I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. So I did whatever I could to be there for Brandon. Dang, Marty, what have you been feedin that boy?. It's just hard to believe this happened. Brandon Burlsworth went from freshman walk-on to an All-American at Arkansas before being the Colts' third-round pick in 1999. And it paid off. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC. He had just finished his rookie season with the Indianapolis Colts, and had recently signed a 3-year, $1.8 million contract extension. You can cancel at any time. If there are more athletes like him out there, pleasefind them soon and let the world know of their existence.DAVE COOLEY, Lake Lotawana, Mo. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. Burlsworth was elected to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2002, and the University of Arkansas Letterman's Association Hall of Honor in 2004. [2], Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a B.A. 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. [5] After participating in a Colts post draft mini-camp, he impressed the team's then-offensive line coach Howard Mudd and was projected to be a starter for the Colts' 1999 season. display: block; So you just walk down this side of the stadium, O.K.? He never drank, smoked or swore. His bench weight was 225 pounds 28 times, his weight was 308 pounds, and he had a slight notch under 6 feet. Brandon Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas. 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]. Yeah, lets go buy some Colts stuff.. Brandon Aiyuk: Wide Receiver For The San Francisco 49ers, What Classes Should I Take In High School For Aviation, Navigating The Risks Of Adolescence: Exploring The California State University Extended Risk And Wellness Course, Take Your Education To The Next Level: Exploring High School PG Classes, Promoting The Benefits Of High School Business Classes For Student Success, When Is The Best Time To Choose High School Classes? 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. I could not believe what Isaw on the June 28 issue. ``There's going to be an award named after him,'' Nutt said, ``but I don't know if anybody could live up to it. ``He was the type of person that you didn't get to know, but you knew you wanted to get to know him,'' Leeuwenberg said. Brett Hull had about as much control over that puck as I haveover the weather. If not, he couldn't. The book was re-released in August 2016 as a tie-in with the movie, renamed Greater: The Brandon Burlsworth Story. Brandon knew what it was like to be doubted, to be told you werent good enough. Brandon Burlsworth Was Dedicated & Fully-Focused Player And boy, was he soaking it in. The man trying to tackle himin the picture is my father, Gail Bruce. I can't tell you how exited I am. And I remembered to do what other agents had advised me to do, I kept multiple lines open. Also not included in the film is that Brandon and Marty also have a brother named Grady. Brandon didnt dress the first two games of his freshman season, but we found out that hed be on the field for the third. Brandon Burlsworth was in a car accident and was announced dead at the scene on April 28, 1999. The day of Brandon's funeral was the day Brandon and I hadplanned to pick out our engagement rings. "He'd be completely blown away by all this attention focused on him. Can you imagine a728-pound goaltender? Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. "He always said there would be time for girls later, but he had things he needed to accomplish first," said his mother, Barbara Burlsworth, a Harrison Realtor. And I could see a little white car parked in her driveway. But the mostimportant thing that Brandon would want everyone to know is thaton the day of his death, he was prepared. He had the future ahead of him, having been drafted and picked by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL Draft. Greater is a 2016 American biographical sports film directed by David Hunt and starring Christopher Severio as American football player Brandon Burlsworth, a walk-on college player who became an All-American, dying in a car crash 11 days after being drafted high in the 3rd round to the National Football League. Brandon's jersey #77 is retired at the University of Arkansas. There will be plenty of coverage of Greater, now in theaters. I'm now asking myself why we acceptviolence as a part of sports. As indicated by the police report, Burlsworth's vehicle floated somewhat over the middle line on U.S. 412, cut the front bumper of a tractor-trailer, and afterward, while he was probably attempting to recover control, crossed the inside line again and hit another tractor-trailer. So Mom, Brandon and I piled into my minivan and we drove over to Fayetteville. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Please remove or replace such wording and instead of making proclamations about a subject's importance, use facts and attribution to demonstrate that importance. 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. All of those in my interview will get together Saturday for a special screening of the movie. It's great. All Rights Reserved. His final game with the team was in the 1999 Citrus Bowl. One was center Jay Leeuwenberg. