FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Brandon Burlsworth’s story echoes through time in the feature film “Greater” touching the lives of all he came across during his time on earth.
The Harrison, Arkansas, native was meant to defy the odds. His high school football coach Tommy Tice said Burlsworth knew his legacy. “He told me, 'Coach, I want to be a Razorback. That's been my dream forever. I'm going to be a Razorback.'”
“In Arkansas, when you say 'Burls,' you see Brandon's face,” said Vickie Burlsworth, Brandon's sister-in-law. Even the simplest of words are remembered from the strongest of characters.
Kevin Trainor with Razorback Athletics says Burlsworth continues to be a part of the University's program. “Brandon continues to be a part not just of the University of Arkansas but of Razorback Athletics and tells the story of an Arkansas kid who came to achieve his dream,” Trainor said.
You can't mention Razorback greats without talking about Burlsworth, who's regarded in sports history as one of the greatest to ever hit the gridiron. He surpassed all odds beginning his career as a walk-on for the Razorbacks, eventually becoming All American.
“I remember going over to do an interview with him in the residence hall, a photographer from the local paper wanted to take a picture and they just went into his dorm room there was not much at all,” Trainor said.
Burlsworth was infamous for his glasses, like those of Clark Kent.
He was the ideal student and athlete in all feats, focusing on what was important to him. His career shot off grabbing the attention of countless fans. “It was all substance with him. It was all about, you know, how you play," Trainor remembers. “Very focused, loved God, loved his family, and loved football."
From the beginning, Brandon had his eye on the prize with a dream to go to the University of Arkansas and play football. Though there were challenges, he was determined to achieve the unthinkable. Eventually, he scored himself a full-ride scholarship, allowing him to finish out his football career and education as a Razorback.
Playing hard both on the field and in the books, he became the first Razorback football player to complete his master's degree before playing in his final game the 1999 Citrus Bowl.
“I'm standing there with him, and you can see it's like, this is it right here. From that point on, it was the Razorbacks. It wasn't gonna be anything else," said Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's brother.
After his career with the Razorbacks, he was invited to the NFL Combine. It was there where he proved his talent, topping all linemen with a 4.88 40-yard dash, and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts during the third round—proving anything is possible with focus and determination.
Soon after, tragedy struck the small community of Harrison. “We were on the top of the mountain going into the NFL Draft," said Vickie.
Just 11 days after the NFL draft, on April 28, Brandon was headed home from the University of Arkansas to attend church with his mom. Just 15 minutes from home he was involved in a car crash, dying at the age of 22. “And he was looking so forward to going on and being a great NFL player. We all knew that he would. It's hard to believe, hard to accept,” said Houston Nutt, the 1999 Razorback football coach. Brandon’s influence did not stop, even after life. To this day he is still ingrained in his community and the people he met in life.
“We talked about doing it the 'Burls Way' and that means doing it the right way when no one's looking," said Vickie.
“It was an honor to get to know him personally. And now to be able to work with Marty and Vicky, his mother Barbara, to continue to carry on that legacy is a real honor,” Trainor said. Before his death, Brandon planned to help underprivileged children. Now carrying his torch, his family established the Burlsworth Foundation in his honor.
“Marty and I have a passion for the foundation of passion for our children. Passion for keeping Brandon's name alive and the character that he really stood for,” Vickie said. “When we talk to our Burls kids group every week, we stress that academics are really important."
Remembered for his glasses, the foundation in Brandon's namesake now provides free eye care to children, helping athletes maybe one day achieve the unthinkable.
His image lives on in Harrison. His story is encased in eye-catching oil paints telling the story of a University of Arkansas walk-on working to achieve his dream. “When I was commissioned, approached to do it, I was honored,” said Ruben Drewery, a mural artist.
“It's going to be a destination other people are going to want to come and see and have their picture taken with it,” said Vickie. The mural showcases his movement from a peewee football player to the big leagues. You can’t help but look as you drive by. “It's not a billboard. It's a life story,” Marty said.
His legacy continues to be a staple in the town and is talked about by many. Trainor says Brandon's legacy is about the long-lasting effects positivity can have. “You can have an impact. Whatever time you have here on this earth, you can make an impact even long beyond."
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