brandon burlsworth accident brandon burlsworth accident

He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American . Marty Burlsworth: Brandon had entered high school early, so he graduated at 17 years old and was still growing. Brandon Burlsworth, Indianapolis Colts. Marty Burlsworth said his brother always remembered where he came from and wanted to help kids in similar situations to his. The play was unpredictable, right? This is a movie not just for football fans but for everyone. In this 1999 photo, the locker of Brandon Burlsworth is seen encased in glass in the locker room at the University of Arkansas. Tragically, at the age of 22, 10 days after the draft, he was killed in a car accident on April 28th, 1999 while on his way home from the University of Arkansas to attend church with his mom. The accident occurred near Alpena, Arkansas, while returning to his old neighborhood. Literally. Brandon Burlsworth went from freshman walk-on to an All-American at Arkansas before being the Colts' third-round pick in 1999. Brandon burlsworth a second team all america guard who was recently drafted by the indianapolis colts was killed last night when his car collided with a tractor trailer rig near carrolton ark. "We got to know a lot of Colts personnel at training camp. Through the years, we have stayed close.". LSU's 3 permanent rivals for 9-game SEC schedule have been set, per report, Quinten Dormady, former Tennessee QB, under playbook investigation in XFL, Alabama basketball adds commitment from 4-star forward, Texas A&M punctuates impressive SEC season with upset of No. https://t.co/Ny448gVZWB, A really cool story by @ADavidHaleJoint on @GeorgiaTechFBs @pharvin27 and his role as a groundbreaker and an inspiration to other young punters. Brandon doesn't start out with all . He became very active in the youth group. He never got there, dying in. Rivers and Steichen worked together with the Chargers, while Turner gave Steichen his first opportunity in the NFL. Tee came off the field and Billy told him, Hey man, dont put your helmet away. Eyes of a Champion, for example, helps provide free vision exams and glasses to low to moderate income, uninsured children. Burls Kids, which operates in both Arkansas and Indianapolis, brings children to football games and provides them with an unforgettable experience. Arkansas needed 12 yards for the first down, but that wasnt even necessary. ET on ESPN from Sundance Square in Fort Worth, Texas. Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. That wouldnt be the case. After working 11 years on his Brandon Burlsworth biopic Greater, Reindl is within days of seeing his dream project open on 400 to 450 screens across the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest next week.. Burlsworth was an All-American football player for the University of Arkansas, who died tragically in an automobile . Ill never understand, but I know that thousands of kids have been helped through Brandons foundation and so many great things have come from our tragedy. He was made to do it. 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. Among the past recipients: Cleveland Browns star and former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield and Hunter Renfrow, a recent Clemson standout receiver now in his rookie year with the Oakland Raiders. Mudd was among the club's personnel who knew Burlsworth the best. A week after the draft, others got a glimpse of the player who drew visible comparisons to TV's Drew Carey. Sure enough, it happened. 1. Turns out, that conversation was all for naught thanks to Billy Ratliff. On the practice field, a dedicated and fully-focused Burlsworth did not remove his helmet or unbutton his chin strap. But he loses that control over him and his faith is restored making the carving revert back. They came to town to interview everyone and get photographs for the magazine. That defined the Tennessee offense that year, Cutcliffe said. He was on his way back to Harrison, his hometown, following a workout in Fayetteville. Burlsworth was killed in a car accident in 1999 after being drafted . After all, UT needed a pass interference penalty to beat Syracuse and were outgained by Florida but still beat the Gators. Its no surprise that Wilson, who was on the sideline with a torn groin, was leading the charge to get the ball back late in the game. When he got to Arkansas as a walk-on, he knew that he had to put everything he had into it and more. The temperature was a balmy 77 degrees. Morgan Casting describes "Greater" as the unlikely career of Brandon Burlsworth is perhaps the greatest walk-on story in the history of college football.Known for his distinctive thick black glasses and resemblance to the 1990s incarnation of Drew Carey, the small-town Burlsworth had always . As a part of the program, the Colts will hire a Dungy