He was the first pick in the third round, the 63rd overall selection. Some called the Vols lucky after the Arkansas game. He wanted to buy mom a nice house. "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.". . Good fortune was certainly on the Vols side against Arkansas. Coleman recalled seeing Ratliff, who was over 300 pounds, dunk a basketball with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. However, he was killed in an automobile accident 11 days after the draft. The Indianapolis Colts wore his initials, BB, on their helmets for the 1999 season. 22, who died Wednesday in an automobile accident. ESPN College GameDay 8-31-19 #WeTrust pic.twitter.com/x3UCtOjLLf, Burlsworth Trophy (@BurlsworthTrust) August 29, 2019. A rookie mini-camp was held days after the draft. When publicity photos were taken, the lights in a confined photo area cast reflections that made the picture impossible. The movie really addressed the question of why bad things happen to good people, Hansen said. Brandon, Marty's younger brother by 16 years, was tragically killed in an auto accident on April 28, 1999 . "When Brandon showed up at the rookie camp, he was even better than I thought he'd be," said Mudd. Our opponents are set! 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. Brandon doesn't start out with all . 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. I love that, whether its as (a former) lineman or just a person that likes sports. After college he became a third-round pick of the Colts. '"I told him how much it would mean to them to receive that message from him.". By what name was Greater (2016) officially released in India in English? After walking on, Burlsworth became an All-American and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts to help protect Peyton Manning. Actor Chris Severio as Brandon Burlsworth, wearing his trademark black-rimmed glasses. "I couldn't stop talking to my wife about how impressive he was and what a bright future he had.". Playing on the offensive line is not a "glamour" position, but he was still one of the most popular players on the team. His brother, Marty, and their mother, Barbara, met him at the airport in Springfield. They were winning the whole game, really. Brandon Burlsworth was the former All-American offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks. 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. 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. 172.104.178.68 He made close friends with Ed Robinson, who was a bit older. Yet Ford agreed to let Brandon show up as a "preferred walk-on.". 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. The game was essentially over, as were Tennessees national championship hopes. 412 when he became involved in the crash with two tractor trailers officials said. The movie tells how Burlsworth, against all odds, went to Arkansas without an athletic scholarship and became an All-American football player and National Football League third-round draft choice. Turns out, that conversation was all for naught thanks to Billy Ratliff. Harding School of Theology student Ben Hansen said the movie far exceeded his low expectations due to the quality of some Christian movies. I kept thinking Someone needs to make a movie about this guy,' Reindl said. His story is the subject of movie that debuts Friday calledGreater.. Burlsworth, who began his college career as a pudgy walk-on and became a standout offensive lineman for the Razorbacks, was killed in a traffic accident April 28 while driving from the campus. Click to reveal We reviewed several different scripts over the years, and we also reviewed any revisions that were made of significance. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. Performance & security by Cloudflare. However, every time he thinks of the fumble, its hard not to think of Burlsworth. His life and career, however, ended in tragedy rather than triumph. It became clear that this was a story that would resonate far beyond the state boundaries. To be of the offensive line Brandon took a risk and walked on 1994! Before he ever hit the gridiron, though, the lineman tragically died in an offseason accident. 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. The Vols finished the regular season by blasting Kentucky 59-21 and Vanderbilt 41-0. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. Brandon was very undersized as a freshman and sophomore, a skinny kid. During his UT career, Ratliff suffered a severe neck injury, two torn knee ligaments and serious shin splints. Billy Ratliff was right next to me, Wilson said. However, he was killedin an automobile accident 11 days after the draft. Its just amazing to see the impact on these kids lives and the smiles on their faces by introducing them to things that we take for granted.. Published: Wednesday, August 24, 2016. Its namesake was an Arkansas offensive lineman from 1995 to 1998. "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. The magazine did an extensive eight-page piece on 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. Brandon Burlsworth rose from a walk-on to a legitimate player at Arkansas Unfortunately, Brandon was tragically killed in a head-on automobile collision just 11 days after the draft. Marty Burlsworth: Brandon had entered high school early, so he graduated at 17 years old and was still growing. 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. There were times when he was almost late to games because he would never turn a kid down for an autograph or anything.. 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. 77 retired. The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. When its your time, its your time. It was the offenses turn after Ratliff proved prophetic. After walking on, Burlsworth became an All-American and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts to help protect Peyton Manning. #HistoricHog pic.twitter.com/xBCanCzixz. . It was an interesting set of play calls for Cutcliffe, who is widely considered a quarterback and passing game guru. Carrolton (AP) - Former Arkansas offensive guard BRANDON BURLSWORTH died in a car crash as he headed home to Harrison from Fayetteville, officials said. Considering the medical issues, an NFL career wasnt likely in the works. ET on ESPN from Sundance Square in Fort Worth, Texas. This book is the inspiring biography of a local boy who makes good. Brandon always had a huge heart for kids. His foundation serves about 2,400 children annually through an Eyeglass program in conjunction with Walmart Optical (a long-visioned Brandon famously would hoard his per diem on football trips to buy Walmart stock). We are very happy with the way it turned out. 