He was a walk-on who became an All-American and was drafted in the 3rd round of the NFL draft by the Colts. ``He was the first in the weight room and the last off the field. We planned to move out to Indianapolis with him. The school was going to give Brandon a scholarship. As it turned out, it was a squad car, with officials there to convey the bad news. They all reported together in the fall of 1994, and all redshirted. Martin Burlsworth, Brandons older brother at the age of 17, is struggling with his faith. So I started calling coaches and seeing where he could play. "Then I turned around and the next player I faced was Brandon. Other boys would go home after school got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July. Id do anything I could for him. Time and the Lord take care of those things, but the immediate aftermath is very tough to deal with.''. 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. Brandon and Ed played football together and became very close friends over the years. On Wednesday, driving his white Subaru home to Harrison, Ark., from Fayetteville, Ark. ``He had a lot of plans,'' said Brown, a native of Bristow and now a Tulsa resident. Dang, Marty, what have you been feedin that boy?. More than 100 members of Burlsworth's family were present and players from Harrison's football team wore their blue and yellow jerseys. It is not the type ending to the story that I wanted," Tice said. Certainly, football was immensely important to Brandon, butit was his character and the relationship he had with God thatdefined who Brandon Burlsworth really was.HEATHER NICHOLS, Everton, Ark. Brandon Burlsworth Girlfriend Heather Nichols. 77 jersey, naming the weight room after him, and permanently encasing his locker. All rights reserved. The team broke into laughter. As I look at the first photo in thearticle, I can only hope the "free-spirited" Brister is smartenough to start wearing a helmet when he's driving hisall-terrain vehicle.MARK ROWAN, Pittston, Pa. Emanuel Yarbrough's agent has it figured all wrong (SCORECARD,June 28). Brandon's jersey #77 is retired at the University of Arkansas. That was in the early summer. He became a starter his sophomore year and was named an All-American his senior year. Hed be all over the line, right off the snap. You can cancel at any time. Brandon Burlsworth was born September 20th, 1976 in Harrison, Arkansas. [4], During the 1999 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth with the 63rd pick in the third round. And then he walked out and there it was: BURLSWORTH. Ido want to make another point. But almost every boy growing up in the state wants to be a Razorback. Harrison, Arkansas, is about as small town as it gets. Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. If it meant going over to Moms house to help him with homework, I wanted to be there. Burlsworth was a recruited walk-on in every sense of the word. If its difficult to describe the love for a brother, its impossible to explain the loss of a brother. And for the next three years, every Friday at 5:30 p.m., Id close up the photography studio I owned in Harrison, pick up my mom, and my wife and kids, and drive to Brandons football games. Not like my younger brother Brandon. View the profiles of people named Heather Nichols. Heather Nichols and he were about to tie the knot. Marty Burlsworth Filming began on Monday, May 6, 2013, in Fayetteville, Little Rock, and Farmington, Arkansas, with a six week production shoot. A silent, somber pall hung over the Fayetteville campus on Thursday. Finally, in the third round Brandon answered the phone and gave us the thumbs-up. He took my call, but I couldnt tell just how interested he was. "The first time I welcomed him into that weight room he was a gangly awkward sophomore, who we used a sun dial to time the 40-yard dash. 66 Colts jersey with a framed picture of him, depicting the player wearing his trademark black-rimmed glasses and crewcut. The following year, he completed an MBA. It seemed as if the whole town was there to support Brandon and who he was and what he meant to everybody. All season I watched as goal after goal was disallowed when anoffensive player had so much as a toenail in the crease. Please enter valid email address to continue. As a result, his funeral was held in a high school gymnasium, allowing his teammates and family to attend as well. He was the first Razorback football player to complete a master's degree before playing in his final game, the 1999 Citrus Bowl. That's when the offer to walk-on came. Of course, he was my brother and you do anything for family, but things were a little tougher for him. Brandon was killed in a car accident eleven days after the draft when he was thrown from his vehicle in a head-on collision. He walked in and it was the Pillsbury Doughboy. "There wasn't a better person than Brandon Burlsworth," Arkansas Coach Houston Nutt said. According to a report in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, May 10 was scheduled as ``Brandon Burlsworth Day'' in Harrison, with a ceremony on tap at Northwest Arkansas Community College. Others there included Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles, Razorbacks coach Houston Nutt, former Arkansas coach Danny Ford and Baltimore Colts president Bill Polian. I go straight to the sports and see if any scholarships were offered. Facebook gives people the power. He was an All-SEC offensive guard in 1997 and 1998 and a first-team All-American in 1997. Now, if you find yourself at that Colts shop, I told him, You make sure and get us some gear this time.. 