Hes in college at Georgia Southern. ET on ESPN from Sundance Square in Fort Worth, Texas. Accident investigators indicated that Burlsworth was trailing another semi-truck rig on the winding, two-lane highway toward Harrison when he veered left just slightly to check oncoming. "I sent one of those shirts to the funeral home and Brandon was buried in it," said Barbara. You sow a habit, you reap a character. 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 think about it all the time. Sure enough, it happened. It was meant to be.. In fact, Ed, who works for FedEx in Harrison and has three children, even named his oldest son after Brandon. INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Colts on Sunday remembered Brandon Burlsworth, the team's third-round draft pick who died in a traffic crash before he could take his place in their offensive line. During the Razorbacks football history, plenty of great players have hit the gridiron. You can say that if you werent a part of it and you didnt see what I saw. "He listened, then just did it," said Tice. Barbara and Marty came to training camp in advance of the Buffalo opener. He was drafted 59 spots after Edgerrin James and with the notion to help fortify an offense that already had young stars in Marvin Harrison and Peyton Manning. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. Brandon vaughn burlsworth 1976 1999 find a grave memorial. He made close friends with Ed Robinson, who was a bit older. You want to just tell the story as if no one had ever heard it before. To this day, I still think if he would have fulfilled (his career), wed be talking All-Pro and Hall of Fame Brandon Burlsworth right now., NEXT: David Cutcliffe throws Vols a curveball just before National Championship Game. "It would have been great to see Brandon play, but it wasn't God's plan. That wasn't the way it's supposed to be, and that's what you accept.". Honors College announces new faculty fellow. Do it the Burls way: Have character. Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. Brandon burlsworth car accident details. Your IP: We had never had a problem with anybody in the SEC but Florida. Burlsworth 22 a third round draft pick of the indianapolis colts on april 17 was driving on us. Q: Brandons life seemed to have incredible highs and lows. Just days after the draft, tragedy struck. His heart weighed a good part of that. I have a son right now that just turned 22. The Vols won eight consecutive games to start the 1998 season before they hosted Arkansas. After walking on, Burlsworth became an All-American and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts to help protect Peyton Manning. There were times when he was almost late to games because he would never turn a kid down for an autograph or anything.. 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 to his family's home. However, he was killed in an automobile accident 11 days after the draft. "I still believe he'd have had become one of the better guards in the NFL," said Mudd. He whipped my butt that whole game, Ratliff said. My mom says that Brandons message comes through. "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. He died in a car crash on april 28 1999 shortly after he was drafted by the nfls indianapolis colts. Anyone within earshot of Ratliff just moments before heard him call his shot. 22, who died Wednesday in an automobile accident. Burlsworth was killed in a car accident less than two weeks after he was drafted. Marty Burlsworth said his brother always remembered where he came from and wanted to help kids in similar situations to his. The comment about the carving is true, but the imagery of the piece is a little deeper. 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.. Casting Directors are now casting for the upcoming SAG feature film "Greater" filming in Arkansas. When the 1999 NFL draft rolled around, the Indianapolis Colts made the linemans dreams a reality and selected him with the 63rd-overall pick. We didnt really get a chance until the end of the game.. This is an inspirational film, and I believe its a film you will want to see over and over again. 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.. So I read up on his story and the first thing that came to mind is hes Rudy [Ruettiger, the famed former Notre Dame football walk-on], only better. Brandon, Marty's younger brother by 16 years, was tragically killed in an auto accident on April 28, 1999 . 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. Organizations and businesses prepare for Valentines Gov. 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. Brandon was very undersized as a freshman and sophomore, a skinny kid. 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. . . . Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. He hosts an SEC radio show out of Chattanooga and covers the SEC for Saturday Down South. Offensive lineman brandon burlsworth went from walk on to all american during his career at arkansas before dying in a car crash just after the 1999 nfl draft. Chorus travels for Mississippi performance, Football alumni receive Division II honors, College of Education introduces new course. 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. He didnt just lay the ball on the ground. "The common . 