In 1999, Brandons family established a charity in his memory. This was 1998. (Photo by Brandons brother, Marty), The movie is doing amazing, says Vickie, who is executive director of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation. Burlsworths life was tragically cut short when he was killed in a car accident on April 28, 1999. "He beat me to work every single day his senior year. April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 19951998. Greater, the movie, includes several scenes from the November 14, 1998, game between No. 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. "Greater" Story of Brandon Burlsworth Casting Call for Principle and Amazon: "GREATER follows the true story of Brandon Burlsworth who is perhaps the greatest walk-on in the history of college football. Polian related a story told to him by Mudd, who had pushed for the Colts to draft Burlsworth, after the team's four-day minicamp last week. (When I asked him what he thought of the actor they chose to play him, Coach Nutts opinion was a chuckle. After his two weeks in Indianapolis, Brandon flew home on April 18, 1999, a Sunday. After returning to its lane briefly, the car crossed the center line again and hit a second tractor-trailer. In the replay, you can see Brandon and Stoerner cross shins. (Photo by Bob Coleman), An estimated 2,000 people filled Harrison's basketball arena for Burlsworth's funeral. Did the Colts pay Brandon Burlsworth family? Brian made the movie for about $9 million. Eyes portal. Burlsworths family and Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles were presented $5,000 checks by Colts owners Jim and Meg Irsay during the teams season opener against Buffalo. The namesake for that award is Brandon Burlsworth. I have an Intermediate knowledge of HTML, SQL, C++ and keen on learning new languages. As Arkansas Federals executive vice president and chief financial officer, Mangham is responsible for The post Arkansas Federal Credit Union Names New Executive VP, CFO appeared first on AMP. Brandons family established a foundation in 1999 to honor him. Garrett, Brown and Burlsworth lettered four straight years, 1995-98. Burlsworth was given a fatal diagnosis right away. After returning to the lane, the vehicle crossed the center line and hit another tractor-trailer. Fans have not yet gotten over the remorse that How Did Brandon Burlsworth Die? We're going to be fine.' That sent a message to me that he wants to win. ', "Then he said, 'We're going to be all right, aren't we, Coach?' Entrepreneur Eric Buckner, 10 Fitness founder, on why https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XmgMiPuYm4, Arkansas Federal Credit Union Names New Executive VP, CFO, Cameron Little Featured in this Episode of The Ridin Around Show, Arkansas Health Network Earns Clinical Integration, Employer Based Population Health, Anonymous Donor Gives UAMS $600k to Provide Post-Partum Contraceptive Devices, Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau Releases 2022 Report, Conway Social: A New Recreation Concept Moves to Conway Block Plant, Burlsworth Foundation to Honor Kevin Scanlon with Legends Award, Irish Company RelateCare Bringing 255 Jobs to Sherwood, AcreTrader Named as One of Worlds Most Innovative Companies, Click Here To View All AY Media Group Publications. He was given an invitation to the NFL combine following his time with the Razorbacks. Burlsworth attended Harrison High School, where he played football and wrestled. The story of Brandon Burlsworth is one of the most amazing in football history. The Burlsworth family was paid by the Colts after their son, Brandon, died. Burlsworth eulogized as `special' - Tulsa World Razorbacks | Brandon Burlsworth Foundation | Harrison He was a Razorback. 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.. A dream shattered by tragedy - Tulsa World Eyes of a Champion: The Brandon Burlsworth Story, a book, was released in 2001. He died as a result of the accident on April 28, 1999, and he had not survived it. He ran into Burlsworth. By the end of his. The life and untimely death of Arkansas football player Brandon Burlsworth is turned into a one-note sermon in David Hunt's leaden biopic. "The Colts were very impressive in the caring they showed and the way they reached out to the Burlsworth family and the state of Arkansas," Broyles said. Burlsworth was recruited by the Arkansas football team, but only as a walk-on. Your email address will not be published. Does Hendrix College have a football team? Brandon Burlsworth - Metro Biography MIKE MASTERSON: What you didn't see - Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in business administration from the University of Arkansas in 1998. The Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth with the 63rd choice in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. It's a site that collects all the most frequently asked questions and answers, so you don't have to spend hours on searching anywhere else. FAYETTEVILLE Pittsburgh center Jimmy Morrissey won the Burlsworth Trophy on Monday as the best college football player who began his career as a walk-on. 1 Tennessee, Zweig Collaborates with Apple Blossom Brewing Company. What happened to Brandon Burlsworth, Arkansas? Everything you need to 1 movie in every theater we played in Arkansas. The total box office take will be about $2 million, he says. Eyes of a Champion; Burls Kids; Burlsworth Character Award; . Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. Brandon Burlsworth (Football Player) Wiki, Biography, Age, Wife, Family In 2015, Mangham was named senior vice president/chief finance officer. What Was Journalist and Reporter Mike Cochrans Cause of Death? Do Men Still Wear Button Holes At Weddings? These companies are setting The post AcreTrader Named as One of Worlds Most Innovative Companies appeared first on AMP. "I'm a Colts fan right now because of that.". Baker Mayfields Affair: The NFL Players Professional Life, College Football Player Luke Knox Is No More, Who Is Thomas Parteys Girlfriend? Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. I want to make sure my steps are right on the power encounter., Everybody had been a little tight that day, Coach Nutt says. He completed schooling at theHarrison High Schooland graduated from theUniveristy of Arkansas. After Brandons camp with the Colts, a scout told Coach Nutt that Brandon probably would start as a rookie and likely would have a long career in the NFL. Between 1995 and 1998, offensive lineman Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth represented the Arkansas Razorbacks in American football. He was preparing to marry Heather Nichols. He was an All-SEC offensive guard in 1997 and 1998 and a first-team All-American in 1997. He had just finished his studies at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and was coming back. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American. A police statement revealed that Brandons car drove left of the centerline before hitting the left front fender of a tractor-trailer for unknown reasons. It can perhaps best be summarized by saying that Brandons unwavering faith deeply informs everything he does, while his brothers faltering faith after Brandons death is something he grapples with mightily. SOS: 8.87 (5th of 112) . The foundation is best known for the Burls Kids program seen at every home Arkansas Razorback and Indianapolis Colts football game. Brandon Burlsworth played for Arkansas from 1995-1998. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Brandon Burlsworth requested his Arkansas teammates everytime the offense came inside 20 yards of the end sector. When Brandon Burlsworth arrived on campus in 1994, he had no money, no famous last name, and absolutely no Division 1 scholarship offers. And while his talent was limited, his motivation was anything but. With 30 seconds left, Tennesse scores a touchdown, goes ahead for the first time in the game, and wins 28-24. Brandon Burlsworth was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. "We all said, 'Who could that be this late at night?' Consequently Was the movie Greater accurate? He was on the Colts for 11 days before He became a starter his sophomore year and was named an All-American his senior year. (Photo by Bob Coleman), Player's past, present, future come together for funeral in Harrison. Eleven days later he passed on attending a Razorback ring presentation ceremony to drive to his hometown to take his mom to church. All Rights Reserved. ". There were very few missed assignments.. Who Was Luke Balstad? Sunday, September 12 Colts pay tribute to Burlsworth Associated Press INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis Colts on Sunday remembered Brandon Burlsworth, the team's third-round draft pick who. AHN becomes the The post Arkansas Health Network Earns Clinical Integration, Employer Based Population Health appeared first on [], An anonymous donor has provided $600,000 in second-year grant funding to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) to continue providing long-acting reversible contraception devices (LARCs) for uninsured post-partum patients in Little Rock and Fort Smith. To help the foundation continue its mission of providing opportunities to young football lovers and children across Arkansas, "GMA" and Wells Fargo surprised the group on Wednesday with $10,000. "I said, 'He's even better than that.' Brandon Burlsworth was known for always playing to the whistle. Morrissey won the award over two other finalists, receiver Dax Milne of BYU and linebacker Grant Morgan of Arkansas. Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. He started as a walk-on and grew to the anchor of the offensive line. As an offensive lineman, Mr. Burlsworth would have protected one of the best quarterbacks ever, Peyton Manning, and he would have followed Mr. Manning to Super Bowl 2006 and a championship ring. They are on a mission to support the . More. The Foundation aids in the meeting of childrens spiritual and physical needs by providing funds to those who are impoverished. Through his unbelievable work ethic and ceaseless determination, Brandon not only earned a scholarship, but became team captain, All-SEC 1997-1998, First Team All-SEC 1998, Football News First Team All-American in 1998, and the first All-American from the . Who has won the Brandon Burlsworth trophy? Brandon Burlsworth, a running back from Lincoln High School, was selected by the Arkansas Razorbacks as an official selection eleven days after his high school graduation. Fifteen years later and four years since its debut in theaters Reindl is