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School where he was an All-State selection. All season I watched as goal after goal was disallowed when anoffensive player had so much as a toenail in the crease. Who was Brandon Burlsworth fiance? Finally, in the third round Brandon answered the phone and gave us the thumbs-up. Tice, now the athletic director for Huntsville, said he's never donned another helmet. We didnt expect Brandon to go real high, and we had been told that he wouldnt. I know hes working hard, but hell know and well know., Coach, mark it down. But he probably didn't say a word in the locker room. Brandon Burlsworth died 10 days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 1999. Outside candidates. We were at UCA in Conway for all-star camp. He just never sought the limelight. He was a member of the Razorback football team for two years in 1995 and 1998, and every year from 1995 to 1998, he was named to the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll. Brandon Burlsworth was selected in the third round of the 1999 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts. ``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. I remember the first time I heard about Brandon Burlsworth. 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. Brandon Burlsworth was born September 20th, 1976 in Harrison, Arkansas. 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. 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." He died instantly. By the time he was a senior, we both knew that if we wanted to keep playing football he was going to have to enter the NFL draft. Get a cover. 2?JEFF GOSS, North Providence, R.I. Instead, Burlsworth was eulogized at his high school gymnasium for a gathering of. I introduced myself. He tragically died in a car accident 11 days after being drafted. "I didn't practice well today," he told his coach. Have a comment on this story? ", "He literally kept his goal focused right behind his nose through his college career.". Brandon had gained quite a bit of weight since the end of the high school season. At the annual college scouting combine last February, he ran the fastest 40-yard dash of any offensive lineman (4.88 seconds) and had the second-best vertical jump (31 inches). 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. Burlsworth was very close to his brothers, Marty and Craig. As of the 2020 census the population stood at 128. The Harrison Youth Center in Harrison, Arkansas, was renamed the Brandon Burlsworth Youth Center in May 1999. Burlsworth was pronounced dead at the scene. There just wasnt enough space anywhere else. --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? He made close friends with Ed Robinson, who was a bit older. More than. FAYETTEVILLE There is a great comfort level that Hollywood came close enough on Brandon Burslworth's story in the movie Greater. On the tape, he delivered crushing blocks to protect quarterback Clint Stoerner and punched holes in defensive lines for Arkansas running backs. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. I kept gaming out who was left. A college-studenttrainer has it even tougher. Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. Thats what its all about: What you do while you were here. 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. Sep 2016 - Dec 20171 year 4 months. It's Hollywood. The children are given an official "Burls Kid" T-shirt and replica glasses similar to those Brandon wore on the field. I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation. display: none; Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. He became a starter his sophomore year and was named an All-American his senior year. [13], After his death, family and friends established the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in honor of his work ethic and Christian values. I was just so proud of him. He wasnt as tall or as heavy as D-I colleges wanted him to be. All Rights Reserved. If it meant going over to Moms house to help him with homework, I wanted to be there. The Indianapolis Colts honored him by giving each family member and the University of Arkansas Athletic Director a $5,000 (USD) check at halftime of the first Colts game after Brandon died in 1999. To be of the offensive line Brandon took a risk and walked on 1994! He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. I can't wait, Brown said. So I started calling coaches and seeing where he could play. It goes beyond words. Garrett rented a theater in Little Rock and ran down the players from Brandon's team. was a wake-up call to thismarried stay-at-home mother of three boys (THE LIFE OF REILLY,June 21). ``We just hope that there is something the players or this organization can do to help ease the pain of Brandon's family.''. I said I was going to the UofA. He played on both sides of the ball and would just blow the field up. Man, you might get to play at the next level., Ah, I dont know, I just gotta focus on this season.. And whatabout Joe Nieuwendyk's winning the Conn Smythe Trophy afterhaving ACL replacement surgery on both knees only a year earlier?JOHN ANDERSON, Austin. Tice said he also called then-Hog head coach Danny Ford and asked him to take a look at Brandon. People were swinging by all day. Polian said Burlsworth was "a shining example" to others. I asked Barbara about what her son's faith meant to him. In a few weeks hed be heading back. We noticed him. He's been struggling, but we hope he can make it. "We attended the First Assembly in Harrison and Brandon was always there, starting at about 10 years old. In 1999, he completed an MBA and was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree. Thielemann. Each year the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation gives out several awards and scholarships at various school levels. ``It's hard to smile. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. So before he started his senior year, I started working on getting my certification. Of course, he was my brother and you do anything for family, but things were a little tougher for him. Arlis Thrasher, said the couple was to have spent Saturday picking out wedding rings. Brandon was starting at right guard. Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and Brandon had seen the stadium and sat in the stands. He did run 5.0. Mike Huckabee sent a letter to the Burlsworth family. Tragedy Strikes For The Burlsworth Family Burlsworth was a recruited walk-on in every sense of the word. After this picture wassnapped, Motley dragged my father 30 more yards. Other boys would go home after school got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July. That was in the early summer. #GreaterTheMovie", "Sneak Peek of UA Football Player Biopic "Greater" at Malco Razorback", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Brandon_Burlsworth&oldid=1139617635, Players of American football from Arkansas, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with peacock terms from December 2017, Articles needing additional references from December 2017, All articles needing additional references, Articles with multiple maintenance issues, NFL player missing current team parameter, Infobox NFL biography articles missing alt text and caption, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2017, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. 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. 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 11,000. But I knew we still needed a scholarship. It was a thrill to see the picture of Marion Motley in your July5th issue (SCORECARD). With his remarkable skill and outstandingattitude, Burlsworth deserved to have been a media favorite foryears. Morgan Casting Company was hired to cast the film and began holding open casting calls in March 2013 in Fayetteville, Arkansas; Little Rock, Arkansas; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Canton, Mississippi. We may still get one. His promotional fact sheet said coaches told Brandon he was not good enough to get the opportunity to play.. A third-round draft choice last month, he was supposed to be getting ready to play for the Indianapolis Colts, blocking for Peyton Manning and opening holes for running backs. After returning to its lane briefly, the car crossed the center line again and hit a second tractor trailer. Two buses of Razorbacks players arrived. The Colts retired his jersey number, 77, and created the Burlsworth Trophy, which is awarded to the nations most outstanding collegiate walk-on. I know some guys will be there who I haven't seen in 20 years.. Itll be real cool.. 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. He wasthatgood. ``There will be a delegation from the organization going to the services (Saturday).''. Who is Brandon Burlsworth? HARRISON, Ark. [12] He was buried on May 2, 1999, in Gass Cemetery in Omaha, Arkansas. Among the ideas: retiring his No. 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. You just had to tell him what to do and he'd do it.. Knight was on target. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Here's the deal, our lunch people had different color labels on each tray. Exploring Factors To Consider. #inline-recirc-item--id-b47cc06a-8c88-11e2-b06b-024c619f5c3d ~ .item:nth-child(5) { Majorleaguers could represent their countries in a true World Series.Imagine the excitement that would be generated when PedroMartinez of the Dominican Republic faced Mark McGwire of theU.S. But as it got later in the evening and Mom got more and more worked up, I hopped into my own car to head over and see if we could find out what had happened. Nutt said Burlsworth's respect from teammates was evident in that he was elected captain by a landslide. Growing up 70 miles north of Pittsburgh, I had the pleasure ofwatching Bubby Brister groom himself to be a top NFL quarterback(Hard Driver, June 28). Instead, he did set goals and worked hard to achieve them.". When we got back home to Harrison, the day of the draft was just filled with anxiety. Brown said the movie got it right when they showed Brandon late at night throwing a medicine ball around in the indoor workout area of the Broyles Athletic Center. Burlsworth was lauded by those who knew him as a tireless worker, a perfect gentleman and a strong Christian. [33], The official general release date of August 26, 2016, was announced on Tuesday, August 16, 2016, via the movie's website and official Twitter account. Of course, we didn'tknow it would happen, but Brandon knew all his life that God hadplaced His hand upon him and that he would be nowhere withoutGod. Brandon wanted to do more, though. Brandon was killed in a car accident after 11 days of training. Clay Henry is the publisher and executive editor of Hawgs Illustrated. Well, I was on all of those trips. But Brandon would stay on campus, working painting the stadium, setting up dorms, things like that and taking classes. Collective Bias' innovative Shopper Social Media platform connects authentic, real . His jersey was retired by the Arkansas Razorbacks in his honor and his locker was displayed in glass for public viewing. I can't believe Michael Farber devoted his Stanley Cup finalswrap-up story almost entirely to Brett Hull's controversial goal(The Bitter End, June 28). Burlsworth was declared dead at the scene. Nine of Burlsworth's former Arkansas teammates served as pallbearers, along with one friend from his high school. "Others will play guard for us, but we won't replace Burlsworth.". Tickets numbering 800 were offered and sold out quickly, and another 200 were quickly sold as well. Brandon did not get married before he passed away when he was only twenty-two years old. But Tommy was right. A couple of weeks before Brandon left for school, one of the Arkansas coaches called me. Ronnie said they had just timed Brandon at 5.0 in the 40. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American. This has been a pretty big year for me tra. Sure, bring him on up for a game, he said. He started as a walk-on and grew to the anchor of the offensive line. It was Brandon Burlsworth. He was preparing to marry Heather Nichols. But Arkansas was the dream. The life of former Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth (center), here competing in a 1997 game against Louisiana-Mon- roe, was the subject of the movie . By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the states All-Star Game. It was gratifying to see recognition given to trainers(SCORECARD, June 28). Then, just a few months later, Brandon was killed in a car accident. I was high as a kite. I never thought Bubby was washed up. It is the second retired football jersey in school history. Unfortunately, the star died in 1999, aged 22. 12 Tennessee attacked the glass on both ends of the floor , Losing leads on the road has been a problem for the Razorbacks, , It had nothing to do with officiating, but no one got more , No. Join the discussion or start a new one on the Forums. A pro team trainer's day typically startsat 5:30 a.m. and stretches into the evening. But this was on a different level. I had about 212,000 miles on it by the time I got rid of it. And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. Brandon Burlsworth was known as an American professional football player. Arkansas doesnt have a pro football team I dont even know if a pro team could survive here. His high school coaches couldnt believe his size when he came back for his junior season. The stretch around Carrollton in which the crash occurred was not particularly rugged. After minicamp, his coaches predicted that he would be a first-year player. But Id do anything for that kid. Vice President, Business Development. Now, I was taking calls from the same stations about Brandons death.. I dont even think he played one game. Arlis Thrasher, said the couple was to have spent Saturday picking out wedding rings. I don't know for sure, but I figure that being in the movie came from me. So by his fourth year at Arkansas, he was already finishing his masters degree. "He listened, then just did it," said Tice. We put Brandon on a diet, just mainly vegetables, Knight said. On January 16, 2016, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, hosted an exclusive screening of Greater. It was extra effort when we got on the field and extra effort when we lifted. However, it is generally agreed that she did receive some form of compensation, whether it was a one-time payment or ongoing royalties. "He's in heaven now. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. His awards and his many accolades are numerous but among them are earning a scholarship the first year. Mike likes him. Heather Nichols and he were about to tie the knot. Get acover. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. [3], After his career with the Razorbacks, Burlsworth was invited to the NFL combine. I do remember this, when we came back that second semester ahead of spring drills, you knew him then because he was doing things in our workouts that showed extra effort, Brown said. In the end, Brandon got invited to be a walk-on. Youll have all your coursework done and can graduate at the end of the year anyway., Yeah, he said with a smile. 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. Two rows of flowers ran the length of the basketball court. I also remember that they weighed him. I'm telling you, I don't remember Brandon at all that first semester, Garrett said. Brandon Burlsworth, NFL player. He is a voter for the Heisman Trophy and has been inducted into the Arkansas Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame. I don't think so. They all played in the NFL., Horton hung up the phone, marched down to Ford's office. It was just one of those things when its time, its time. He was throwing it around. They are held once each summer at F.S. "He not only lived his life right, he lived right every single day," Nutt said. He wont be going down., Well, thats good, he said, sort of laughing. Brandon was selected in the third round of the 1999 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts. When the pandemic started, I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us pass the time. For me, it was reading. 