland Stadium. 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. Cutcliffe decided to do just that. We had never had a problem with anybody in the SEC but Florida. . I cant imagine losing a child at that age. 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. "It would have been great to see Brandon play, but it wasn't God's plan. That wasn't the way it's supposed to be, and that's what you accept.". During their time of struggle, they came up with the idea for the foundation. 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. 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. All of the sudden I looked down and I see the ball on the ground, Ratliff said. 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. After his death, Burlsworth's #77 became only the second retired number in Razorback football history. All Martin had to do was hand the ball off to running back Travis Henry. Brandon was on his way home from the university of arkansas to pick up his mother and attend church when the accident happened 11. Brandon Burlsworth was the former All-American offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Brandon Burlsworth is perhaps the greatest walk-on in the history of college football. All rights reserved. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. #HistoricHog pic.twitter.com/xBCanCzixz. The story of Brandon Burlsworth, possibly the greatest walk-on in the history of college football.The story of Brandon Burlsworth, possibly the greatest walk-on in the history of college football.The story of Brandon Burlsworth, possibly 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. "He spent (Tuesday) night with Joe Dean Davenport." (Joe Dean later played for the Colts.) Unfortunately, Brandon was tragically killed in a head-on automobile collision just 11 days after the draft. 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. 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. All-American ( 1998) 2 First-team All-SEC ( 1997, 1998) Arkansas Razorbacks No. [3] 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.. He hosts an SEC radio show out of Chattanooga and covers the SEC for Saturday Down South. I know his teammates respected him for the work he put in and his incredible dedication. There was no overlooking those two foes like the Vols might have done against Arkansas. Burlsworth 22 a third round draft pick of the indianapolis colts on april 17 was driving on us. Its hard not to imagine what kind of player Ratliff would have been had he not been injured so often. 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. 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. We support responsible gambling. Suddenly, the Vols had the ball in Arkansas territory with time to mount a more conventional drive. 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. Safety Fred White didnt see it that way. It was meant to be.. Rivers and Steichen worked together with the Chargers, while Turner gave Steichen his first opportunity in the NFL. 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 . Fate intervened. The Colts also announced all members of the team will have a special decal on their helmets in a tribute to Burlsworth. 'Burls Kids' is a program where youngsters attend Colts and Razorbacks games, and the foundation conducts camps and prep football awards. Barbara and Marty came to training camp in advance of the Buffalo opener. 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. When the 1999 NFL draft rolled around, the Indianapolis Colts made the linemans dreams a reality and selected him with the 63rd-overall pick. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. More than. The now-retired Mudd could be forgiven if he could not remember Burlsworth vividly. 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. 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. 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. The Comfort Inn's scrolling marquee was simple, but also eerie: ``Remember Brandon Burlsworth,'' followed by the time and temperature. Turns out, that conversation was all for naught thanks to Billy Ratliff. In fact, Ed, who works for FedEx in Harrison and has three children, even named his oldest son after Brandon. HEATHER NICHOLS, Everton, Ark. You want to hear from the pertinent voices, the people that were closely involved and related to Brandon played with him, coached him and raised him. Stoerner lost his grip as he seemingly laid the ball on the ground. 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). 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. Brandon was a walk on turned All American at the University of Arkansas. Though Burlsworths story is not new, Budman felt that he should approach the story, with reporter Tom Rinaldi, as if every viewer was learning about it for the first time. 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 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. After minicamp, he was projected by his coaches to start as a rookie. He became very active in the youth group. He wanted to buy mom a nice house. 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. Sure enough, it happened. Were going to get the ball back.. You like to see those kinds of things happen in sports. | 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. By what name was Greater (2016) officially released in India in English? The youth center in Harrison, Arkansas . 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. He was selected in the third round of the 1999 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He wanted to help underprivileged kids with his NFL money. Sad to see the pain still inside him. 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. It was tough. His truck then collided with another tractor-trailer. However, the player some consider the best walk-on in college football history was tragically killed in a car accident just 11 days later. MB: Brandon was revered pretty quickly for the obstacles that he overcame. We dont have to understand it -- BUT we do have the choice of how we react to it. Please enjoy the peak of my journalistic career. 22, who died Wednesday in an automobile accident. His heart weighed a good part of that. As of the 2020 census the population stood at 128. (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. . 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. He was already something special, but it would have been something else had he not gone through the injuries he did.. After college he became a third-round pick of the Colts. BURLSWORTH, 22, a third-round draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts on April 17, was driving on U.S. 412 when he became involved in . During his junior and senior years, his work ethic and focus really kicked in. Good fortune was certainly on the Vols side against Arkansas. He made close friends with Ed Robinson, who was a bit older. 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. Until that point in the game, he had his way with the Vols, including Ratliff. Sow with action, you reap a habit. Weve got to throw it. I said No, were going to run it every down and we ran the football right down their throat.. The accident occurred near Alpena, Arkansas, while returning to his old neighborhood. 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." The coach said he managed to get back to his feet, still surrounded by the team. 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. He never got there, dying in. Cast [ edit] His life and career, however, ended in tragedy rather than triumph. 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. We always beat those guys. He was on his heels and I was like, Im not going to stop pushing.'.