still working to promote Greater, the movie he produced and co-wrote with director David Hunt. "If I was a little bit late, he would chuckle and say, 'Sleeping in a little bit today, Coach?' "But most importantly, it was equally evident that Brandon was exactly the type of young man we wished to build our program around. The Colts sent two flower arrangements in the shape of their horseshoe logo, a framed No. He was a hefty baby a 10-pounder at birth and, in some ways he was an "only child." . MORE: Woman who's helped thousands after tornado devastation receives holiday surprise Discover all about your fav. Friends and former teammates of Brandon Burlsworth carry his casket on Saturday, May 1, 1999, in Harrison. Burlsworth was selected as the 63rd overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL draft but was tragically . Burlsworth is survived by his mother, Barbara Burlsworth of Harrison; and his brothers Marty, of Harrison, and Grady, of Ohio. Its also a big jump for the Arkansas program, which last had a chance to get to 4-0 in 2016, when in their fourth game the Razorbacks lost 45-21 to Texas A&M the last time they met with both ranked. Despite criticism from teammates and coaches alike, Brandon succeeded in the face of staggering odds. Heather Nichols and he were about to tie the knot. "Brandon knew that champions were made when no one else was around and no one else was looking," Tice said. Let us find out How Did Brandon Burlsworth Die? Well do anything. (Photograph by Stephen Thetford), That story, says Coach Nutt, also illustrates the leadership of Mr. Burlsworth, who was known for yelling frequently to his teammates: How bad do you want it?, Arkansas beat Alabama 42 to 6. Faith-based messages throughout relate to dealing with both achievement and tragedy. Its Brandon story.) Mr. Nutts first year at Arkansas was Brandons last. All-American Brandon Burlsworth was one of the greatest walk-ons to ever play the game, but not many football fans are familiar with his story. 1 choice.". Teacher's Taylor Swift, Kid Cudi song parodies help students learn with a beat, Soccer team changes uniforms to help players feel comfortable on their periods, 16-year-old snowboarder lands history-making trick at world championships, 'GMA' Deals & Steals on women-owned businesses, MORE: Deserving teacher who received $530 from plane passengers surprised with more than $300K in school supplies, MORE: 'Abbott Elementary' star, 'GMA' surprise Philadelphia teacher, school, MORE: Woman who's helped thousands after tornado devastation receives holiday surprise. The Life Of Brandon Burlsworth - Highschool Cube The Colts retired his jersey number, 77, and created the Burlsworth Trophy, which is awarded to the nations most outstanding collegiate walk-on. Brandon didn't dress the first two games of his freshman season, but we found out that he'd be on the field for the third. Undeterred, Brandon took a risk by walking on to the team in 1994. Brandon dreamed of playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks but was told he wasn't good enough to play Division I ball. 10 Arkansas and No. Fast Company has named AcreTrader on its prestigious annual list of the Worlds Most Innovative Companiesfor 2023. As a faith antagonist, Nick Searcy plays a whittling farmer, who filmmakers believe must represent a message. "He's one of the finest young men I've ever met. What he couldnt know was that, except for a few days with the Indianapolis Colts in April 1999, those three months were all the football that was left to him. He spent (Tuesday) night with Joe Dean Davenport. (Joe Dean later played for the Colts.). It took him a very long time to gain respect from any of his teammates. Growing up in Arkansas, Brandon loved playing sports, especially football. The University of Arkansas prides itself on doing things the Burls Way., The mindset, which is inspired by former student Brandon Burlsworth, is all about doing things the best you can, high school football coach Tommy Tice told GMA.. Written off by fellow teammates and coaches alike, Brandon displayed dogged determination in the face of staggering odds. Burlsworth was elected to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2002, and the University of Arkansas Lettermans Association Hall of Honor in 2004. Burlsworths jersey number, 77, was ceremoniously retired shortly after he passed away at Arkansas home opener for the 1999 campaign. Brandon Burlsworth was a talented American football player who played as an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. WHEN SOMETHING FINALLY WENT WRONG, IT COST HIM A BRIGHT NFL FUTURE--AND HIS LIFE. The life and still-impactful legacy of Brandon Burlsworth "We walked down to see, and there was Brandon. (Photo by Bob Coleman), Arkansas coach Houston Nutt speaks during the funeral for Brandon Burlsworth on Saturday, May 1, 1999 in Harrison. His parents, who had divorced, had bought a Subaru for Brandon to drive to college. Although he never played a down in the NFL, he had impressed Mudd enough during mini-camp that the Colts were projecting the newcomer as a starter. As if by design, at 3 p.m. as Burlsworth was being laid to rest in Gass Cemetery, a Harrison hotel electronic sign with the time and temperature read "77" degrees -- Burlsworth's jersey number at