Fellow for the offense and the defense. "I remember handing the helmet back to the other player, then shouting: "Well, by gosh, that will be the last time I teach you that lesson!" During their time of struggle, they came up with the idea for the foundation. She smiles when she sees the many thousands of children and others who've benefited enormously from the charitable Brandon Burlsworth Foundation and from his once having lived a blessed and honorable life among us. HEATHER NICHOLS, Everton, Ark. After minicamp, he was projected by his coaches to start as a rookie. See production, box office & company info, Well-done and inspiring faith-based movie, Mike & Mike: Episode dated 23 August 2016. Named an All-American in 1998, he was drafted in 1999 by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round 11 days before being killed in a vehicular accident. He definitely was, Coleman said. That has to be the bittersweet part for Ratliff. The story of a small town walk-on freshman named Brandon Burlsworth transforming into a first team All-American has been inspiring to football fans of all ages, but there is much more to his legacy than most people know. He became a three-year starter and was eventually named an All-American in 1998. 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. Brandon burlsworth accident report BURLSWORTH KILLED IN CRASH. Said Burlsworth's position coach and lineman on the 1964 national champion Razorback team Mike Bender, "(He's) the best to play the offensive line in Arkansas history. There has never been one like Brandon, and there never will be again.". https://t.co/UV3TEAGddV, Danielle Lerner (@danielle_lerner) August 29, 2019, @espn Amazing photo and article. Brandon Burlsworth (as Chris Severio) Michael Parks Leo Burlsworth Nick Searcy The Farmer Peter Gray Lewis Coach Tice (as Peter Lewis) Fredric Lehne Coach Bender Texas Battle Anthony Lucas M.C. With a chance to be Harrison's first full-time resident to make a professional sport, brother and agent Marty remembers draft day. More than. Some called the Vols lucky after the Arkansas game. Q: What message do you want fans to take from this movie? In his junior year, he split time with a senior on the offensive line for half the season and then became the full-time starter. There is some footage of the real Brandon after the last credits. Burlsworth was selected in the 3rd round of the 1999 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts but he was killed eleven days later in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas on April 28, 1999. When I heard Brandon passed away, it hit home, Ratliff said. Burlsworth was killed in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas, on April 28, 1999, on . There were times when he was almost late to games because he would never turn a kid down for an autograph or anything.. Instead, he did set goals and worked hard to achieve them.". Certainly, football was immensely important to Brandon, but it was his character and the relationship he had with God that defined who Brandon Burlsworth really was. "It would have been great to see Brandon play, but it wasn't God's plan. That wasn't the way it's supposed to be, and that's what you accept.". When the 1999 NFL draft rolled around, the Indianapolis Colts made the linemans dreams a reality and selected him with the 63rd-overall pick. He was able to focus and achieve his primary goals that included earning a master's degree, making All-American and being drafted by an NFL team. As recorded on the Colts official website, Burlsworth was driving home to Harrison, Arkansas in April 1999; he wanted to head home, have dinner with his mother, Barbara, and attend a Wednesday night church service. The lineman, however, would never arrive. Q: I remember hearing how as a high school sophomore that Brandon didnt look anything like a future SEC player. After his time at the University of Arkansas ended, Brandon Burlsworth seemed poised to realize his NFL dreams. Brandon Burlsworth was killed in an automobile accident near Alpena, Arkansas, on April 28, 1999. Personal Life & Death. We are very happy with the way it turned out. '"I told him how much it would mean to them to receive that message from him.". All of the sudden I looked down and I see the ball on the ground, Ratliff said. In fact, Ed, who works for FedEx in Harrison and has three children, even named his oldest son after Brandon. Tice said he also called then-Hog head coach Danny Ford and asked him to take a look at Brandon. "I liked him so much that I used him as the barometer for the rest of the players I evaluated that year. UT took over at the Hogs 43-yard line with just 1:43 left. The car accident happened on April 28, 1999, near Alpena when he was on his way back from his hometown of Harrison after a workout in Fayetteville. Burlsworth 22 a third round draft pick of the indianapolis colts on april 17 was driving on us. We reviewed several different scripts over the years, and we also reviewed any revisions that were made of significance. His name was Brandon Burlsworth, and a new movie in theaters this weekend - Greater (PG) - tells the incredible story of the chubby kid who wasn't recruited by any big-name colleges out of high school but proceeded to walk on with the home-state Arkansas Razorbacks, earn a scholarship, and become an All-American offensive lineman. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. Brandon Burlsworth is perhaps the greatest walk-on in the history of college football. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. Hate to see Desir be the victim lol. I know his teammates respected him for the work he put in and his incredible dedication. Aaron Burlsworths parents, Marty and Vickie Burlsworth, are in charge of the foundation and its numerous roles from taking kids in poor financial situations to games to getting them quality eye care. Barbara and Marty came to training camp in advance of the Buffalo opener. Its namesake was an Arkansas offensive lineman from 1995 to 1998. In the book about Brandon's life, retired businessman Bud Walsh of Harrison is credited with advising Brandon's older brother Marty to contact Razorback Assistant Coach Harold Horton to hopefully become a walk-on. It was an interesting set of play calls for Cutcliffe, who is widely considered a quarterback and passing game guru. MB: Shortly after the accident, we got a call from a national magazine. By what name was Greater (2016) officially released in India in English? You take the ball and drive it and run almost the same play, sometimes right, sometimes left, but basically the same play and run it down their throat and win the game and dont leave hardly any time on the clock. "He stayed around the house and left for Fayetteville on Tuesday," Vickie says. After walking on, Burlsworth became an All-American and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts to help protect Peyton Manning. Q: How important for you was it that this movie get made? Secure the best seats & best benefits for next season, and be there live for exciting matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and more of the NFL's best opponents. To be of the offensive line Brandon took a risk and walked on 1994! One of Fulmers favorite phrases was Pound the Rock, as in run the football until the other team breaks. Do it the Burls way: Have character. Burlsworth was killed in a car accident less than two weeks after he was drafted. All Martin had to do was hand the ball off to running back Travis Henry. HARRISON For one more Saturday, Brandon Burlsworth was with his Arkansas football teammates and coaches and surrounded by family and friends. Burlsworth was killed 15 miles from home on a road he had traveled for years when his car drifted into the on coming lane. You sow a character, you reap a destiny. But Arkansas was the dream. Brandon Burlsworth died from a car accident just eleven days after being drafted. Carrolton (AP) - Former Arkansas offensive guard BRANDON BURLSWORTH died in a car crash as he headed home to Harrison from Fayetteville, officials said. Former Arkansas football player and Indianapolis Colts draft pick Brandon Burlsworth died Wednesday in a car crash while travelling to his home, state police said. Life itself, squeezed into 60 minutes in 100 yards. 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. Phillip was saying Weve got to throw it. The NFL Combine begins next week in Indianapolis and will begin to bring more clarity to how teams around the league rate this year's group of draft-eligible quarterbacks. The football fraternity had great expectations from the talented young man but fate had other plans and he was killed in an accident. Brandon was elected to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2002 and the UA Letterman's Association Hall of Honor in 2004. While the pain of losing Brandon always will be with her and the Burlsworth family, Barbara said she's also come to recognize a larger and mysterious divine plan in all that Brandon's indomitable spirit achieved during his brief lifetime. About Saturday Down South | Ethics and Editorial Standards | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Other Conferences: Big Ten | ACC | Pac-12, "Billy Ratliff was right next to me. Request more info or view our 3D Seat Viewer below! He had worked so hard and everything was in line to make his dreams come true. He didnt do it on his own, White said of Stoerners fumble. He earned first-team All-SEC honors in 1997 and 1998; he was also named a first-team All-American during the 1998 campaign. Brandon was tragically killed in a car accident, crushing all who . Eleven days after being the 63rd