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. The more the "farmer" talked to Marty about faith and religion and making him doubt the more detailed it became. 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. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. Billy Ratliff had every opportunity to give up during that game because that kid was giving him the business, the entire game.. In his junior year, he split time with a senior on the offensive line for half the season and then became the full-time starter. Phillip was saying Weve got to throw it. He was on his heels and I was like, Im not going to stop pushing.'. (Zac Budman/ESPN), Marty Burlsworth, brother of the late Brandon Burlsworth, is interviewed. Please read our Terms of Use or contact us. He became very active in the youth group. Personal Life & Death. Draft but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later. That defined the Tennessee offense that year, Cutcliffe said. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. #HistoricHog pic.twitter.com/xBCanCzixz. Brandon was tragically killed in a car accident, crushing all who . Ratliffs explosive push into the backfield caused Burlsworth to step on Stoerners foot. He inspires people. Former Arkansas football player and Indianapolis Colts third-round draft pick Brandon Burlsworth died Wednesday in a car crash near Carrolton, Ark., while travelling to his home, state police said . '"I told him how much it would mean to them to receive that message from him.". Also not included in the film is that Brandon and Marty also have a brother named Grady. Tice, now the athletic director for Huntsville, said he's never donned another helmet. After Burslworths death, those close to him created the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation; according to the foundations website, the Christian organizations mission is to support the physical and spiritual needs of children, in particular those who have limited opportunities. Eleven days after being drafted, Brandon is killed when he is hit head-on by a tractor trailer. That was a caused fumble. 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. 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. Brandon and Ed played football together and became very close friends over the years. 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. He continued to grow and was a good 6-foot-2, 260 pounds in his senior season. After his time at the University of Arkansas ended, Brandon Burlsworth seemed poised to realize his NFL dreams. University announces student survey results, new Track construction nearly complete, ready to Whataburger celebrates beginning construction on Searcy Harding hosts Arkansas National History Day Students visit historic Little Rock Central Students plan to attend upcoming mission ASI continues distinguished lecture series with Harding to host annual womens conference, Breaking out: University introduces breakout chapels, Construction on Berryhill Park courts continues. He said his familys personal contribution to Brandons legacy was the Burlworth Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping underprivileged kids enjoy Arkansas Razorback and Indianapolis Colts games. Brandon said, 'Yes, sir.' Hereof, what year did Brandon Burlsworth die? Please enjoy the peak of my journalistic career. He became a three-year starter and was eventually named an All-American in 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. 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. Instead, the accident happened four days later, tearing holes in the hearts of everyone who knew Brandon. With a chance to be Harrison's first full-time resident to make a professional sport, brother and agent Marty remembers draft day. "I remember it being exciting and extremely stressful. We knew he wouldn't be picked in the upper first round, but it took a toll on us," said Burlsworth. "Getting picked by the Colts was a blessing. It couldn't have been a better fit for Brandon.". A UT win would mean the Vols national title hopes would stay alive. HARRISON For one more Saturday, Brandon Burlsworth was with his Arkansas football teammates and coaches and surrounded by family and friends. Performance & security by Cloudflare. 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. The accident came less than two weeks after the Colts selected him and shortly after he had participated in the team's minicamp where coaches tabbed him as a potential starter at guard. This is a movie not just for football fans but for everyone. But he loses that control over him and his faith is restored making the carving revert back. 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. Accordingly, I was thrilled to get him.". He was in the prime of his football career. "We got to know a lot of Colts personnel at training camp. Through the years, we have stayed close.". "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!" Aaron Burlsworths parents, Marty and Vickie Burlsworth, are in charge of the foundation and its numerous roles from taking kids in poor financial situations to games to getting them quality eye care. Eleven days after being the 63rd pick in the draft, Burlsworth. 