Arkansas. Theaters are calling in and requesting the movie. Brandon was selected in the third round of the 1999 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. Then, just a few months later, Brandon was killed in a car accident. From 1995 to 1998, Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth played offensive tackle for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Report Content | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. Also Read:College Football Player Luke Knox Is No More. Houston Nutt (AP file photo by April L. Brown). He then directly hit another tractor-trailer. School children across the country found themselves struggling with food insecurity, as they could no longer reliably turn to school for help. Faith and determination transform a talentless football player at the University of Arkansas into an All-American in this inspiring true story. The offensive lineman was preparing to marry, . (Photo by Marty Burlsworth) In photo above, Brandon, 66, practices during his brief time with the Indianapolis Colts. According to sources, he was focused on his professional progress and awaiting the right time to reveal his relationship. Burlsworth was invited to the NFL after he finished his college career with the Arkansas Razorbacks. Thats the way it had to be.. " Nutt said. In the movie, Brandon tries to convince Stoerner to blame him for the turnover, but Stoerner takes responsibility. 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. EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie. His brother, Marty, and their mother, Barbara, met him at the airport in Springfield. Morgan was a Burlsworth Trophy finalist in 2020 as well, but Pitt offensive lineman Jimmy Morrissey took home the award. Burlsworth, a guard who earned second-team All-America honors as a senior last season, was remembered warmly Saturday at a funeral ceremony attended by an estimated 2,000 people at Harrison High School Gymnasium. Brandon Burlsworth was known for always playing to the whistle. He had just finished his rookie season with the Indianapolis Colts, and had recently signed a 3-year, $1.8 million contract extension. They all reported together in the fall of 1994, and all redshirted. Just got around to watching Greater, about Brandon Burlsworth on Netflix. ". All rights reserved. The book was . Then he said: Let me tell you about one of your teammates. Burlsworth was an American offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team who became an All-American after joining the team as a walk-on. Harvard University Student Cause Of Death, Age, Parent, Family Explored, Tim Roth son, Cormac Roth Dies Of Cancer Age, Father, Parents Explored. Brandon has deep trust in God. Burlsworth was a team captain, elected by the players "in a landslide," Nutt said. Brandon Burlsworth, a former Arkansas football player, is best known for his time with the Razorbacks from 1995 to 1998. He was well-respected because of the way he carried himself he carried himself extremely well off the field as well as on the field. As an offensive lineman, Mr. Burlsworth would have protected one of the best quarterbacks ever, Peyton Manning, and he would ha, Who is Jonathan Bradshaw | Arkansas Sporting Dog Veterinarian, A Day in the Life: Arnetta Pugh, Reed Elementary Cafeteria Manager, Spotlight on Small Business: Keith Tucker Jr.s Truth Sauce, Stephens Appoints Eichler to COO, Bradbury to Vice Chairman, UPDATE: CTEH Confirms Fatal Plane Crash Near Little Rock Airport, Plan in the Works for Deck Park Over I-30 in Little Rock, What to Expect for Breckenridge Village in Little Rock, A Day in the Life: Jacob Arnold, Grandson of Frank Broyles, Continues Public Service Legacy, Arkansas-based Rock Town Distillery Gains International Attention, Black-Owned Business Spotlight: Korto Momolu, A Guide for All Seasons: Mike Mills, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, game between No. By the end of his senior year of high school, Burlsworth had played well enough to earn scholarship offers at some schools, but not at Arkansas. Is the Netflix Movie greater based on a true story? However, it is generally agreed that she did receive some form of compensation, whether it was a one-time payment or ongoing royalties. Brandon Burlsworth, Indianapolis Colts. Written off by fellow teammates and . Thank you for your patience. What does Marty Burlsworth do for a living? Burlsworth was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the first overall pick of the 1999 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, the star died in 1999, aged 22. Was He College Football's Best-Ever Walk-On? - The Sports Col Did the Colts pay Brandon Burlsworth family? Brandon Burlsworth - Rhiannon Lee Belcher Also speaking at the funeral were Harrison Coach Tommy Tice, Colts President Bill Polian and Rev. Showing coaches and teammates how bad he was working, Burlsworth was awarded a starting role. On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. It wasn't by accident, as he may have been the hardest-working player to make his way through Arkansas' program, according to former Razorbacks coach Houston Nutt, who once found Burlsworth. Brandon passed away just ten days after the draft, at the age of, Brandon Burlsworth Car Accident Details Revealed. On Wednesday, Brandon ate