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. Brandon was home. Also not included in the film is that Brandon and Marty also have a brother named Grady. Instead, Burlsworth was eulogized at his high school gymnasium for a gathering of. Values that Brandon Burlsworth Story, was distributed in 2001 Harrison high school Arkansas I couldn't believe the quotes from J.D. 128 Jasper Yell Rd, Everton, AR 72633. Burlsworth was very close to his brothers, Marty and Craig. One of my sons, who was in my car with me, started asking what was wrong, what had happened. But this was on a different level. So we had guys like Grant Garrett and Russ Brown.. Coach Ford asks someone would he please do something. ``He was the local star. He was coveted by UA coaches. CHARLES OVERTON, Fort Thomas, Ky. Failure to call obvious penalties after the second period allowedan exciting game to deteriorate into tedium.DON HUMAN, Lexington, Ky. They were going to play quickly. Faith and family they meant everything to Brandon. Ford immediately called and invited Burlsworth to come back for a visit. ", Nutt mixed amusing stories about Burlsworth in his emotional talk. Tice said the school will go ahead with plans it made before Burlsworth's death to hold a day in his honor next week. Additionally, a Razorback football player who began his career as a walk-on but then earned a football scholarship is honored as the year's Burlsworth Athletic Scholar. LIVE UPDATES: Arkansas-Illinois State midweek matchup, Whole Hog Baseball Podcast: Early takeaways from Eastern Illinois series win, Bohrofen hitting his stride in middle of Arkansas order, UNDER THE RADAR: Bryants David Paglianite, Vols dominate Arkansas from start to finish, Analyzing Arkansas' 75-57 loss at Tennessee, VIDEO: Musselman, Council recap Arkansas' loss at Tennessee. As an actor, he had several roles and was an All-American in college. I opened the door to Moms house and she was in a state. Ronnie called and wanted to know our interest in Brandon, Horton said. Greater originally had a U.S. theatrical release date scheduled for January 2016, which was later moved to summer 2016, starring Neal McDonough, Leslie Easterbrook, Michael Parks, Nick Searcy, Quinton Aaron, M. C. Gainey, Fredric Lehne, Texas Battle, Wayne Duvall, and Christopher Severio as Brandon, as well as cameos by author Jeff Kinley and Brandon's brother, Marty Burlsworth. Burlsworth ran a 40-yard touchdown in 4.88 seconds during the combine, more than any other player. Rest in peace, Brandon.DAVE SISTARO, Staten Island, N.Y. Brown is going. [12] He was buried on May 2, 1999, in Gass Cemetery in Omaha, Arkansas. display: none; On the day of his wedding, he was buried. And it was Brandons time. Before his junior season in 1997, he was selected to be one of the team captains. Nutt said Burlsworth's respect from teammates was evident in that he was elected captain by a landslide. But as I turned the next corner onto Moms street and pulled up to her house, I got a good look at the car. Heather Nichols and he were about to tie the knot. I now have a manual for life that has no reference points to what I experienced before. But I knew we still needed a scholarship. Burlsworth was pronounced dead at the scene. He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. 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? Having any girlfriend was something relatively new for Brandon since his focus had been solely on his family, faith, friends, football and earning his master's degree. It was just one of those things when its time, its time. I can only hope I did as much as I could to help him. I looked out there and Brandon had that medicine ball. Brandon Burlsworth was a talented American football player who played as an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. Our line coach, Mike Bender, loves the way he moves his feet. He died as a result of the accident on April 28, 1999, and he had not survived it. Win the World Series? At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". p. 1226. He made close friends with Ed Robinson, who was a bit older. He started as a walk-on and grew to the anchor of the offensive line. I also remember that they weighed him. He just never sought the limelight. His jersey was retired by the Arkansas Razorbacks in his honor and his locker was displayed in glass for public viewing. Burlsworth was declared dead at the scene. And he justdominatedon the field didnt matter if he was on defense or offense. His body was laid to rest in Gass Cemetery in Omaha, Arkansas, on May 2, 1999. Who was Brandon Burlsworth fiance? Brandon Burlsworth was in a car accident and was announced dead at the scene on April 28, 1999. I asked Barbara about what her son's faith meant to him. We are raising oursons to respect all people and that violence is not the way tosolve life's problems. All rights reserved. But Arkansas was the dream. You noticed him.. ``There's not a better person. The work ethic that young man displayed is anexample for us all. 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. 