After that ran, we began getting calls from Los Angeles about doing a movie. "We got to know a lot of Colts personnel at training camp. Through the years, we have stayed close.". It was all inner-him -- all inner-drive. MB: Brandon was revered pretty quickly for the obstacles that he overcame. The game was essentially over, as were Tennessees national championship hopes. We have a saying in our family, said Marty Burlsworth. They said they were at a loss at what to do after Brandons death but knew they had to do something to keep moving forward. It was tough. The storys been told a lot but it probably hasnt reached as many people as you think, he said. A UT win would mean the Vols national title hopes would stay alive. In Anticipation Of UFC 285 On ESPN+ PPV Saturday, Four Experts Weighed In, ESPNs Renewal Of Three-Year Formula 1 Deal Is Off To A Roaring Start, Starting Five: NBA Today and NBA Countdowns Malika Andrews. All rights reserved. Burlsworth ran a 40-yard touchdown in 4.88 seconds during the combine, more than any other player. Mike Masterson's column appears regularly in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. This is an inspirational film, and I believe its a film you will want to see over and over again. 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. 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. Burlsworth was killed 15 miles from home on a road he had traveled for years when his car drifted into the on-coming lane, the write-up continued. Burlsworth was killed in a car accident at age 22, 10 days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 1999 NFL draft. That hand was holding the football. MB: Our agreement was that the family could object if we felt something was not portrayed in the right manner. 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. You can see through the movie that the way he lived his life and how his family reacted answers the question of what to do when these things happen.. Please read our Terms of Use or contact us. While he received some offers from smaller schools, Burlsworth wanted to go to the University of Arkansas and play for the Razorbacks. 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 was made to do it. Brandon burlsworth car accident details. He died in a car crash on april 28 1999 shortly after he was drafted by the nfls indianapolis colts. Powered by ThinkWeb, THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION'S STUDENT MEDIA NETWORK AT HARDING UNIVERSITY, Faith, Trust and Character: The Life and Legacy of Brandon Burlsworth, Three players lead softball team to terrific start, Track construction nearly complete, ready to host, 22 teams compete in annual pickle ball tournament, Womens and mens tennis teams push through season, Bison baseball kicks off season with five straight wins, Harding softball begins season in Louisiana, Ambassador discusses efforts against human trafficking. This is incredible. The coach said he managed to get back to his feet, still surrounded by the team. His story is the subject of movie that debuts Friday called. 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. That Burlsworth was in the accident was completely like the unselfish person who established a cult following while a Razorback. 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.". Draft but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later. You want to just tell the story as if no one had ever heard it before. When (Greater producer and co-screenwriter) Brian Reindl came to us, we instantly felt a comfort level with him and his desire to tell Brandons story. "I remember he was the first college lineman I looked at on video that year," said Howard Mudd, then the Colts' line coach and one of the game's best ever. When Zac Budman was assigned to produce a feature for College GameDay Built by The Home Depot on the late Brandon Burlsworth, he did his research and learned the amazing and tragic story of the former Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman. Suddenly, the Vols had the ball in Arkansas territory with time to mount a more conventional drive. The Arkansas win did more than preserve the Vols perfect record. Tee came off the field and Billy told him, Hey man, dont put your helmet away. When the 1999 NFL draft rolled around, the Indianapolis Colts made the linemans dreams a reality and selected him with the 63rd-overall pick. "I kept coming back to comparisons with Brandon. Sad to see the pain still inside him. Brandon Burlsworth death scene What was Brandon Burlsworth's death scene like? The other producers couldnt guarantee just how accurate the depiction would be. The final carry was a 1-yard touchdown run with 28 seconds left and an eventual 28-24 win. 2 Alabama, SEC Women's Basketball Tournament action suspended due to weather delay, 2 SEC players named to late-season watch list for Oscar Robertson Player of the Year Trophy, Overrated? Published: Wednesday, August 24, 2016. It was the offenses turn after Ratliff proved prophetic. Mock Draft Monday, our weekly roundup of experts' predictions for who the Colts will take in the NFL Draft, is back a week after the Colts named Shane Steichen head coach. I love that, whether its as (a former) lineman or just a person that likes sports. . Im not sure what coach Nutt was thinking about, Ratliff said. After all, UT needed a pass interference penalty to beat Syracuse and were outgained by Florida but still beat the Gators. After his rise to prominence at Arkansas, Brandon Burlsworth seemed poised to make the leap to the NFL. Ratliff saw both luck and destiny in the play that would make him a Tennessee football folk hero. Brandon had always dreamed of playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks, but was considered too short and too fat to play Division I. Undeterred, Brandon took a big risk and walked on in 1994. . Brandon's vehicle collided with an oncoming 18-wheeler, forcing him to re-enter his lane. Without one D1 scholarship offer, Brandon Burlsworth walked on at the University of Arkansas in 1994. Brandon burlsworth accident report BURLSWORTH KILLED IN CRASH. 