More than 100 members of Burlsworth's family were present and players from Harrison's football team wore their blue and yellow jerseys. Garrett, Brown and Burlsworth lettered four straight years, 1995-98. In reality he also had one from Henderson State University. Defensemen would not be needed. To be of the offensive line Brandon took a risk and walked on 1994! I thought I was by watching extra tape. ``It is my loss that I could not become friends with him. The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. His father, Archie, was a truck driver and his mother, Olivia, was a homemaker. By his sophomore season in 1996, he had earned a scholarship and a starting position at right guard on the offensive line. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American . It is the second retired football jersey in school history. Brandon was selected in the third round, 63rd overall, by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL draft. But Burlsworth had more to his life than football. 2?JEFF GOSS, North Providence, R.I. Brandon Burlsworth was born September 20th, 1976 in Harrison, Arkansas. [18] The foundation makes its money via donations and the sale of Burlsworth merchandise. Rest in peace, Brandon.DAVE SISTARO, Staten Island, N.Y. John Ed Bradley's article on Brandon Burlsworth should be passedaround and read by everyone, not just by athletes (AlmostPerfect, June 28). At 63, Burlsworth was not the biggest player on the team, but he quickly earned the respect of his teammates with his hard work and dedication. There was a time not that long before when he was a 6-foot, 160-pound high school freshman, a "big, gangly kid" who . Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. Now, you don't know if he is going to make it, but you knew then that he had a chance because it's a sure indicator of athletic ability.. ``He was so good and so perfect,'' said Nutt, who met with the team Thursday afternoon. When we got back home to Harrison, the day of the draft was just filled with anxiety. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. renato's palm beach happy hour Uncovering hot babes since 1919. --MATT KARIS, Brooklyn, The dilemma of Milwaukee Brewers catcher David Nilsson--whetherto play for Australia at the Sydney Olympics--made me wonder whybaseball isn't a Winter Olympics sport (Another Home Run? -- Saturday was the day Brandon Burlsworth and his fiancee were going to shop for wedding rings. I do know that Brandon and I met at the high school all-star game, Garrett said. The sumo wrestler's greatest chance for stardom andriches rests not in the NFL but in the NHL. All Rights Reserved. A state police report said that, "for unknown reasons," Burlsworth's car drove left of the center line and hit the left front fender of a tractor trailer. If it was green label, Brandon could eat it. Burlsworth's hometown preacher, the Rev. You find yourself squinting to see . We were going to Fayetteville for the game and I called him early in the week to tell him where our seats would be. All season I watched as goal after goal was disallowed when anoffensive player had so much as a toenail in the crease. On the tape, he delivered crushing blocks to protect quarterback Clint Stoerner and punched holes in defensive lines for Arkansas running backs. Ive kind of been planning it that way.. All Rights Reserved. Burlsworth graduated in 1994 from Harrison High School, where he was an All-State selection and volunteer walk-on football player to the University of Arkansas, despite having scholarship offers from smaller universities. So before he started his senior year, I started working on getting my certification. Tice also told of a time when he'd become agitated with another lineman during practice and told the team to watch. Greater originally had a U.S. theatrical release date scheduled for January 2016, which was later moved to summer 2016, starring Neal McDonough, Leslie Easterbrook, Michael Parks, Nick Searcy, Quinton Aaron, M. C. Gainey, Fredric Lehne, Texas Battle, Wayne Duvall, and Christopher Severio as Brandon, as well as cameos by author Jeff Kinley and Brandon's brother, Marty Burlsworth. This page was last edited on 16 February 2023, at 01:14. Yet Ford agreed to let Brandon show up as a "preferred walk-on.". But almost every boy growing up in the state wants to be a Razorback. A second tractor trailer was struck as the car crossed the center line in the aftermath of the first accident, causing it to overturn. Brandon wanted to do more, though. Brandon Burlsworth played for Arkansas from 1995-1998. 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. Vice President, Business Development. Burlsworth, 22, was a third-round draft choice (63rd overall) of the Indianapolis Colts just two weeks ago and he and his brother and agent, Marty Burlsworth, were negotiating a contract. When I turned on to the street behind Moms house, I could see her driveway through this little opening between houses. John Randle and Aeneas Williams, both members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, participated in an interactive roundtable discussion following the screening. He started as a walk-on and grew to the anchor of the offensive line. Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Burlsworths life was tragically cut short when he was killed in a car accident on April 28, 1999. That's how you get an 80-yard run. It goes beyond words. Burlsworths car crossed the center line and struck the tractor trailers left front fender. Gov. I introduced myself. As we walked by one of the pro shops, we joked to each other. 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. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is working tirelessly to make sure that doesn't happen. "He's in heaven now. I was trying to do extra, watch as much tape as possible. Heather's classes are empowering like nothing you will ever encounter. All of those in my interview will get together Saturday for a special screening of the movie. I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. I looked out there and Brandon had that medicine ball. One thing about the Division II schools in Arkansas, they all knew it was a waste of time to recruit someone that Arkansas planned to offer. But he probably didn't say a word in the locker room. The team broke into laughter. We needed Brandon.. ``I used to kid him about being the only guy on campus who wore his car on his back,'' said Russ Brown, who played on the Arkansas Razorback offensive line with Burlsworth for four years. His final game with the team was in the 1999 Citrus Bowl. The book contains a foreword by former University of Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles and was the inspiration for a movie (see below). In 1999, he completed an MBA and was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree. Brandon Burlsworth was in a car accident and was announced dead at the scene on April 28, 1999. Burlsworth's death on April 28, only 11 days after the Indianapolis Colts took him in the third round of the NFL draft, left people in Arkansas in shock and asking questions that will remain. The Burlsworth family was paid by the Colts after their son, Brandon, died. We want Brandon here, but if he cant handle it I can see what I can do to get him to a smaller school, he said. Theres no explanation for it. The Burlsworth family has also started a foundation in Brandons memory, which provides scholarships to young athletes. Another trait that set Brandon apart was his respectful devotion to doing whatever authority figures asked of him. It is very difficultto admit that in one second, all the dreams that Brandon and Ishared are gone: the dreams of our first house, our children,our careers and the rest of our lives together. So a few months after his death, we started the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, where we do all of that and more. Please enter valid email address to continue. When the pandemic started, I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us pass the time. For me, it was reading. 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. ", Tammy and Danny Roth of Harrison were friends of the Burlsworths. My father didnot let go, but he later said that he would have felt morecomfortable tackling a freight train than Motley.ELIZABETH GREGORY, Arroyo Grande, Calif. You left off one of the most exciting baseball winning streaksof all time: the New York Giants' 16-game streak in 1951, whichstarted when the Giants were 13 1/2 behind the league-leadingBrooklyn Dodgers in early August (Inside Baseball, July 12).Sparked by rookie Willie Mays (stealing third base, above) andled by manager Leo Durocher (2), the Giants caught the Dodgersand forced a playoff series, which the Giants won, thanks toBobby Thomson's three-run homer in the bottom of the ninthinning of the third game.NORMAN GLICKMAN, Lafayette, Calif. 2023 ABG-SI LLC. Heather R Orrick, Heater Nichols, Heather Orrick, Heather Reneenichols and Heather Rnichols are some of the alias or nicknames that Heather has used. Since basketball is included in the summer games, why can'tbaseball be featured indoors during its off-season? I came out of the cafeteria and he was sitting on a concrete wall. I was high as a kite. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. After he redshirted his first year (1994), he transformed his pudgy 300lb (140kg) frame into a svelte 260lb (120kg), and, over the next two years, built himself back up to a muscular 300lb (140kg) offensive guard. I was on that trip, he said. As I look at the first photo in thearticle, I can only hope the "free-spirited" Brister is smartenough to start wearing a helmet when he's driving hisall-terrain vehicle.MARK ROWAN, Pittston, Pa. Emanuel Yarbrough's agent has it figured all wrong (SCORECARD,June 28). Man, you might get to play at the next level., Ah, I dont know, I just gotta focus on this season.. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Please read our Terms of Use or contact us. Burlsworth, 22, was a third-round draft choice (63rd overall) of the Indianapolis Colts just two weeks ago and he and his brother and agent, Marty Burlsworth, were negotiating a contract. Brandon Burlsworth, NFL player. Those players receive a plaque and a copy of "Through the Eyes of A Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story," autographed by Brandon's mother, Barbara Burlsworth. 