{"id":11522,"date":"2016-08-25T13:35:44","date_gmt":"2016-08-25T17:35:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/idolchatter\/?p=11522"},"modified":"2016-08-25T14:39:55","modified_gmt":"2016-08-25T18:39:55","slug":"beliefnet-exclusive-interview-marty-burlsworth-on-greater","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/idolchatter\/2016\/08\/beliefnet-exclusive-interview-marty-burlsworth-on-greater.html","title":{"rendered":"Beliefnet Exclusive Interview: Marty Burlsworth on \u201cGreater\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Production<\/a>Brandon Burlsworth is known for being one of the greatest walk-ons in college football history, and his legacy is now the subject of the movie \u201cGreater.\u201d The film tells the story of Burlsworth\u2019s journey from unlikely University of Arkansas walk-on to 1998 All-American. Based on the true story, actor Chris Severio portrays Brandon on the big screen.<\/p>\n

The Burlsworth family created the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in honor of Brandon who was tragically killed in a car accident in 1999. He had planned to help underprivileged children, and his family stepped up to make that dream still become a reality.<\/p>\n

Beliefnet caught up with Marty Burlsworth’s \u00a0brother,\u00a0Brandon to talk about\u00a0his brother\u2019s legacy, the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation and the new film debuting on August 26th.<\/p>\n

What inspired you and your family to start the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Brandon had talked about helping underprivileged kids when he made it to the NFL.\u00a0 After the shock of the accident wore off, we wanted to create something so his example was not forgotten. The idea of the Foundation was a great way to honor his legacy.<\/p>\n

The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a Christian organization, with a mission to support the physical and spiritual needs of children, in particular those children who have limited opportunities. How did you and your family come up with this mission?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We are proud to be known for the things that Brandon was known for: Faith, Family and Football. He always had a soft spot for kids.\u00a0 I remember at ball games and restaurants; the kids would line up for his autograph and I never saw him turn one child away.\u00a0 He was humbled that they would ask.\u00a0 He knew the responsibility that being in the spotlight came with.\u00a0 We are associated with sports but the spiritual needs are just as important.\u00a0 Our Burlsworth Character Award is available to over 16,000 high school football programs in the Nation.\u00a0 We are proud to bring recognition to those student athletics that display character.<\/p>\n

\"Production<\/a>Why do you believe instilling Christian values and supporting children\u2019s spiritual needs at an early age is so important?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Childhood is the developmental period of everything, values, self-worth, confidence and especially a strong spiritual foundation. So many of the kids that we work with struggle not only financially but with these issues that are so vital.\u00a0 Our goal is to change that pattern and help them take charge of their own future.\u00a0 We know that faith is the foundation, then the family has a pattern of stability and then school and sports will all work out.<\/p>\n

What are some of the social benefits of children playing sports?<\/strong><\/p>\n

My wife and I have 3 boys.\u00a0 They have all played sports and I encouraged each one of them.\u00a0 A sport teaches teamwork, putting others first, a good work ethic, discipline, getting along with other teammates and obedience to an authority higher than us.<\/p>\n

What are some of the positive values children learn from playing sports? Why are these values so important?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sports are all about the teamwork.\u00a0 You can\u2019t be selfish and succeed successfully in sports. Christians are to put others first before our self. You learn to obey your coaches. We are to obey our elders as we read and study our Bible. We see athletes who rise to the top but lack of character will always show itself. I see so many great examples of the parallels of sports and our walk with God.<\/p>\n

What are some of the ways your foundation is transforming children\u2019s lives?<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of my personal favorite programs we do is Eyes Of A Champion.\u00a0 We, in partnership with Walmart and independent Optometrists provide over 1,000 pairs of eye exams and eyeglasses to underprivileged Pre-K thru 12th<\/span>\u00a0grade students.\u00a0 Our plans are to take the program nationwide.<\/p>\n

The Burls Kids program take 25 underprivileged kids to every home Razorback and Indianapolis Colts game.\u00a0 They are given shirts, books, replica glasses and special treatment that day.\u00a0 In most of these kids, it\u2019s the only day that they get to feel special.\u00a0 Our sponsors give each child some spending money for the day.\u00a0 One young boy asked if he could spend $5 and give the rest to his mom.\u00a0 He said. \u201cShe really needs it\u201d That\u2019s the quality of kids we are striving to work with.<\/p>\n

What advice can you give young, aspiring athletes like Brandon who may not believe they have what it takes to make it<\/strong><\/p>\n

My closing talk after we first meet the Burls Kids at the Arkansas games is this;\u00a0 \u201cHas anyone ever told you that you\u2019re not good enough, that you\u2019re not smart enough, that you\u2019re not strong enough, or that you\u2019re not fast enough?\u00a0 Remember Brandon\u2019s story and then the next time that happens, you tell them\u2026\u2026.Watch Me!<\/p>\n

\"Production<\/a>What do you hope moviegoers will take away from “Greater”?<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Greater” is an inspiring story of Brandon\u2019s life and experiences.\u00a0 But it has a wonderful message and strives to answer the question, \u201cWhy do bad things happen to good people?\u201d\u00a0 God has given us free choice. We have a decision to allow God to work through our pain, or we do the easy thing and give up and allow the devil to control the situation. Our family chose to use this for his glory.\u00a0 Romans 8:28 tells us, \u201cFor we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose\u201d.\u00a0 Our loss is great, but God is “Greater”!<\/p>\n

The faith-based film is based on an amazing legacy of a remarkable human being. The movie is sure to inspire and encourage those who take the time to watch it. Make sure to catch “Greater” in theaters on Friday, August 26th.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Brandon Burlsworth is known for being one of the greatest walk-ons in college football history, and his legacy is now the subject of the movie \u201cGreater.\u201d The film tells the story of Burlsworth\u2019s journey from unlikely University of Arkansas walk-on to 1998 All-American. Based on the true story, actor Chris Severio portrays Brandon on the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":600,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fbia_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[2863,3163,1161,2861,3066,3162,1291],"class_list":["post-11522","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-television","tag-brandon-burlsworth","tag-brandon-burlsworth-foundation","tag-football","tag-greater","tag-interview","tag-marty-bulsworth","tag-movie"],"yoast_head":"\nBeliefnet Exclusive Interview: Marty Burlsworth on \u201cGreater\u201d<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Beliefnet interviewed Marty Burlsworth, brother of famed walk-on football player Brandon Burlsworth, about the faith-film based on Brandon's life, "Greater."\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" 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