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. Brandon vaughn burlsworth 1976 1999 find a grave memorial. 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. He went to mini-camp, but was killed a few days . He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American . I promise you that ball seemed like it was there for 5 or 6 seconds.. Two collisions followed and the life of a wonderful human with vast. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. There were times when he was almost late to games because he would never turn a kid down for an autograph or anything.. Hewalked on at Arkansas in 1994 after having zero FBS scholarship offers and eventually became team captain and a two-time All-SEC pick. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. Cast [ edit] On the line, Tarik Glenn and Adam Meadows were at tackles. Steve McKinney was one guard. Jeff Saturday was a street free agent, and Burlsworth could have helped the guard position for years. The Comfort Inn's scrolling marquee was simple, but also eerie: ``Remember Brandon Burlsworth,'' followed by the time and temperature. Sports betting in Tennessee officially launched on November 1, 2020, and many of the largest sportsbooks are live and operating in the volunteer state. As spelled out in an ESPN college football video, Burlsworth was never the most athletic guy; during high school, he was slow, soft, and didnt see significant playing time until his junior year. Personal Life & Death. Phillip was saying Weve got to throw it. If its difficult to describe the love for a brother its impossible to explain the loss of a brother. Dave Hooker started covering Tennessee in 1998. Billy was great. 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. See production, box office & company info, Well-done and inspiring faith-based movie, Mike & Mike: Episode dated 23 August 2016. 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. He became very active in the youth group. He earned first-team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998; he was also named a first-team All-American during the 1998 campaign. For people unfamiliar with Brandons story, walk us through his development from your perspective. Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. I know his teammates respected him for the work he put in and his incredible dedication. Under the organizations umbrella, there are multiple programs. died in a car crash 11 days after . . Tennessee is only one of a handful of SEC football states with legalized sports betting. 'Burls Kids' is a program where youngsters attend Colts and Razorbacks games, and the foundation conducts camps and prep football awards. Ratliff replaced fellow defensive lineman Jeff Coleman, who was suffering from cramps on the sideline when Ratliffe made history. 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 . That was one of those plays that had to happen. Were going to get the ball back.. 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. Brandons goal growing up was to help underprivileged kids, Aaron Burlsworth said. He had fresh legs and blew up the play.. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. He was on his heels and I was like, Im not going to stop pushing.'. They (Arkansas) did a good job of game-planning on us. Burlsworth never got to join the Colts, though. He had absolutely no quit in him. Mens cross-country places 11th at regional Christmas Market features student-owned businesses. Just days after the draft, tragedy struck. He never got there, dying in. Harding School of Theology student Ben Hansen said the movie far exceeded his low expectations due to the quality of some Christian movies. 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. 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. MB: After Brandons death, it was rough at first and I certainly struggled. Family members have attended one home game annually to this day. Their affinity for the franchise has been a constant. Brandon was tragically killed in a car accident, crushing all who . 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. That has to be the bittersweet part for Ratliff. However, the player some consider the best walk-on in college football history was tragically killed in a car accident just 11 days later. It was meant to be.. I kept thinking Someone needs to make a movie about this guy,' Reindl said. Fifteen years. So sad, so much promise, such a terrific person. He hosts an SEC radio show out of Chattanooga and covers the SEC for Saturday Down South. Arkansas needed 12 yards for the first down, but that wasnt even necessary. The Indianapolis Colts wore his initials, BB, on their helmets for the 1999 season. Its namesake was an Arkansas offensive lineman from 1995 to 1998. ESPN College GameDay 8-31-19 #WeTrust pic.twitter.com/x3UCtOjLLf, Burlsworth Trophy (@BurlsworthTrust) August 29, 2019. When he got to Arkansas as a walk-on, he knew that he had to put everything he had into it and more. Marty Burlsworth: Brandon had entered high school early, so he graduated at 17 years old and was still growing. 