Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 – April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American.

Who was Brandon Burlsworth fiance?

He started as a walk-on and grew to the anchor of the offensive line. He was preparing to marry Heather Nichols. Burlsworth's hometown preacher, the Rev. Arlis Thrasher, said the couple was to have spent Saturday picking out wedding rings.

Was Brandon Burlsworth good person?

"He went from nothing to something," Lucas said of the way Burlsworth earned that respect. "He just accomplished a whole lot. He was well-respected because of the way he carried himself -- he carried himself extremely well off the field as well as on the field.

Did the Colts pay Brandon Burlsworth family?

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.

Was Brandon Burlsworth religious?

Brandon Burlsworth was known for always playing to the whistle. The movie shows how Burlsworth was ever devout in his Christian faith and always respectful.

The heartbreaking story of the greatest walk-on ever, Brandon Burlsworth | College GameDay

What caused Brandon Burlsworth accident?

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. After returning to its lane briefly, the car crossed the center line again and hit a second tractor-trailer.

What religion is in the movie greater?

There's a great deal of Christian content in this film. It can perhaps best be summarized by saying that Brandon's unwavering faith deeply informs everything he does, while his brother's faltering faith after Brandon's death is something he grapples with mightily. Brandon has deep trust in God.

Who was the old man in Greater?

It's then that Marty and Brandon's long-estranged father, Leo (MICHAEL PARKS), an alcoholic former musician, tries to get back into their and Barbara's lives, but Marty does his best to protect his younger brother, what with being 17 years older than him and often mistaken for being his father.

How true is the movie greater?

Unlike most cinematic adaptations, “Greater” had to do very little to embellish the story. The film is meticulously modeled after the true life story of the former walk-on from Harrison, Arkansas. Often times in death, we idolize individuals in an enhanced way beyond what they truly represented in life.

What happened to Marty Burlsworth?

On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. Eleven days later he passed on attending a Razorback ring presentation ceremony to drive to his hometown to take his mom to church. On the way there, Burlsworth died an unthinkable death that shook the entire state.

Who is the most famous Arkansas football player?

• 4 / 11. Joe Ferguson, QB. ...
• 5 / 11. Dave Hanner, DT. ...
• 6 / 11. R.C. Thielemann, G/C. ...
• 7 / 11. Barry Foster, RB. ...
• 8 / 11. Pat Summerall, DE/K. ...
• 9 / 11. Steve Atwater, DB. ...
• 10 / 11. Dan Hampton, DE/DT. ...
• 11 / 11. Lance Alworth, WR.

How old was Brandon Burlsworth when he passed away?

Tragically, at the age of 22, 10 days after the draft, he was killed in a car accident on April 28th, 1999 while on his way home from the University of Arkansas to attend church with his mom.

Is greater available on Netflix?

Fifteen years later -- and four years since its debut in theaters -- Reindl is still working to promote Greater, the movie he produced and co-wrote with director David Hunt. On Tuesday, it became available on Netflix, the video streaming giant that has more than 60 million subscribers in the U.S.

What does Marty Burlsworth do for a living?

Marty is active in his church, volunteers with coaching his sons and is the CEO, Chairman & Founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation. The foundation is best known for the “Burls Kids” program seen at every home Arkansas Razorback and Indianapolis Colts football game.

Who won the Burlsworth Trophy?

FAYETTEVILLE — Pittsburgh center Jimmy Morrissey won the Burlsworth Trophy on Monday as the best college football player who began his career as a walk-on. Morrissey won the award over two other finalists, receiver Dax Milne of BYU and linebacker Grant Morgan of Arkansas.

Did Brandon Burlsworth have an open casket?

It ended with Burlsworth smiling and embracing his mother after being drafted. The service was held before a closed casket that was adorned by dozens of photographs and football mementos, including a framed No. 66 Colts jersey and an Indianapolis helmet autographed by various players.

Does Arkansas Tech have a football team?

2021 Football Schedule - Arkansas Tech University Athletics.

Who was the guy whittling at the end of greater?

Brandon through faith and work proves himself. The present part of the film shows us Martin Burlsworth, Brandon's older brother by 17 years. He is struggling with his faith. A whittling farmer (Nick Searcy) is cast as a faith antagonist because film makers believe they must have one to create a message.

Who is the woodcarver in the movie greater?

But hey, it's a football movie, and these sequences help provide insight into Brandon's personality. I could have done without the woodcarver (played beautifully by Nick Searcy, “Moneyball”) who tries to talk Marty out of his faith, as well as some unnecessarily ham-fisted moments foreshadowing doom.

Is the Netflix Movie greater based on a true story?

Faith and determination transform a talentless football player at the University of Arkansas into an All-American in this inspiring true story.

What was Brandon Burlsworth nickname?

"Cheesecake." "Lunchbox." "Walk-on." The late Brandon Burlsworth endured some cruel nicknames until he reached success as an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Then those names changed to the likes of "Scholarship," "All-American" and "Good Kid."

What is the message of the movie Greater?

Faith-based messages throughout relate to dealing with both achievement and tragedy. Based on the true story of Brandon Burlsworth, the main character is portrayed as loving, hardworking, accepting of others, and devoted to his faith. He's an excellent example of glory earned rather than given.

How much did Brandon Burlsworth weigh in high school?

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. At the end of summer, he weighed 311 pounds, yet the draft hopeful could dunk a basketball with both hands from a standing start.