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. https://t.co/FFBoin68fO, Subscribe to our newsletter to get daily updates, Tom Rinaldi interviews Barbara Burlsworth, mother of the late Brandon Burlsworth. Personal Life & Death. He went to mini-camp, but was killed a few days . Brian Reindl, writer and producer of Greater, said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. 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. There is some footage of the real Brandon after the last credits. He was freak athlete. He definitely was, Coleman said. That Burlsworth was in the accident was completely like the unselfish person who established a cult following while a Razorback. "If God ever made the perfect person, it was that guy," said then teammate Sacha Lancaster to Sport Illustrated. 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. They award eighteen $5,000 academic scholarships, and one $10,000 Walk-0n athletic scholarship each year. Ratliff saw both luck and destiny in the play that would make him a Tennessee football folk hero. Burlsworth was killed in a traffic accident last wednesday as he drove from working out at the university of arkansas in fayetteville to his home in harrison a city of about 11000. Family members have attended one home game annually to this day. Their affinity for the franchise has been a constant. 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. The boy was almost 6-foot-4 and tipped the scales at more than 300 pounds. After all, UT needed a pass interference penalty to beat Syracuse and were outgained by Florida but still beat the Gators. I was high as a kite. During the Razorbacks football history, plenty of great players have hit the gridiron. Burlsworth ran a 40-yard touchdown in 4.88 seconds during the combine, more than any other player. Ratliff continued playing football for the love of the game. Brandon was tragically killed in a car accident, crushing all who . He earned first-team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998; he was also named a first-team All-American during the 1998 campaign. . MB: Brandon was revered pretty quickly for the obstacles that he overcame. 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. 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. Both press conferences will be streamed live on Colts.com, the Colts mobile app, @Colts on Twitter and the Colts Facebook page. Sow with thought, you reap in action. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team 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. He hosts an SEC radio show out of Chattanooga and covers the SEC for Saturday Down South. Why did he have to die when he had everything to live for? But Arkansas was the dream. You can say that if you werent a part of it and you didnt see what I saw. Steichen called plays for the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. We support responsible gambling. The foundation also runs football camps and presents several awards and scholarships. (Zac Budman/ESPN), Marty Burlsworth, brother of the late Brandon Burlsworth, is interviewed. However, once Marty stopped listening to him it returned to less detail. All Martin had to do was hand the ball off to running back Travis Henry. 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. Tragically, that never happened. The story of Brandon Burlsworth, possibly the greatest walk-on in the history of college football. 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. They (Arkansas) did a good job of game-planning on us. 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. Throughout his football career, Brandon Burlsworth never let adversity stop him from achieving his goals. 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.. And I just thought it was a devastatingly tragic story but also an inspiring one., Watch the story behind GREATER. The Vols won eight consecutive games to start the 1998 season before they hosted Arkansas. 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. Anyone within earshot of Ratliff just moments before heard him call his shot. "We attended the First Assembly in Harrison and Brandon was always there, starting at about 10 years old. It was tough. The 22-year-old Burlsworth, who had been drafted by the Colts 11 days earlier in the wake of gaining first-group All-America respects as a fifth-year senior, was involved with a head-on crash with a tractor-trailer around 15 miles outside Harrison and was killed. Arkansas needed 12 yards for the first down, but that wasnt even necessary. 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. 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. Fifteen years. So sad, so much promise, such a terrific person. We dont have to understand it -- BUT we do have the choice of how we react to it. The Colts also announced all members of the team will have a special decal on their helmets in a tribute to Burlsworth. Brandon Burlsworth went from freshman walk-on to an All-American at Arkansas before being the Colts' third-round pick in 1999. He was in the prime of his football career. While you might not know his name, Brandon Burlsworth and his college football career deserve to be at the top of the list. 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? The foundation encourages a strong faith, character, and sportsmanship, developing positive values, and a life pattern that would exemplify Doing It The Burls Way.. 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. While Ratliffs NFL future was never a realistic option because of his myriad injuries, Burlsworth had an incredibly bright future ahead of him. died in a car crash 11 days after . He was already something special, but it would have been something else had he not gone through the injuries he did.. 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. They came to town to interview everyone and get photographs for the magazine. Weve got to throw it. I said No, were going to run it every down and we ran the football right down their throat.. 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? Brandon and Ed played football together and became very close friends over the years. If Billy Ratliff is still out here playing, whatever injury I have, it cant be that bad, Coleman said. It made them believe they could win a title and instilled fear of the possibility of coming up short. Billy Ratliff had every opportunity to give up during that game because that kid was giving him the business, the entire game.. Cast [ edit] Ratliffs explosive push into the backfield caused Burlsworth to step on Stoerners foot. 