pick in the draft, Burlsworth. Brandon Burlsworth was the former All-American offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Candidates compete for Searcy mayor as Volleyball finishes record-breaking season at NCAA Thundering Herd welcomes high school guest Megias leads womens cross country team Basketball teams start seasons with high Community organization holds sixth annual Thankfulness Students take advantage of nearby concerts. It became clear that this was a story that would resonate far beyond the state boundaries. Now, a careless fumble? "He spent (Tuesday) night with Joe Dean Davenport." (Joe Dean later played for the Colts.) Casting Directors are now casting for the upcoming SAG feature film "Greater" filming in Arkansas. Before I leave the remarkable legacy of Harrison's Brandon Burlsworth and the film of his life called Greater, now showing in nearly 400 theaters across America, I want to share a few back-story notes about the 22-year-old Razorback All-American who died in a tragic traffic accident on April 28, 1999. MB: After Brandons death, it was rough at first and I certainly struggled. Once his chance, though, Burlsworth seized his opportunity. "At Arkansas the coaches told him one day his legs could be stronger. Well, he ends up squatting 700 pounds.". Its very possible the two would have had many more epic battles in the NFL. Journalism Showcase: E60 Producer Discusses How New Documentary On Undefeated 72 Dolphins Puts Fresh Perspective on 50-Year-Old Story, ESPNs Gymnastics Creative Soars and Brings the Light to Friday Night Heights, Inside The Making Of Andscape Writer Jesse Washingtons MLK Weekend Essay Living In His Legacy, ESPNs Holland Mickle Roars into Action for the Injured Clemson Cub, Whats Your Beef With Jon Jones? Safety Fred White didnt see it that way. 412 when he became involved in the crash with two tractor trailers officials said. Eleven days after being drafted, Brandon is killed when he is hit head-on by a tractor trailer. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of "Greater," said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. For more information contact us at communication@harding.edu or visit us at harding.edu/communication. It was the type of impression Burlsworth provided with everyone over the three-day camp before heading home. Actor Chris Severio as Brandon Burlsworth, wearing his trademark black-rimmed glasses. The lineman had returned from the Colts' weekend minicamp. Thats one of those that I would have loved to have seen his career if he had not been injured. We certainly didnt write the script, but we felt our opinions were always welcome. Ratliffs explosive push into the backfield caused Burlsworth to step on Stoerners foot. Burlsworth's Arkansas jersey number 77 was retired by the Colts for Hall-of-Famer Jim Parker, but Burlsworth's memorial picture ran on page 77 of the Indianapolis media guide. A "BB" sticker inside the club logo was worn on the rear of helmets that season. In reality he also had one from Henderson State University. | GREATER Movie LOS ANGELES (Christian Examiner) - GREATER, a new film about the inspiring story of Christian football player Brandon Burlsworth, who shot from walk-on at the University of Arkansas to a NFL draftee, will hit theaters this summer. Even though the linemans life and career ended in tragedy, hes still managing to make an impact more than 20 years later. Fate intervened. He didnt just lay the ball on the ground. He went after it without caution.". He wanted to help underprivileged kids with his NFL money. died in a car crash 11 days after . There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. Sports betting in Tennessee officially launched on November 1, 2020, and many of the largest sportsbooks are live and operating in the volunteer state. Mudd went on to scale heights with Indianapolis that included the NFL's all-time winningest regular-season record over a decade (115-45, 2000-09), multiple division titles, two AFC crowns and a World Championship. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. [3] Brandon's vehicle collided with an oncoming 18-wheeler, forcing him to re-enter his lane. Tice also told of a time when he'd become agitated with another lineman during practice and told the team to watch. Burlsworth was selected as the 63rd overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 1999 NFL draft, but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later. You can say that if you werent a part of it and you didnt see what I saw. The walk-on who became an All-American, a person who responded, 'Yes sir,' or 'No sir,' to every question, decided to bypass a ring ceremony honoring the school's SEC Western Division title. He wanted to head home, have dinner with his mother, Barbara, and attend a Wednesday night church service. As spelled out in an ESPN college football video, Burlsworth was never the most athletic guy; during high school, he was slow, soft, and didnt see significant playing time until his junior year. The storys been told a lot but it probably hasnt reached as many people as you think, he said. 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. They were winning the whole game, really. Email him at [emailprotected], Copyright 2023, Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC. On Friday, Aug. 26, the movie "GREATER" will be released in theaters. Reindl went on to say that the 11 years spent making the movie were not about personal glory, but about telling a great story of faith and trust and how to apply them in everyday life. "I thought it would soften the blow because there was going to be a ceremony on opening day where our family would get a framed jersey," said Marty. "Brandon hadn't been around the NFL so as a close family, we were going to live it with him. She agreed, and the night. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. Administration enforces faculty reductions to rightsize Larger than life: Family, friends, co-workers Student Health Services offers nurse practitioner, Bison basketball teams drive season further, Police investigate apartment shootings in Searcy, New shopping opportunities come to Searcy. That says it all. Thats where things were headed as Arkansas quarterback Clint Stoerner lined up under center on second down with just 1:47 left on the clock. As UTs defense tried to hold on, quarterback Tee Martin and UT offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe were devising a drive in which theyd have very little time left if they got the ball back at all. In the short time Brandon was on this earth he left a legacy and a positive role model that will be remembered long after we are gone. The now-retired Mudd could be forgiven if he could not remember Burlsworth vividly. One He keeps getting knocked down and coming back.. The foundation encourages a strong faith, character, and sportsmanship, developing positive values, and a life pattern that would exemplify Doing It The Burls Way.. One of the most unusual aspects of the Arkansas fumble is that Ratliff shouldnt have been in the game at all. "He's in heaven now. . Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. He was drafted in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft to protect oddly enough former Vol quarterback Peyton Manning. Mock Draft Monday, our weekly roundup of experts' predictions for who the Colts will take in the NFL Draft, is back a week after the Colts named Shane Steichen head coach. https://t.co/FFBoin68fO, Subscribe to our newsletter to get daily updates, Tom Rinaldi interviews Barbara Burlsworth, mother of the late Brandon Burlsworth. Weve got to throw it. I said No, were going to run it every down and we ran the football right down their throat.. "When Brandon showed up at the rookie camp, he was even better than I thought he'd be," said Mudd. He had fresh legs and blew up the play.. An Arkansas loss would end the Vols dreams for a title but keep hope alive for the Razorbacks, who were surprisingly also in the national title hunt. Two months after the accident, Harrison football coach Tommy Tice told Sports Illustrated, "You had to be careful what you told Brandon. Brandon believed whatever his coach, his mother and his preacher told him was right. We dont have to understand it -- BUT we do have the choice of how we react to it. And I just thought it was a devastatingly tragic story but also an inspiring one., Watch the story behind GREATER. . It was odd that Arkansas coach Houston Nutt didnt just run the football instead of calling a bootleg that allowed Ratliff to make his historic play. MB: After we started receiving calls from Hollywood producers, we knew that if the story were told, we wanted it to be told in the most accurate way possible, understanding that its difficult to squeeze 15 years into two hours. You cant control it, Ratliff said. I think about that all the time.. 77 retired. Theyd risen to No. Burlsworth was killed 15 miles from home on a road he had traveled for years when his car drifted into the on coming lane. When his brother Marty sees how much he meant to the people of his hometown and how many have shown up for his funeral, he rebuffs The Farmer, deciding to celebrate Brandon's life and move on with his own. A UT win would mean the Vols national title hopes would stay alive. Im going to try jump the snap, get off the ball as quick as possible and Im going to put my hand straight on his chest and run him through the goalpost, Ratliff said recently when asked what he remembered about the play that would most define UTs national championship season. Its just amazing to see the impact on these kids lives and the smiles on their faces by introducing