lunch with Brent Bender, son of assistant Coach Mike Bender, who coached Brandon for four years. How Did Brandon Burlsworth Die? Everything To Know Vickie Burlsworth Executive Director The game is on YouTube. The Arkansas Tech Wonder Boys and Golden Suns are the athletic teams that represent Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas. Brandon Burlsworth was born September 20th, 1976 in Harrison, Arkansas. Brandon Burlsworth signs autographs after a game during the 1998 season. Which is what he did. Faith, Trust and Character: The Life and Legacy of Brandon Burlsworth More details about Brandon Burlsworth's wounds and manner of death were revealed in the autopsy report. Report How Three Americans Died in Mexico City Airbnb? Exploring Factors Benefits And Drawbacks. Tice, who was Burlsworths high school football coach, remembers Burlsworth as a hardworking kid who had dreams of playing football for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. His brother, Marty, and their mother, Barbara, met him at the airport in Springfield. He knew he only had three months left to play football in college. Anybody who knows Arkansas Razorback football knows the story of Brandon Burlsworth, how he turned down full rides at smaller schools to walk on with the Hogs, and then made his name as the best walk-on in the history of college football. "Brandon Burlsworth possibly represents extra accurate things in thisworld than I thought existed," says Tice. After his time at the University of Arkansas, Burlsworth set his eyes on the NFL. Also Read:Who Is Thomas Parteys Girlfriend? Slowly but surely, coaches took notice. Danny Ford, who was Arkansas' coach from 1993-97, traveled from his farm in Pendleton, S.C., to attend. However, he was offered a walk-on spot at his dream school. Burlsworth was an All-SEC offensive guard in 1997. Last week they heard from Rhode Island.. The trophy is given annually to a college player who started his career as a walk-on. Greater Movie DVD or BluRay - Burlsworth Foundation Store We just didnt have a good practice. DONATE. He was buried in Omaha, Arkansas's Gass Cemetery, on May 2, 1999. "Howard pulled Brandon aside during practice," Polian said, "and said, 'Brandon, you know, you're going to play a long time in this league, so you can call me Howard. Eleven days after being the 63rd pick in the draft, Burlsworth. Burlsworth's efforts earned him first-team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998, and he was selected for the 1998 College Football All-America Team. He was perfect. Coach Nutt had been pep-talking his players about the future, but not the immediate future. He was returning from the Univeristy of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The 2020 winner was center Jimmy Morrissey from the University of Pittsburgh. What did the autopsy report reveal about his death? He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American. Top 10 all-time NFL players from Arkansas. At the minicamp, Brandon met Peyton, Vickie says. 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 was the only Arkansas Razorback football player to complete his masters degree before taking part in his final game. I knew how big the Alabama team was., About 9 p.m. on Wednesday before the game, Coach Nutt was leaving his office in the Broyles Center and heard someone in the indoor arena. The intrauterine devices The post Anonymous Donor Gives UAMS $600k to Provide Post-Partum Contraceptive Devices appeared first on []. Your email address will not be published. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. He walked on at Arkansas in 1994 after having zero FBS scholarship offers and eventually became team captain and a . He succeeded athletically and academically. Who is the old man whittling in the movie greater? Brandon Burlsworth Death Scene: Where Did He Die? As of the 2020 census the population stood at 128. Copyright 2022 OtakuKart. What NFL team drafted Brandon Burlsworth? At 2:13:05, there is a great shot of Brandon, unmistakable in his black-frame glasses. The coach was thinking ahead to 1999 and 2000, so in effect, he was peptalking the juniors, sophomores and freshmen. Accordingly, Who is the most famous Arkansas football player? Harrison football players wore their team jerseys, and there were many others from Harrison and around the state. Weve been through a lot, Coach Nutt recalled in a recent telephone interview from New York, where he was taping shows for CBS Sports as an analyst. Brandon Burlsworth was a Christian, so his friends and family established the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation to honor his beliefs. Theres a great deal of Christian content in this film. HARRISON For one more Saturday, Brandon Burlsworth was with his Arkansas football teammates and coaches and surrounded by family and friends. Before taking the field in his final game, the 1999 Citrus Bowl, he became the first Razorback football player to earn a masters degree. Brandon got drafted in the third round of the 1999 draft by the Indianapolis Colts. On his short visit back to campus, Brandon told Coach Nutt that he wasnt going to attend the ceremony to pass out rings on Wednesday. He is struggling with his faith. (Photo by Marty Burlsworth). 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.