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. John E. Hoover can be . However, he was killedin an automobile accident 11 days after the draft. UT took over at the Hogs 43-yard line with just 1:43 left. UT linebacker Al Wilson witnessed his teammates proclamation to Martin on the sideline. But he loses that control over him and his faith is restored making the carving revert back. That says it all. '"I told him how much it would mean to them to receive that message from him.". "He stayed around the house and left for Fayetteville on Tuesday," Vickie says. Eyes of a Champion, for example, helps provide free vision exams and glasses to low to moderate income, uninsured children. Burls Kids, which operates in both Arkansas and Indianapolis, brings children to football games and provides them with an unforgettable experience. I dont want to tell them what to walk away with I want to inspire them through this story.. It's an image of how the "farmer" was capturing Marty's soul and he was becoming the "farmers". It was an interesting set of play calls for Cutcliffe, who is widely considered a quarterback and passing game guru. 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. Hate to see Desir be the victim lol. https://t.co/0d1lDS8ST3, Chris Jones (@EnswellJones) August 29, 2019, Tragic what happened to him. I will never do better, and I am at peace with that. As a part of the program, the Colts will hire a Dungy Fellow for the offense and the defense. The accident occurred near Alpena, Arkansas, while returning to his old neighborhood. Brandon sure left an indelible impression on me.". (Zac Budman/ESPN), The Burlsworth Award trophy (Zac Budman/ESPN), Ruettiger, the famed former Notre Dame football walk-on], ESPN Producer Michelle Rosenhouse Makes the Most of Memorable Moments, Journalism Showcase: SC Featured Highlights Cheyney States Remarkable 1982 Womens Basketball Team, Inside ESPN Marketings XFL Spot Bring It In, Journalism Showcase: SportsCenter Reporter Dives Into Growth of Girls Youth Flag Football. Brandon and Ed played football together and became very close friends over the years. The story of Brandon Burlsworth, possibly the greatest walk-on in the history of college football. While his tragic death may have ended his football career, it didnt stop the linemans ability to change the world. When his brother Marty sees how much he meant to the people of his hometown and how many have shown up for his funeral, he rebuffs The Farmer, deciding to celebrate Brandon's life and move on with his own. Ratliffs explosive push into the backfield caused Burlsworth to step on Stoerners foot. 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. Brandon burlsworth a second team all america guard who was recently drafted by the indianapolis colts was killed last night when his car collided with a tractor trailer rig near carrolton ark. As of the 2020 census the population stood at 128. One of Fulmers favorite phrases was Pound the Rock, as in run the football until the other team breaks. It was a tough situation. Carrolton (AP) - Former Arkansas offensive guard BRANDON BURLSWORTH died in a car crash as he headed home to Harrison from Fayetteville, officials said. Brandon Burlsworth died from a car accident just eleven days after being drafted. 1976 April 28, 1999) was killed in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas, on . Burlsworth was killed 15 miles from home on a road he had traveled for years when his car drifted into the on coming lane. 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). Though Burlsworths story is not new, Budman felt that he should approach the story, with reporter Tom Rinaldi, as if every viewer was learning about it for the first time. This is the life story of Brandon Burlsworth who is probably best known as a former offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks from 1995 - 1999 (which is also the same time I went to the University of Arkansas). ET on ESPN from Sundance Square in Fort Worth, Texas. The note arrived on the day Brandon died. ESPN NHL Production Coordinator Camille Bova Does it All for the 2023 NHL Stadium Series in Raleigh, N.C. Coleman had seen the suffering Ratliff had been through. "I liked him so much that I used him as the barometer for the rest of the players I evaluated that year. Brandon Burlsworth was the former All-American offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. "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. #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. 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. He just never sought the limelight. Brandon's family established an establishment in 1999 to respect him. That wouldnt be the case. Its very possible the two would have had many more epic battles in the NFL. Marty and Vickie Burlsworth said they thought Greater was a fantastic rendering of what was important to Brandon. The offensive guard had been named an All-American and a two-time All-SEC First Team player. Im going to try jump the snap, get off the ball as quick as possible and Im going to put my hand straight on his chest and run him through the goalpost, Ratliff said recently when asked what he remembered about the play that would most define UTs national championship season. "I still believe he'd have had become one of the better guards in the NFL," said Mudd. FAYETTEVILLE There is a great . A mother losing a child at that young age, it was tough. "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.". As tangible as his encased locker in the Broyles Athletics Center, the Burls' kids program and the Burlsworth Trophy given each year to the nation's most outstanding walk on football player,. "I remember handing the helmet back to the other player, then shouting: "Well, by gosh, that will be the last time I teach you that lesson!" The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation will be honoring Kevin Scanlon of Stephens Inc. with the 2023 Legends Award. In the short time Brandon was on this earth he left a legacy and a positive role model that will be remembered long after we are gone. Burlsworth, whose heavy frame and thick, black-rimmed . Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas.