Underdog Saga "GREATER" In Theaters Friday 8/26
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The subject of " GREATER" is Brandon Burlsworth, perhaps the greatest walk-on in the history of college football. Brandon had always dreamed of playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks, but was considered too short and too fat to play Division I. Undeterred, Brandon took a big risk and walked on in 1994. Written off by fellow teammates and coaches, Brandon displayed dogged determination in the face of staggering odds. An extremely devoted Christian, Brandon never cursed or drank. He was genuinely humble and low-key. He worked harder than anybody, on and off the field, becoming the first Razorback to earn a Bachelor's "and" Master's degree while still playing. The overly-fat kid who was once an embarrassment to his teammates and an annoyance to his coaches, ended up becoming the most respected player in the history of the program, changing the lives of all he touched. Greater will provide hope and inspiration. It is "Rudy" meets "It's a Wonderful Life".
After he redshirted his first year (1994), Burlsworth transformed his pudgy 300 lbs into a svelt 260 lbs, and over the next two years, built himself back up to a muscular 300 lbs offensive guard. By his sophomore season in 1996, he had earned a scholarship and a starting position at right guard on the offensive line.
Before his junior season in 1997, he was selected to be one of the team captains. Brandon's efforts earned him 1st team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998, and he was selected for the 1998 College Football All-America Team.
Shortly after graduating, he was selected in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Tragically, just eleven (11) days later his life/career were cut short in a fatal car accident on his way home after a workout.