Burlsworth story to hit the big screen on Jan. 29

Director David Hunt (center) discusses the camera angle as actor Chris Severio, portraying former University of Arkansas football player Brandon Burlsworth, (right) work during a film shoot Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.
Director David Hunt (center) discusses the camera angle as actor Chris Severio, portraying former University of Arkansas football player Brandon Burlsworth, (right) work during a film shoot Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

Imagine a sold-out theater where 3-D glasses are replaced by people wearing thick black-framed glasses like Brandon Burlsworth used to wear.

That's long been the dream of Brian Reindl, who 11 years ago set out to tell the story on the big screen of Burlsworth, a former walk-on and eventual All-American at Arkansas who was killed in a car accident. The movie Greater will be released Jan. 29 on 400 screens, including theaters in Northwest Arkansas, where Burlsworth's story is well-known.

Greater movie trailer

See a preview for the movie at YouTube.com

https://www.youtube…

"It's not quite nationwide, but I hope the response is such that we will get there," said Reindl, executive producer of the movie. "I wouldn't call this a faith-based film, although Brandon was certainly a faith-based person. It's a little bit more realistic. Here's a guy who did everything right, yet he ends up getting killed. The movie is an emotional roller coaster, for sure."

Burlsworth decided to walk-on at Arkansas in 1994 after he graduated from Harrison High School. He became a three-year starter for the Razorbacks and was named an All-American in 1998. Burlsworth was a third-round selection by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL draft but was killed in a car accident near Alpena 11 days later.

Burlsworth's rise from a freshman walk-on to the 63rd overall draft pick in 1999 was only part of the allure. He was a hometown hero in Harrison and an academic workhorse who had already earned a master's degree in business administration before playing his final game with the Razorbacks.

The Burlsworth trophy, bearing Brandon's likeness, was established in 2010 to honor the nation's top walk-on. Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield won it this season after beginning his career as a walk-on at Texas Tech.

"The glasses that Brandon wore are a symbol," Reindl said of Burlsworth, whose No. 77 jersey is retired at Arkansas. "It says to anyone that whatever you want to walk on and do with your life, you can do. Brandon did it and so can you."

Greater was shot throughout Northwest Arkansas and in Little Rock. Newcomer Christopher Severio plays the lead role and Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's brother, is played by Neal McDonough who's appeared in several high-profile films, including Minority Report and Captain America: The First Avenger.

Movie-goers may recognize some of the other actors in the film, including Quinton Aaron, who portrayed Michael Oher in Blindside. Aaron appears as a coach in Greater, which lasts 2 hours and 10 minutes.

"I think the movie is incredible and very, very well-written," said Marty Burlsworth, who's watched the finished product with other members of the Burlsworth family. "I think Brandon's message comes through loud and clear. He worked so hard and his Christian faith never wavered."

Reindl, 51, is originally from Mobile, Ala., but he's been living in Northwest Arkansas for more than 30 years. He had no previous experience with producing a movie but was so determined to get the Brandon Burlsworth story out he invested $7 million of his own money to finance the film.

"We shot most of the film in 2013, then it took about a year to edit," said Reindl, who is involved in real estate and owns several properties in Northwest Arkansas. "It was a long process with a lot of stops and starts, but this is an inspiring story that I believe will resonate with people everywhere."

Although Burlsworth never got to play for the Colts, he made quite an impression on the organization while attending a three-day mini-camp for the team's rookies in 1999. The Colts later presented the Burlsworth family with a framed No. 66 jersey and Brandon's story is told each year in the team's media guide.

Beginning Jan. 29, that story will be revealed to thousands more with the release of Greater. The film is rated PG, but those planning to attend should be warned.

Bring some tissue. You'll likely need it.

Sports on 01/10/2016

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