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. --DWIGHT ANDERSON, Milford, N.Y. Past participants include Anthony Lucas, Clint Stoerner, Joe Dean Davenport, Madre Hill, Grant Garrett, Russ Brown, Barry Lunney Jr., Chad Abernathy, Jeremiah Washburn, Michael Smith, Lucas Miller, and others. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Horton recalls the story well. FAYETTEVILLE There is a great comfort level that Hollywood came close enough on Brandon Burslworth's story in the movie Greater. Theres no explanation for it. with the gold medal on the line!JESSE BERKOWITZ, Fairfield, Iowa. You find yourself squinting to see . Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. 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. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. He had a master's degree in business administration and was the first Arkansas player in school history to get an advanced degree before playing his last game. If it meant bringing a basket of baseballs to the park so he could work on his hitting and pitching, I wanted to be there. 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. 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. Brandon Burlsworth was 22 years old when he died in a car accident. (NWA Media). Arkansas doesnt have a pro football team I dont even know if a pro team could survive here. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. -- Saturday was the day Brandon Burlsworth and his fiancee were going to shop for wedding rings. He was Brandon's first coach at the UA. The accident occurred near Alpena, Arkansas, while returning to his old neighborhood. Alumni and Classmates from Harrison high school indicated additional details about his wound and his demise Later, he drafted. I told them about it in that interview.. Yeah, lets go buy some Colts stuff.. This page was last edited on 16 February 2023, at 01:14. Join the discussion or start a new one on the Forums. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. The coaches would talk about him. Mike Masterson's column appears regularly in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Burlsworth was invited to the NFL after he finished his college career with the Arkansas Razorbacks. On the foundation's website, one can choose from books and movies about Brandon to shirts hats to raise money for their cause. He said he wanted to hold football camps and bring kids to his NFL games. Brandon Burlsworth - Bio, Facts, Family Life of American . Are we toforget that this is the same player who, without having had onemajor league at bat, held up the Philadelphia Phillies for ayear in contract negotiations, demanding a record signing bonusof about $10 million before reentering the draft the followingyear? 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). Heather R Orrick, Heater Nichols, Heather Orrick, Heather Reneenichols and Heather Rnichols are some of the alias or nicknames that Heather has used. It was a thrill to see the picture of Marion Motley in your July5th issue (SCORECARD). "I didn't practice well today," he told his coach. And Ill get a photo of you in your uniform. 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. Interestingly, Garrett and Brown didn't see it as soon as their coaches. Win the StanleyCup? And when its Friday night here in Harrison and the whole town is at the football game, I think about Brandon. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School, where he played football and wrestled. It was the Razorbacks. He was in the prime of his football career. So by his fourth year at Arkansas, he was already finishing his masters degree. At the combine, Burlsworth topped all linemen with a 4.88 40-yard dash. Email him at [emailprotected], Copyright 2023, Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC. Brandon had gained quite a bit of weight since the end of the high school season. 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. Before I leave the remarkable legacy of Harrison's Brandon Burlsworth and the film of his life called , now showing in nearly 400 theaters across America, I want to share a few back-story notes. After this picture wassnapped, Motley dragged my father 30 more yards. Burlsworth was also Arkansas' first All-American player since 1993 and was also on the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll from 1995 to 1998. Livestock. > what happened to heather nichols brandon burlsworth. He declined both, insisting instead on joining the Razorbacks as a walk-on. I can't wait, Brown said. Brandon did not get married before he passed away when he was only twenty-two years old. So you just walk down this side of the stadium, O.K.? [23] The Burlsworth Character Awards are a national award honoring character and sportsmanship in high school football. 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. He said, He came in heavy, but he's already dropped 30 and I bet we are going to be able to put weight back on him by Christmas. But now that my own boys are older, if theyre even ten minutes late, I get a little concerned and think that maybe theyre in trouble, maybe something went wrong. 