Said Martin, It was really good for us as a team to win in the fashion we won. Burlsworth was killed 15 miles from home on a road he had traveled for years when his car drifted into the on coming lane. He wanted to help underprivileged kids with his NFL money. After college he became a third-round pick of the Colts. 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. All of the sudden I looked down and I see the ball on the ground, Ratliff said. We're going to be fine.' The Harrison, Arkansas, native walked on and became a three-year starter, All-American and NFL Draft pick. "I couldn't stop talking to my wife about how impressive he was and what a bright future he had.". 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. The boy was almost 6-foot-4 and tipped the scales at more than 300 pounds. Every place starts with a cadence and ends with a whistle. 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. I hope he finds a home on an NFL team, and more than that hope he finds peace. "I kept coming back to comparisons with Brandon. Life itself, squeezed into 60 minutes in 100 yards. Until that point in the game, he had his way with the Vols, including Ratliff. Chorus travels for Mississippi performance, Football alumni receive Division II honors, College of Education introduces new course. https://t.co/UV3TEAGddV, Danielle Lerner (@danielle_lerner) August 29, 2019, @espn Amazing photo and article. His life and career, however, ended in tragedy rather than triumph. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation will be honoring Kevin Scanlon of Stephens Inc. with the 2023 Legends Award. While Ratliffs NFL future was never a realistic option because of his myriad injuries, Burlsworth had an incredibly bright future ahead of him. Its namesake was an Arkansas offensive lineman from 1995 to 1998. 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. Brandon's Arkansas coach Houston Nutt told Sports Illustrated, "He always did everything exactly right, and I've never known anyone to work as hard.". 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. 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. 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. Throughout his football career, Brandon Burlsworth never let adversity stop him from achieving his goals. 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 . [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. As of the 2020 census the population stood at 128. Burlsworth 22 a third round draft pick of the indianapolis colts on april 17 was driving on us. All rights reserved. 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. He was killed in a car accident just days after the 1999 NFL Draft. "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. Brandon doesn't start out with all . Coleman had seen the suffering Ratliff had been through. 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. "Through the years, we have stayed close. We're very appreciative of Mr. Irsay and the bond his organization has with us. My mother always has gotten a Colts Christmas card. We've kept a feeling of being a part of Brandon's team.". He loved the sport, though, and worked his way to all-state honors by the time he graduated. Carrolton (AP) - Former Arkansas offensive guard BRANDON BURLSWORTH died in a car crash as he headed home to Harrison from Fayetteville, officials said. They (Arkansas) did a good job of game-planning on us. 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? He became a three-year starter and was eventually named an All-American in 1998. Brandon burlsworths first act as a wealthy nfl offensive tackle was going to be to buy himself a bigger. "We got to know a lot of Colts personnel at training camp. Through the years, we have stayed close.". All rights reserved. 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. That defined the Tennessee offense that year, Cutcliffe said. (NWA Media). "If God ever made the perfect person, it was that guy," said then teammate Sacha Lancaster to Sport Illustrated. 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. 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. At the end of summer, he weighed 311 pounds, yet the draft hopeful could dunk a basketball with both hands from a standing start. Considering the medical issues, an NFL career wasnt likely in the works. Tee came off the field and Billy told him, Hey man, dont put your helmet away. Brandon said, 'Yes, sir.' Hereof, what year did Brandon Burlsworth die? Burlsworth, 22, a third-round draft pick from Arkansas, was killed in a car crash less than a half-hour from home Wednesday. It was all inner-him -- all inner-drive. 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. He didnt just lay the ball on the ground. Marty Burlsworth: Brandon had entered high school early, so he graduated at 17 years old and was still growing. This book is the inspiring biography of a local boy who makes good. Recently, I did a Q&A with his older brother Marty, who was instrumental in Brandons life. 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. 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 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 . He didnt do it on his own, White said of Stoerners fumble. "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." 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. Named an All-American in 1998, he was drafted in 1999 by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round 11 days before being killed in a vehicular accident. 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." They were winning the whole game, really. I knew nothing of Brandons story, said Budman. Steichen's creativity and flexibility shined when the Eagles came to Indianapolis in Week 11 of the 2022 season. 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. What else could I do? We do not target any individuals under the age of 21. While the pain of losing Brandon always will be with her and the Burlsworth family, Barbara said she's also come to recognize a larger and mysterious divine plan in all that Brandon's indomitable spirit achieved during his brief lifetime. 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. That was one of those plays that had to happen. Since 2010, the Burlsworth Trophy has been handed out to the best player in college football who started his career as a walk-on. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks Football Team from 1995 to 1998. . Steichen called plays for the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Brandon Burlsworth went from freshman walk-on to an All-American at Arkansas before being the Colts' third-round pick in 1999. 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. Brandon Burlsworth was the former All-American offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks. The movie really addressed the question of why bad things happen to good people, Hansen said. University announces student survey results, new Track construction nearly complete, ready to Whataburger celebrates beginning construction on Searcy Harding hosts Arkansas National History Day Students visit historic Little Rock Central Students plan to attend upcoming mission ASI continues distinguished lecture series with Harding to host annual womens conference, Breaking out: University introduces breakout chapels, Construction on Berryhill Park courts continues. 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. 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. MB: We want them to know that bad things can and will happen. Your IP: 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. The offensive guard had been named an All-American and a two-time All-SEC First Team player. That wouldnt be the case. I have a son right now that just turned 22. 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 a guy who could have been from anywhere. He made close friends with Ed Robinson, who was a bit older. Marty Burlsworth said his brother always remembered where he came from and wanted to help kids in similar situations to his. 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. 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. 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. 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.. Q: I remember hearing how as a high school sophomore that Brandon didnt look anything like a future SEC player. 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 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.". 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. 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 . Eleven days after being the 63rd pick in the draft, Burlsworth. While his tragic death may have ended his football career, it didnt stop the linemans ability to change the world. Turns out, that conversation was all for naught thanks to Billy Ratliff. You sow a character, you reap a destiny. "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.". We reviewed several different scripts over the years, and we also reviewed any revisions that were made of significance. The comment about the carving is true, but the imagery of the piece is a little deeper. Now, you can't control who your mom and daddy is, but you can control how hard you work. We had never had a problem with anybody in the SEC but Florida. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. There were times when he was almost late to games because he would never turn a kid down for an autograph or anything.. For fans of the Arkansas Razorbacks, Burlsworth has been a household name for years. Sad to see the pain still inside him. After his time at the University of Arkansas ended, Brandon Burlsworth seemed poised to realize his NFL dreams. "He listened, then just did it," said Tice. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production.
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