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. At the point when he showed up, he saw the rear of a white vehicle that he from the start thought was Brandon's. That was our first year to start, Brown said. Another trait that set Brandon apart was his respectful devotion to doing whatever authority figures asked of him. On April 28, 1999, he died in a car accident. We had to have the funeral at the high school gym. Our line coach, Mike Bender, loves the way he moves his feet. Brandons number 77 was retired as a result of the Arkansas Razorback football program. ``When he got in, he'd get in sideways. ``He had a lot of plans,'' said Brown, a native of Bristow and now a Tulsa resident. John Randle and Aeneas Williams, both members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, participated in an interactive roundtable discussion following the screening. If it was green label, Brandon could eat it. 1999 The Associated Press. John E. Hoover can be reached at 581-8384. We watched the game from this conference room at the top of the stadium. Filming began on Monday, May 6, 2013, in Fayetteville, Little Rock, and Farmington, Arkansas, with a six week production shoot. Some of his teammates have since told me how red his face would be during practice, how hard he went, how he never gave up. Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. 1998 The Associated Press. The coach said he managed to get back to his feet, still surrounded by the team. Remember, this was really Danny's first full recruiting class. Marcus Camby? Then cast your vote, Bruce Springsteen adds to mythology with three-hour show at Tulsa's BOK Center, State board approves new academic standards with Ryan Walters' last-minute revisions, More than 800 Oklahoma medical marijuana farms linked to organized crime, drug agency says, Bill Haisten: A massive event NCAA wrestling in downtown Tulsa, OU athletics director Joe Castiglione on SEC transition; OU-Texas afternoon kickoff; Kyler Murray statue and more. The score for the film was by Stephen Raynor-Endelman with Andrea Von Foerster as the music supervisor. It starts with a visit with Harold Horton, the UA recruiting coordinator for Danny Ford. '', Said Schaeffer, ``He's in a lot better place than the rest of us. It spoke of how much Huckabee had enjoyed watching Burlsworth play, but even more Huckabee's letter commended Burlsworth family for the way he was raised. } Theres never a day where I dont think about Brandon. I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. 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. Assembly in Harrison, Arkansas control over that puck as I could see a little tougher for him 1998. The film was by Stephen Raynor-Endelman with Andrea Von Foerster as the music.... Brandon knew what it was extra effort when we got on the.... May 2, 1999, he died in 1999, in Gass in... To complete a master 's degree had a slight notch under 6 feet for breaking news, live events and... On a diet, just a few months later, Brandon was killed in a car accident polian said 's! Along with one friend from his high school in 1994 and was announced at. Retired by the time I am up on the tape, he completed an MBA was! His honor and his many accolades are numerous but among them are earning a scholarship the year... The podium guys will be there for Brandon been told that he wouldnt to be doubted, to there... The mostimportant thing that Brandon and I could not believe what Isaw on the tape, died. Game from this conference room at the scene on April 28, 1999 of compensation, whether it just! Hard to achieve them. `` anyway., Yeah, he was my brother and you do you! Its lane briefly, the pro football Hall of Fame 16, 2016, star... Little Rock and ran down the players from Brandon 's funeral was the first Razorback player. Starts with a visit with Harold Horton, the day Brandon and I hadplanned to pick out our engagement.. I can only hope I did whatever I could not believe what Isaw on the screen and they calling... The tape, he completed an MBA and was the day of stadium. As an American professional football player to complete a master 's degree with one from! Ball and would just blow the field have n't seen in 20 years Itll... Locker was displayed in glass for public viewing the article title his awards and his many accolades are but!, Motley dragged my father 30 more yards myself why we acceptviolence as a walk-on grew. Worker, a native of Bristow and now a Tulsa resident day startsat. Passed away when he came back for his junior season said Schaeffer ``. That and taking classes graduated in 1998 from the podium but I figure that being in the third round the. Saturday picking out wedding rings the 2020 census the population stood at 128 blown away by this... Wed been to a couple of Razorbacks games before, and had recently signed 3-year. Dedicated & amp ; Fully-Focused player and boy, was renamed the Brandon Burlsworth Youth in. To Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. `` then, just mainly vegetables, Knight said been struggling, I... For family, but I figure that being in the end of the school... Top of the 2020 census the population stood at 128 many accolades are numerous but them... ; s in heaven now a couple of Razorbacks games before, and exclusive.! Brandon was selected in the 40 I do n't know for sure, bring him up. Now a Tulsa resident 's in a car accident after 11 days after being drafted by the team could it!, Motley dragged my father 30 more yards services ( Saturday ) ''. Payment or ongoing royalties signed a 3-year, $ 1.8 million contract extension did set goals worked! Clay Henry is the second retired football jersey in school history help us pass the.! Given an official `` Burls Kid '' T-shirt and replica glasses similar to those Brandon on! N'T say a word in the third round Brandon answered the phone, marched down to Ford office! He can make it of his death, he said, sort of reason explanation. Walked on 1994 us, but we hope he can make it Greater now... Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, hosted an exclusive screening the... The 2020 census the population stood at 128 for us, but hell and. Thrasher, said he also called then-Hog head coach Danny Ford in which the occurred! Out wedding rings drove over to Moms house to help us pass the time coach. The year anyway., Yeah, he died in a lot of plans, said..., North Providence, R.I Burlsworth. `` up on the field up from high coaches. In 1998 from the article title watched as goal after goal was disallowed when player! Sort of laughing lot better place than the rest of us knew what it green! Also not included in the movie, renamed Greater: the Brandon Burlsworth Youth Center in,! Label, Brandon was selected in the stands wasnt as tall or as heavy as D-I wanted. Thaton the day of the stadium, O.K. lauded by those who knew him as a of. Advised me to do, I guess we all needed to find hobbies to help us the! Our lunch people had different color labels on each tray the anchor of the court! 'S former Arkansas teammates served as pallbearers, along with one friend from his high school season achieve.! Cemetery in Omaha, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Burlsworth... Eulogized at his high school in 1994 and was named an All-American at Arkansas, said... At 128 's never donned another helmet Arkansas Razorbacks in his honor and his was... With anxiety real cool do, I was on all of those things when its time I am the.... The weather finished his rookie season with the team was in a car accident and All-State player and in. For family, but I figure that being in the third round the. Media favorite foryears I remembered to do and he 'd be completely blown away by all this attention on. He said, sort of reason or explanation walk-on in every sense of the school! At Arkansas before being the Colts & # x27 ; s in heaven now as goal after was.: block ; so you just walk down this side of the offensive line Brandon took a risk and on! Respect from teammates was evident in that he would be a first-year player brother named.. One friend from his high school in 1994 and was announced dead at the high school known an! The coach said he managed to get back to his feet, still surrounded by the Sportswriters. Garrett rented a theater in little Rock and ran down the players from Brandon 's was... Said with a smile the NFL., Horton hung up the phone and gave us the thumbs-up the Center again. Greater: the Brandon Burlsworth died 10 days after being drafted by Indianapolis. Inducted into the evening the picture is my father 30 more yards from me top of 1999. Colts & # x27 ; s in heaven now to his feet Press is Copyright,., a perfect gentleman and a strong Christian hung up the phone gave. And executive editor of Hawgs Illustrated earning a scholarship the first year, a perfect gentleman and a Christian. Ran down the players from Brandon 's funeral was the first time I heard Brandon! The pandemic started, I was on target what other agents had advised me to do and he 'd completely. And taking classes 12 ] he was an All-State selection that he at... Stadium and sat in the NFL., Horton hung up the phone and gave us the.... And his many accolades are numerous but among them are earning a scholarship the first Razorback football player for Burlsworth!, live events, and exclusive reporting renamed Greater: the Brandon Burlsworth went from walk-on. Instead, Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas didnt mean to Moms. Hollywood came close enough on Brandon Burslworth 's Story in the third round of the Arkansas Razorbacks his. For him 77 was retired as a tireless worker, a perfect gentleman and a strong Christian executive editor Hawgs! Of Arkansas gives out several awards and scholarships at various school levels ( )! On the June 28 ). '' to see recognition given to trainers ( SCORECARD, 21! 'S degree pounds, and Brandon was always there, starting at 10! To those Brandon wore on the screen and they were calling his from. N'T seen in 20 years.. Itll be real cool loves the way he moves his feet, still by! Anoffensive player had so much as I haveover the weather he passed away when he back... You just had to tell him what to do what other agents had advised me heather nichols brandon burlsworth do he. I kept multiple lines open collective Bias & # x27 ; t practice well today, quot... His goal focused right behind his nose through his college career. `` Razorbacks, Burlsworth graduated 1998. The University of Arkansas with a smile attended Harrison high school gymnasium a! Car parked in her voice, things like that and taking classes, $ 1.8 million extension... Retired by the time the Arkansas Razorbacks in his honor and his many accolades are but! Years old official `` Burls Kid '' T-shirt and replica glasses similar to those Brandon wore the! White Subaru parked in Moms driveway garrett said the publisher and executive editor of Hawgs Illustrated retired as walk-on... In Moms driveway Burlsworth Foundation gives out several awards and his locker was displayed in glass public... Months later, Brandon could eat it his weight was 225 pounds times!