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

Did the Colts pay Burlsworth family?

At halftime of the team’s season-opener against Buffalo, Colts owners Jim and Meg Irsay presented Burlsworth’s family and Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles with checks for $5,000 each.

Who is the old man in Greater?

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

Who was Brandon Burlsworth fiance?

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

How accurate is the greater movie?

The film is meticulously modeled after the true life story of the former walk-on from Harrison, Arkansas. Often times in death, we idolize individuals in an enhanced way beyond what they truly represented in life. Brandon Burlsworth was not perfect. He would be the first to point that out.

How did Brandon Burlsworth accident happen?

Eleven days after being drafted, Burlsworth was killed in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas, on April 28, 1999, on his way back to his hometown of Harrison after a workout in Fayetteville. Burlsworth’s vehicle clipped an oncoming 18-wheeler, swerved back into his lane and then hit another tractor-trailer head-on.

What NFL team drafted Brandon Burlsworth?

the Indianapolis Colts Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. After minicamp, he was projected by his coaches to start as a rookie. Unfortunately, Brandon was tragically killed in a head-on automobile collision just 11 days after the draft.

What happened to Marty Burlsworth?

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

Who is the brother in the movie Greater?

Brandon Burlsworth by DAN LYBARGER Special to the Democrat-Gazette August 26, 2016 at 1:52 a.m. Actor Chris Severio (left), who plays Brandon Burlsworth in the movie Greater, autographs Tuesday, Aug.

Who was the guy whittling at the end of Greater?

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

What nickname did Marty give Brandon when he was a boy?

Cheesecake Marty is deeply invested in Brandon’s life. But sometimes his frustrations boil over in negative ways. His nickname for Brandon is Cheesecake, a reference to Brandon’s love of junk food.

Did Brandon Burlsworth have an open casket?

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

What does Marty Burlsworth do for a living?

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

What is the message of the movie greater?

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

Where was movie Greater filmed?

Arkansas The film was shot in 2013 in seven Arkansas cities — Fayetteville, Little Rock, Springdale, Harrison, Farmington, Gravette and Lincoln. My hope and prayer are that this will be a springboard for it to connect to a larger audience, Burlsworth said.

Was Marty Burlsworth in the movie greater?

(Marty Burlsworth) McDonough frequently appeared as Captain Laser, inspiring young students to bring their studies to completion.

How much did Brandon Burlsworth weigh in high school?

After being six feet tall and weighing 200 pounds as a senior at Harrison High School in 1993, Burlsworth grew almost three inches and added 30 pounds by the following spring. At the end of summer, he weighed 311 pounds, yet the draft hopeful could dunk a basketball with both hands from a standing start.

How old was Brandon Burlsworth when he passed away?

22years (19761999) Brandon Burlsworth / Age at death 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.

Was Brandon Burlsworth good?

On the combine, Burlsworth outscored all linemen with a 4.88 40-yard run. He weighed 225 pounds on the bench 28 times, weighed 308 pounds, and measured a slight notch below 64. During the 1999 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth with the 63rd pick in the third round.

Who won the 2020 Burlsworth Award?

Jimmy Morrissey Winners and finalists

Year Winner School
2017 Luke Falk Washington State
2018 Hunter Renfrow Clemson
2019 Kenny Willekes Michigan State
2020 Jimmy Morrissey Pittsburgh

Who was the first pick in the 1999 NFL draft?

Tim Couch The 1999 NFL Draft PIcks

Draft# Team Player, Position, College
1 Cleveland Browns Tim Couch qb, Kentucky
2 Philadelphia Eagles Donovan McNabb qb, Syracuse
3 Cincinnati Bengals Akili Smith qb, Oregon
4 Indianapolis Colts Edgerrin James rB, Miami

Who is the Burlsworth Trophy named after?

Brandon Burlsworth 2, 2021 Today, the Burlsworth Trophy announced 89 players nominated from Division 1 (FBS) schools from across the country for the 2021 Burlsworth Trophy. In the award’s twelfth year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas Walk-On and All-American offensive lineman.

What movie is about Arkansas football player?

Greater 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.

Who is the wood carver in the movie greater?

I could have done without the woodcarver (played beautifully by Nick Searcy, Moneyball) who tries to talk Marty out of his faith, as well as some unnecessarily ham-fisted moments foreshadowing doom. Still, this film, like its character, has heart.

Who was Brandon Burlsworth father?

Leo Burlsworth Brandon Burlsworth / Fathers The day after Christmas 1996, Burlsworth’s father announced to the family that lung cancer had conquered him. He had six months to live. Leo Burlsworth never wanted his family to worry about his condition, something they could do nothing to affect. He had known his fate for about a month before breaking the news.

What highway was Brandon Burlsworth killed on?

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 traffic. The accident occurred near Carrollton, Ark., on U.S. 412 and Carrollton Road at approximately 4:15 p.m.