them to things that we take for granted.. It was the offenses turn after Ratliff proved prophetic. Coleman recalled seeing Ratliff, who was over 300 pounds, dunk a basketball with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. At Arkansas, the former Harrison High School player became a three-year starter and finished as an All-Southeastern Conference pick and on the Associated Press All-America second team. Departments offer new classes across campus, Student Association hosts first birthday bash. I will never do better, and I am at peace with that. Brian Reindl, writer and producer of Greater, said he loved the opportunity to tell such an incredible story in his first-ever production. If it does not offend you, then you should enjoy it. I cant imagine losing a child at that age. Burlsworth first caught the eye of Mudd at the Senior Bowl, just prior to the Combine. Your IP: Yet Ratliff kept fighting through his injuries to help his teammates. Dave Hooker started covering Tennessee in 1998. Please enjoy the peak of my journalistic career. The note arrived on the day Brandon died. The Colts also announced all members of the team will have a special decal on their helmets in a tribute to Burlsworth. It was tough. Burlsworth was killed in a traffic accident last wednesday as he drove from working out at the university of arkansas in fayetteville to his home in harrison a city of about 11000. Our family chose to turn our grief into something that would make a difference and honor Brandon for the things he felt so strongly about. He died in a car crash on April 28, 1999, shortly after he was drafted by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. Suddenly, the Vols had the ball in Arkansas territory with time to mount a more conventional drive. Brandon Burlsworth was killed in a car accident on April 28th, 1999 while driving back to his hometown when he was near Alpena, Arkansas he got involved in the accident and died on the spot. A rookie mini-camp was held days after the draft. When publicity photos were taken, the lights in a confined photo area cast reflections that made the picture impossible. Wed, 09/08/2021 - 15:05. I knew nothing of Brandons story, said Budman. I hope he finds a home on an NFL team, and more than that hope he finds peace. BURLSWORTH, 22, a third-round draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts on April 17, was driving on U.S. 412 when he became involved in . "I remember it being exciting and extremely stressful. We knew he wouldn't be picked in the upper first round, but it took a toll on us," said Burlsworth. "Getting picked by the Colts was a blessing. It couldn't have been a better fit for Brandon.". #OvercomingTheOddsParalympian Scout Bassett embraces her story of scars, survival ESPN https://t.co/HHMSCULYIU, Lillian Jackson (@diamondlil1016) August 29, 2019, Friends, I spent the day with Arsenals Gunnersaurus Rex. A mother losing a child at that young age, it was tough. The story of Brandon Burlsworth, possibly the greatest walk-on in the history of college football. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. If Arkansas could just run the clock and punt the ball deep, theyd likely upset the top-ranked Vols in Neyland Stadium. At halftime of the team's season-opener against Buffalo, Colts owners Jim and Meg Irsay presented Burlsworth's family and Arkansas athletic director Frank Broyles with checks for $5,000 each. He went to Harrison High School and graduated from there. Eleven days after being drafted burlsworth was killed in a car accident near alpena arkansas on april 28 1999 on his way back to his hometown of harrison after a workout in fayetteville. In the world of sports, there are plenty of iconic underdog stories. As a player, "Brandon promised to be one of those players we point to and say, 'This is how it's done,' " said a top Colts official. He was selected in the third round of the 1999 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Aaron Burlsworth, Harding sophomore and nephew of Brandon Burlsworth, said his family wanted to make sure faith was directly involved in the film, as it was a huge part of Brandons life. He made himself into a player by just working harder than everyone else. Carrolton ap former arkansas offensive guard brandon burlsworth died in a car crash as he headed home to harrison from fayetteville officials said. During the summer after his sophomore year, he had a big growth spurt, enough where he was able to get playing time on the varsity. Burlsworth, who began his college career as a pudgy walk-on and became a standout offensive lineman for the Razorbacks, was killed in a traffic accident April 28 while driving from the campus. Think about how much it must have hurt Russell to keep this secret, and how much he's risking by coming out now while trying to revive his NFL career.