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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 offensive guard had been named an All-American and a two-time All-SEC First Team player. "I liked him so much that I used him as the barometer for the rest of the players I evaluated that year. They came to town to interview everyone and get photographs for the magazine. Foreign Language Department brings back after-school Harding employees bring families to swim Searcy Police and Public Safety investigate Reframing chapel: administration introduces changes, Student Association celebrates Earth Week. "He spent (Tuesday) night with Joe Dean Davenport." (Joe Dean later played for the Colts.) You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. "I took the player's helmet and put it on," said Tice. We're going to be fine.' Mudd was among the club's personnel who knew Burlsworth the best. A week after the draft, others got a glimpse of the player who drew visible comparisons to TV's Drew Carey. This book is the inspiring biography of a local boy who makes good. After his rise to prominence at Arkansas, Brandon Burlsworth seemed poised to make the leap to the NFL. "I couldn't stop talking to my wife about how impressive he was and what a bright future he had.". UT took over at the Hogs 43-yard line with just 1:43 left. Two collisions followed, and the life of a wonderful human with vast talents was over., Jerry Jones Had a Number of Hall of Fame Teammates and Coaches at Arkansas, Including Jimmy Johnson. know it would happen, but Brandon knew all his life that God had placed His hand upon him and that he would be nowhere without God. When he got to Arkansas as a walk-on, he knew that he had to put everything he had into it and more. Theyd risen to No. 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). https://t.co/UV3TEAGddV, Danielle Lerner (@danielle_lerner) August 29, 2019, @espn Amazing photo and article. We certainly didnt write the script, but we felt our opinions were always welcome. Its very possible the two would have had many more epic battles in the NFL. 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. I struggled with the same things I think everybody does. The lineman had returned from the Colts' weekend minicamp. "He'd be completely blown away by all this attention focused on him. But Arkansas was the dream. He declined both, insisting instead on joining the Razorbacks as a walk-on. Brandon Burlsworth was the former All-American offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Administration enforces faculty reductions to rightsize Larger than life: Family, friends, co-workers Student Health Services offers nurse practitioner, Bison basketball teams drive season further, Police investigate apartment shootings in Searcy, New shopping opportunities come to Searcy. Among UT fans, his name is synonymous with the Arkansas fumble. 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 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. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Think about how much it must have hurt Russell to keep this secret, and how much he's risking by coming out now while trying to revive his NFL career. Leo Burlsworth United States Social Security Death Index Age 59 Given Name Leo Surname Burlsworth Birth Date 19 Oct 1938 State Arkansas Last Place of Residence Boone, Arkansas Previous Residence Postal Code 72601 Event Date 02 Apr 1997 ===== LEO BURLSWORTH 19 Oct 1938 02 Apr 1997 (V) 72601 (Harrison, Boone, AR) 72601 (Harrison, Boone, AR) 000 . The accident occurred near Alpena, Arkansas, while returning to his old neighborhood. In the book about Brandon's life, retired businessman Bud Walsh of Harrison is credited with advising Brandon's older brother Marty to contact Razorback Assistant Coach Harold Horton to hopefully become a walk-on. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks Football Team from 1995 to 1998. . Now, a careless fumble? Ratliff continued playing football for the love of the game. This is incredible. More than. Brandon was Brandon Burlsworth, an All-American offensive guard who began his career at Arkansas as a walk-on and was known for his thick, black glasses. It was a tough situation. Its namesake was an Arkansas offensive lineman from 1995 to 1998. Published: Wednesday, August 24, 2016. 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.. He was killed in a car accident just days after the 1999 NFL Draft. John E. Hoover can be . Thats where things were headed as Arkansas quarterback Clint Stoerner lined up under center on second down with just 1:47 left on the clock. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. "I just wished I'd had the opportunity to have been part of his development. The magazine did an extensive eight-page piece on him. Safety Fred White didnt see it that way. Family members have attended one home game annually to this day. Their affinity for the franchise has been a constant. You sow a character, you reap a destiny. The book, Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story, was delivered in 2001. Every place starts with a cadence and ends with a whistle. Told he wasn't good enough to play Division I football, Brandon Burlsworth took a risk and walked on in 1994, and he became the most respected player in the history of the program.