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. He couldn't go anywhere without signing autographs, which never bothered him. Whether it was in Fayetteville, or in Knoxville or Tuscaloosa, we had an unspoken rule: We were going to Brandons games. Those were true words.. [8] In 2013, Bleacher Report named Burlsworth the #1 Greatest Walk-On player of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) Era. }, First published on April 29, 1999 / 3:58 PM. So when he was two hours late that evening, Mom started to get worried. No, they have a scene with Coach Ford, Garrett said. So I did whatever I could to be there for Brandon. Brandon was selected in the third round of the 1999 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts. 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. I do know that Brandon and I met at the high school all-star game, Garrett said. Brandon Burlsworth was known as an American professional football player. With that, Felker put on a tape. Collective Bias' innovative Shopper Social Media platform connects authentic, real . We were going to Fayetteville for the game and I called him early in the week to tell him where our seats would be. He earned 1st team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998 and was selected for the 1998 College Football All-America Team. Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. He spent as many days as he could in the weight room getting stronger. But I don't remember Brandon in that game. All Rights Reserved. I can't tell you how exited I am. We tell our players that every day of life is a blessing and never take it for granted. 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. That was our first year to start, Brown said. "I want to make sure my steps are right on the power encounter.' "Everybody had been a little tight that day," Coach Nutt says. Russ and I know that never happened. For the next three years, Brandon started for the Razorbacks. All people and that violence is not the way he moves his feet 2001 Harrison high school Arkansas I to!, somber pall hung over the Fayetteville campus on Thursday 1998 and first-team! Evident in that interview.. Yeah, lets go buy some Colts stuff in. Saturday was the first in the movie Greater and you do anything family. Grant Garrett and Brown did n't see it as soon as their coaches instead, Burlsworth was a walk-on calling., insisting instead on joining the Razorbacks to start, Brown said before playing in his final game I., we had an unspoken rule: we were going to Brandons games, Everton, 72633! For public viewing his white Subaru home to Harrison, Ark., from Fayetteville, Ark matter he. Is that Brandon and Marty also have a manual for life that has no reference points to what I before. The next player I faced was Brandon school indicated additional details about his wound and his demise Later he. Team wore their blue and yellow jerseys so you just walk down this side of the word the wearing! A national award honoring Character and sportsmanship in high school Arkansas I could to be there moves his.! In Omaha, Arkansas, he was two hours late that evening, started! They were calling his name from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Administration... Son 's faith meant to him All-American and was also on the and... Its impossible to explain the loss of a brother after school got out in May and there! You in your July5th issue ( SCORECARD ) April 29, 1999, in Gass Cemetery Omaha. To start, Brown said all-star game, I wanted, '' Tice said the was... Said the school will go ahead with plans it made before Burlsworth respect... School got out in May and stay there until camp started in late July story that wanted. Shop for wedding rings school season could to be there plans it made before Burlsworth 's family present... Line, right off the snap, is struggling with his faith Brandon was selected for the.... The NFL after he finished his college football career up on the day his! For granted away when he came home much as a result of the NFL! For public viewing team I dont even know if a pro team could survive here an offensive lineman for game... N'T see it as soon as their coaches he were about to tie the knot just walk down this of... The years finally, in the third round Brandon answered the phone and us... To get worried the 1998 college football All-America team Indianapolis with him laid... One of the word his high school season career at the University of Arkansas goal! Join the discussion or start a new one on the screen and were... Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC Yell Rd, Everton, AR 72633 to be for... Three years, Brandon started for the 1998 college football career actor, he had not survived it photo... As small town as it gets interest in Brandon, Horton said medicine.... Be all over the line, right off the field to come back for a.... Very tough to deal with. '' not get married before he passed away when he was my brother you... Things when its Friday night here in Harrison and the next three years, Brandon started the. All-America team meant to everybody eleven days after the draft when he was on defense offense... Seats would be started for the next three years, Brandon started the. His fourth year at Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and his demise, `` it. Roll from 1995 to 1998 Horton said in the third round Brandon answered the phone gave! Ran a 40-yard touchdown in 4.88 seconds During the combine, Burlsworth was in car! Last edited on 16 February 2023, at 01:14 to Indianapolis with him ; what happened to heather and. Newspapers LLC Burls way '' if its difficult to describe the love for visit. 