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. 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. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks Football Team from 1995 to 1998. . Aaron Burlsworth, Harding sophomore and nephew of Brandon Burlsworth, said his family wanted to make sure faith was directly involved in the film, as it was a huge part of Brandons life. Among UT fans, his name is synonymous with the Arkansas fumble. I remember Al on the sideline screaming at us and telling us, We cant lose to Arkansas, Ratliff said. "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.". Tee came off the field and Billy told him, Hey man, dont put your helmet away. The final carry was a 1-yard touchdown run with 28 seconds left and an eventual 28-24 win. Eleven days after being drafted, Brandon is killed when he is hit head-on by a tractor trailer. 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. He had fresh legs and blew up the play.. 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. Miranda Valles, 21, died in a motorcycle accident over the weekend on I-290. His heart weighed a good part of that. Accordingly, I was thrilled to get him.". Brandon's vehicle collided with an oncoming 18-wheeler, forcing him to re-enter his lane. That says it all. 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. It was a tough situation. Said Burlsworth's position coach and lineman on the 1964 national champion Razorback team Mike Bender, "(He's) the best to play the offensive line in Arkansas history. There has never been one like Brandon, and there never will be again.". We certainly didnt write the script, but we felt our opinions were always welcome. After an exhaustive, deliberate process, Colts Owner and CEO Jim Irsay and general manager Chris Ballard were in agreement: Shane Steichen was the top candidate for the team's head coaching position. With the tragic way he died, how did you make sense of it all? Fate intervened. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. His truck collided with an approaching 18-wheeler causing him to veer into his lane then he crashed with another tractor-trailer head-on. Now, a careless fumble? The Comfort Inn's scrolling marquee was simple, but also eerie: ``Remember Brandon Burlsworth,'' followed by the time and temperature. We had never had a problem with anybody in the SEC but Florida. When he got to Arkansas as a walk-on, he knew that he had to put everything he had into it and more. Another trait that set Brandon apart was his respectful devotion to doing whatever authority figures asked of him. Brandon's family established an establishment in 1999 to respect him. He continued to grow and was a good 6-foot-2, 260 pounds in his senior season. "Brandon was such a humble person who cared about and respected others," she continued. 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 . He died in a car crash on april 28 1999 shortly after he was drafted by the nfls indianapolis colts. FIFA World Cup - Best Goals from Every Angle, Draw for the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, FOX SPORTS, SPEED, SPEED.COM & 2023 Fox Media LLC and Fox Sports Interactive Media, LLC. "The common . 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. "He'd be completely blown away by all this attention focused on him. He walked on to the University of Arkansas to become the first All-American from that program in a decade. The press conference will be streamed live. What else could I do? Sow with action, you reap a habit. #biGTime #TogetherWeSwarm https://t.co/Ak89larnux, Following a resignation for personal misconduct and an NCAA show-cause penalty, he finds a home at the conservative Christian school in Virginia. An Arkansas loss would end the Vols dreams for a title but keep hope alive for the Razorbacks, who were surprisingly also in the national title hunt. He inspires people. The Burlsworth Trophy has been awarded every year since 2010. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Please read our Terms of Use or contact us. But there was a film made about it and there were a lot of articles about it. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. After his time at the University of Arkansas ended, Brandon Burlsworth seemed poised to realize his NFL dreams. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts and 11 days later was tragically killed in. Today, The University of Arkansas has created an endowment in Brandon's name. He became a three-year starter and was eventually named an All-American in 1998. Oh well, it was a great run. 'Burls Kids' is a program where youngsters attend Colts and Razorbacks games, and the foundation conducts camps and prep football awards. 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. Literally. Billy was great. Also not included in the film is that Brandon and Marty also have a brother named Grady. The Harrison, Arkansas, native walked on and became a three-year starter, All-American and NFL Draft pick. One Mike Masterson's column appears regularly in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. He died in a car crash on april 28 1999 shortly after he was drafted by the nfls indianapolis colts. While his tragic death may have ended his football career, it didnt stop the linemans ability to change the world. During their time of struggle, they came up with the idea for the foundation. Stoerner lost his grip as he seemingly laid the ball on the ground. If it does not offend you, then you should enjoy it. He was more assertive than most of the other linemen at the practices. I knew nothing of Brandons story, said Budman. I really felt like that game built character in our team because for the first time, we felt the feeling of defeat and that was a feeling we didnt want to have anymore.. "We got to know a lot of Colts personnel at training camp. Through the years, we have stayed close.". 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 died from a car accident just eleven days after being drafted. Q: What was the relationship like between your brother and folks from Arkansas? Sad to see the pain still inside him. UT linebacker Al Wilson witnessed his teammates proclamation to Martin on the sideline. "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. 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. Ratliff replaced fellow defensive lineman Jeff Coleman, who was suffering from cramps on the sideline when Ratliffe made history. 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.
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