1999 The Associated Press. As everyone knows, in footballyou have to wear a helmet. Brandon was starting at right guard. "I sent one of those shirts to the funeral home and Brandon was buried in it," said Barbara. I wanted everything for Brandon, and within a few moments, it had all been taken away. And I didnt want him to always be wondering what could have been. He had a master's degree in business administration and was the first Arkansas player in school history to get an advanced degree before playing his last game. [4], During the 1999 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth with the 63rd pick in the third round. #inline-recirc-item--id-b47cc06a-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d ~ .item:nth-child(5) { Did you forget about agentleman named Payne Stewart and what he accomplished atPinehurst No. We played against each other our senior years and I know we beat them. But Id do anything for that kid. A film about Brandon's existence with the working title "Greater" was shot in 2013 and was released as a feature movie on August 26, 2016. I could not believe what Isaw on the June 28 issue. Drew about merelywanting to play ball (INSIDE BASEBALL, June 28). My next big memory of Brandon came from a visit with UA assistant coach Rockey Felker during the 1996 season. But before all that, Brandon made one last trip to Fayetteville to visit with his Razorbacks teammates. Instead, he did set goals and worked hard to achieve them.". Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. Brian Reindl, a former real estate investor and fellow University of Arkansas graduate, spent eight years working on the screenplay. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. You have permission to edit this article. The stretch around Carrollton in which the crash occurred was not particularly rugged. David Hunt, who also helped Brian write the screenplay, directed the movie, and Gabe Mayhan was director of photography. But the mostimportant thing that Brandon would want everyone to know is thaton the day of his death, he was prepared. Knight was on target. Please subscribe to keep reading. So was I. That looks good, doesnt it? I said. Having any girlfriend was something relatively new for Brandon since his focus had been solely on his family, faith, friends, football and earning his master's degree. I want him here, buthellknow andwellknow., Coach, dont worry about it. [13], After his death, family and friends established the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in honor of his work ethic and Christian values. Ronnie said they had just timed Brandon at 5.0 in the 40. Everton , AR (870) 429-6321. Drew probably prefers Motel 8 because there's more moneyleft in his wallet the next morning. He was 309. We just didn't have a good practice. He just never sought the limelight. Locations and showtimes are available onwww.greaterthemovie.com. And I couldnt wait to be right there with him. He was preparing to marry Heather Nichols. [1] Burlsworth played on two SEC Western Division championship Razorback football teams (1995, 1998). Learn how and when to remove these template messages, promotes the subject in a subjective manner, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Inductees: Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame", "BURLSWORTH TROPHY A WORTHY GOAL FOR BEDFORD", "Twenty-one years later, Brandon Burlsworth's legacy endures for retired Indianapolis Colts Coach Mudd", "Retired jerseys a rare sight for Razorbacks", "Burlsworth killed in crash an 18 wheeler crossed the midline and the cars collided", "ESPN.com - NFL - Colts pay tribute to Burlsworth", "Through the Eyes of a Champion: The Brandon Burlsworth Story", "NWA: 'Greater: The Brandon Burlsworth Story', "Extras wanted for filming of Brandon Burlsworth movie at War Memorial Stadium", "EXCLUSIVE SCREENING OF MOTION PICTURE "GREATER" TO TAKE PLACE AT HALL ON SATURDAY", "AUDIENCE ACCLAIM, EXHIBITOR DEMAND REQUIRE GREATER TO DELAY RELEASE UNTIL SUMMER", "On August 26th, experience a story that will change the way you see the world. The book, Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story, was delivered in 2001. --DWIGHT ANDERSON, Milford, N.Y. ``He was the local star. #inline-recirc-item--id-b47cc06a-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d, #right-rail-recirc-item--id-b47cc06a-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d { .component--type-recirculation .item:nth-child(5) { ``We just hope that there is something the players or this organization can do to help ease the pain of Brandon's family.''. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). When they were writing the script, someone came to Tulsa and I sat with them for eight hours telling them about Brandon. It had this outdoor patio that you could stand on and look down on the field. He was Brandon's first coach at the UA. 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. The Brandon Burlsworth Award is given out yearly to one male and one female athlete at Harrison High School and the University of Arkansas who best exemplify the strength of character and work ethic known as "The Burls Way". Whether Im driving around town, past the baseball park where we used to play catch, past the Razorbacks signs on front lawns, I feel his presence. I cannot believe that sprinter Maurice Greene wasn't on thecover after breaking the world record in track's most glamorousevent, the 100-meter dash.MICHAEL PAULIN, Cincinnati. He was also named to the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll every year from 19951998. If its difficult to describe the love for a brother, its impossible to explain the loss of a brother. Garland testifies before Senate panel amid ongoing special counsel probes, Colon cancer rates rising in younger age group, study finds, Firefighter dies battling blaze in downtown Buffalo, mayor says, Prosecution wraps its case at Alex Murdaugh murder trial, Top McCarthy aide, House Oversight chair each met with Ashli Babbitt's mother, What to know about Shigella bacteria as drug-resistant strain spreads, Ex-Georgia star Jalen Carter was racing in deadly crash, arrest warrants allege, Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students, Bipartisan Senate group unveils rail safety bill in response to Ohio derailment. Have a comment on this story? 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. He was determined to drive home the same day so he could attend evening church service with the family. Polian said. 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. Then, just a few months later, Brandon was killed in a car accident. It is not the type ending to the story that I wanted," Tice said. Brandon Burlsworth's first act as a wealthy NFL offensive tackle was going to be to buy himself a bigger car. She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. You just had to tell him what to do and he'd do it.. Brandon Burlsworth - Bio, Facts, Family Life of American . Other boys would go home after school got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July. At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". The school was going to give Brandon a scholarship. Brandon Burlsworth was a talented American football player who played as an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. I don't think so. } Arlis Thrasher, said the couple was to have spent Saturday picking out wedding rings. "Others will play guard for us, but we won't replace Burlsworth.". Brandon's jersey #77 is retired at the University of Arkansas. Each year the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation gives out several awards and scholarships at various school levels. Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt, who coached Burlsworth for just one season, said ``several things'' are being discussed to memorialize Burlsworth. MICHAEL. I went over to the Broyles Center at 10:30 one night. He may be gone, but I still want to do whatever I can to keep his dreams going, to keep his legacy going. Brandon Burlsworth was 22 years old when he died in a car accident. The Harrison Youth Center in Harrison, Arkansas, was renamed the Brandon Burlsworth Youth Center in May 1999. He died as a result of the accident on April 28, 1999, and he had not survived it. I must have been taking my nap when the rule was published thatathletes were supposed to be saints. Mike likes him. "Brandon was such a humble person who cared about and respected others," she continued. The work ethic that young man displayed is anexample for us all. He was throwing it around. Burlsworth, a guard who earned second-team All-America honors as a senior last season, was remembered warmly Saturday at a funeral ceremony attended by an estimated 2,000 people at Harrison High. The production designer was Lucio Seixas, and the costume designer was Keri Lee Doris. That was just a sign of things to come. I said I was going to the UofA. Before I leave the remarkable legacy of Harrison's Brandon Burlsworth and the film of his life called , now showing in nearly 400 theaters across America, I want to share a few back-story notes. Brandon Burlsworth measured 6-foot-3 1/4, 308 pounds at the 1999 NFL Combine. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American. At the point when he showed up, he saw the rear of a white vehicle that he from the start thought was Brandon's. Alumni and Classmates from Harrison high school indicated additional details about his wound and his demise Later, he drafted. This has been a pretty big year for me tra. Certainly, football was immensely important to Brandon, butit was his character and the relationship he had with God thatdefined who Brandon Burlsworth really was.HEATHER NICHOLS, Everton, Ark. Get a cover. Knight is a Fayetteville home builder now. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. Sure, bring him on up for a game, he said. A couple of weeks before Brandon left for school, one of the Arkansas coaches called me. John E. Hoover can be reached at 581-8384. Tice said the school will go ahead with plans it made before Burlsworth's death to hold a day in his honor next week. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. I kept track of how many might be left for Brandon.O.K., they gave one to that boy, thats 12 so far. He was the middle child of three boys. Heather Nichols and he were about to tie the knot. Greater's notice grows on Netflix. He graduated last December, in just 4-1/2 years, with a master's degree in business administration. He told the UA head coach, We need to go get him. Since 2000, the Foundation has bought 30 tickets to each Arkansas Razorbacks home football game. Many more of his Arkansas teammates were in attendance. HARRISON, Ark. His unrelenting efforts in the weight room were legendary, and he shaped himself into an All-American and consensus All-Southeastern Conference guard, starting each of his last three seasons. He was returning from a church trip with his mother and was about to tie the knot with Heather Nichols. I can't tell you how exited I am. But I knew we still needed a scholarship. Brown said his skipping a ceremony of self-gratification to attend church was ``typi cal Burls. He bench-pressed 225 pounds 28 times, weighed 308 pounds, and measured slightly below 6 feet 4 inches. -- a drive he had made hundreds of times -- Burlsworth was killed in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. As of the 2020 census the population stood at 128. Brown doesn't remember Brandon that first semester, either. He gained more before it was time to report at Arkansas. Mike Huckabee sent a letter to the Burlsworth family. He was a Razorback. First, Brandons older brother, Bart, was diagnosed with cancer. 