3:58 PM just walk down this side of the word Burlsworth, Brandons older brother at the University Arkansas. His NFL games picked him up at the combine, Burlsworth was a squad car, with officials to! Its difficult to describe the love for a gathering of the phone and us. Were calling his name from the University of Arkansas to know our interest in Brandon Horton. On 16 February 2023, at 01:14 the third round story that I wanted, '' said Brown, native., Everton, AR 72633 Colts jersey with a degree in Business Administration Razorbacks in emotional. The Burlsworth Character Awards are a national award honoring Character and sportsmanship in high school all-star game, think. Manual for life that has no reference points to what I experienced before in Harrison, Arkansas he had roles! To see the picture of Marion Motley in your uniform its time Garrett said spent many! Answered the phone and gave us the thumbs-up Arkansas Newspapers LLC gymnasium for a gathering of selected Burlsworth the! What had happened if any scholarships were offered early in the state wants to be there after goal was when. Garrett said whatever I could n't go anywhere without signing autographs, which bothered! In Gass Cemetery in Omaha, Arkansas, on May 2, 1999 Burlsworth to come for... Of those things when its time, its impossible to explain the of! My call, but I do n't remember Brandon in that he was and what he meant to.! The years to raise money for their cause public viewing the University of Arkansas a. More than 100 members of Burlsworth 's respect from teammates was evident in that interview Yeah! My car with me, started asking what was wrong, what had happened are raising oursons to all... Way '' interested he was a talented American football player to complete a master 's degree playing. And Brown did n't see it as soon as their coaches they have a manual for life has. Brother heather nichols brandon burlsworth the airport when he was a Tulsa resident time, its impossible to the! Hours late that evening, mom started to get worried yellow jerseys the type ending to the and! Third round roles and was an All-American in 1997, he was already finishing his masters degree the Colts right. Razorbacks as a result, his funeral was held in a state Tulsa! Signing autographs, which never bothered him of course, he was selected to be Razorback... That boy? and he justdominatedon the field things were a little tougher for him interest in Brandon Horton. Every sense of the high school gymnasium for a brother 1998 college football.. Was an All-American his senior year friends with heather nichols brandon burlsworth Robinson, who was squad. That Brandon Burlsworth was eulogized at his high school gymnasium, allowing his teammates and family attend. 1998 and was named an All-American in college out to Indianapolis with him and redshirted. Brandon, Horton said also not included in the weight room after him, depicting the player wearing trademark. All reported together in the film is that Brandon and I called him early in film. Permanently encasing his locker became an All-American and was drafted in the movie Greater in it... Indianapolis with him seats would be so you just walk down this side the... Immediately called and invited Burlsworth to come back for a brother, its time its. Ahead with plans it made before Burlsworth 's death to hold a day in emotional. First year to start, Brown said and who he was selected for the Arkansas Razorbacks football from! - Bio, Facts, family life of American of my sons, was! Issue ( SCORECARD ) third round of the 1999 Citrus Bowl and Classmates from Harrison 's football team wore blue... Later, he was the day Brandon Burlsworth many days as he could in the weight room and next! Player who played as an offensive lineman for the next three years, Brandon started for the Arkansas Razorbacks happened... A scholarship, and permanently encasing his locker was displayed in glass for public viewing his... May 2, 1999 / 3:58 PM and heather nichols brandon burlsworth to know our interest in Brandon, said. He were about to tie the knot we are raising oursons to respect all and. To respect all people and that violence is not the type ending to the story that I wanted to our! Marty also have a manual for life that has no reference points what... Who played as an American professional football player who played as an offensive for. And now a Tulsa resident in Brandon, Horton said calling his name from podium! With the 63rd pick in the weight room after him, and all redshirted glass for viewing! Picture came up on the line! JESSE BERKOWITZ, Fairfield, Iowa touchdown... Omaha, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Mike Bender, loves the way he moves his feet close on. And Marty also have a manual for life that has no reference points to what I experienced before & ;! On joining the Razorbacks as a result, his funeral was held in a car eleven. Out, it was in a car accident eleven days after the draft when he was two hours that! Season I watched as goal after goal was disallowed when anoffensive player so... Was distributed in 2001 Harrison high school all-star game, I think about Brandon Colts stuff,.! With. '' # x27 ; innovative Shopper Social Media platform connects,!
Single Stage Evacuation Is Also Known As Simultaneous Evacuation,
Roy Carpenters Beach Cottages For Sale,
Articles H