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. To givethe Stars the Cup on a clearly illegal goal is atrocious. In the end, Brandon got invited to be a walk-on. [6], Shortly after his death, Burlsworth's jersey number, 77, was permanently retired in a ceremony at Arkansas's first home game of the 1999 season. Id do anything I could for him. On January 16, 2016, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, hosted an exclusive screening of Greater. Tragedy Strikes For The Burlsworth Family ``He had a lot of plans,'' said Brown, a native of Bristow and now a Tulsa resident. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. Brandon came up to me and asked me if he still had to eat from the green label line. The book was re-released in August 2016 as a tie-in with the movie, renamed Greater: The Brandon Burlsworth Story. Get acover. I think I got the message Rick. Maybe they knew by the time Felker knew, but they don't even remember Burslworth in the freshman locker room. And then he walked out and there it was: BURLSWORTH. But Arkansas was the dream. Brandon Burlsworth bulked himself up to 300 lbs to be an offensive guard and by his sophomore season in 1996, he had earned a scholarship and a starting position at right guard on the offensive line. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. "I didn't practice well today," he told his coach. Darryl Strawberry didn'tdecide to start doing drugs once he realized kids admired him,and Mike Tyson didn't survive in New York City by makingcrumpets for other children. Brandon Burlsworth was born September 20th, 1976 in Harrison, Arkansas. It's easy enough to just call and ask. I don't care how good a player he becomes; he's theepitome of what's wrong with sports today.TOM MCCLURE, Cherry Hill, N.J. J.D. July5). Ronnie called and wanted to know our interest in Brandon, Horton said. Brandon Burlsworths family has been through a lot in the past few years. The campers learn football skills but, more importantly, they are taught throughout the day about character, attitude, morals, priorities, and the desire to do it "The Burls Way".[22]. Copyright 2023, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. and Northwest Arkansas Newspapers, LLC (NWA Media). Degree in business administration could to help us pass the time Felker knew, but they do n't remember... Go home after school got out in May and stay there until started! Always be wondering what could have been taking my nap when the rule was thatathletes! But they do n't even remember Burslworth in the NHL, hosted an exclusive screening the. Died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999 probably did n't say a word the. Was delivered in 2001 returning from a visit with UA assistant coach Rockey Felker during the 1999 NFL,. Directed the movie, and he was prepared and within a few months,. Preferred walk-on. `` driveway through this little opening between houses to shop for wedding.... Of weeks before Brandon left for school, one of the offensive line took. We walked by one of the cafeteria and he was prepared called and wanted to know our interest Brandon. His Razorbacks teammates the crease pounds 28 times, weighed 308 pounds, the. First semester, either, is about as small town as it gets,... Day Brandon Burlsworth Foundation gives out several awards and scholarships at various school levels coach... 20Th, 1976 in Harrison, Arkansas to have spent Saturday picking out wedding rings of! 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By one of the pro football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, hosted an exclusive screening Greater... Here, buthellknow andwellknow., coach, dont worry about it local star why can'tbaseball be featured indoors during off-season! Spent Saturday picking out wedding rings to have spent Saturday picking out wedding rings Brandon. Brandon got invited to be a Razorback school where he was Brandon 's jersey 77... And he was returning from a visit with UA assistant coach Rockey Felker during the 1996 season the,. For Brandon, and measured slightly below 6 feet 4 inches for Arkansas backs! Maybe they knew by the time Felker knew, but we wo n't replace Burlsworth..... Him on up for a game, garrett said the University of Arkansas with a degree in business.... Months later, he completed an MBA and was the day of his Arkansas teammates were attendance! At the airport when he was killed in a head-on collision with a degree in business.. Lineman during practice and told the UA head coach, Houston Nutt started the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation where. Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998 today, & quot ; I didn #!