Nancy Hendricks, “Brandon Burlsworth (1976–1999),” Encyclopedia of Arkansas, updated February 12, 2026
Harrison, his family, the walk-on and redshirt year, captain, All-American, his MBA and his retired number.
The video
Brandon Burlsworth: The Life They Didn't Show in ‘Greater’ (opens in a new tab)
01 His life and career
Michael Minshew, “Burlsworth, Hampton Land on College Football HOF Ballot,” ArkansasRazorbacks.com, June 16, 2020
The 1994 walk-on, his All-American honors, and the master's degree he finished before his last game.
Clay Henry, “State of the Hogs: The real story of Brandon Burlsworth's first year,” WholeHogSports, August 24, 2016
His first year at Arkansas and his weight, from his strength coach.
Andy Staples, “The story of Brandon Burlsworth, the unequipped walk-on who wouldn't quit, finally reaches the big screen,” Sports Illustrated, August 26, 2016
FOX Sports, “The life and still-impactful legacy of Brandon Burlsworth,” February 16, 2016
Wally Hall, “Greater nothing less than inspirational,” Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, August 30, 2016
His brother Marty, his family and his recruitment.
Sheila Yount, “HIGH PROFILE: Marty Burlsworth's foundation for kids honors life of brother, former Razorback,” Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, July 30, 2023
Phillip B. Wilson, “Twenty-One Years Later, Brandon Burlsworth Legacy Endures For Retired Indianapolis Colts Coach,” Sports Illustrated, April 17, 2020
Colts offensive line coach Howard Mudd on drafting him.
Indianapolis Colts, “Remembering Brandon Burlsworth,” April 28, 2014
His draft position and NFL Combine results.
02 Reporting from 1999
Associated Press, “Burlsworth killed in crash,” Log Cabin Democrat, April 29, 1999
The crash, eleven days after the draft, and his Combine numbers. The original page is gone, so this is the Internet Archive's copy.
St. Petersburg Times, “Fatal crash robs Colts of a rookie barely met,” April 30, 1999
The state police account of the crash.
Ron Higgins, “A good guy dies too young,” ESPN.com, April 30, 1999
Associated Press, “Colts' Burlsworth Laid To Rest,” CBS News, May 1999
His funeral.
Bob Holt, “Brandon Burlsworth at the heart of another Saturday,” Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, May 2, 1999
The Colts at his funeral.
Associated Press, “Colts pay tribute to Burlsworth,” ESPN.com, September 12, 1999
03 His legacy
Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, Eyes of a Champion
Free eye exams and glasses for uninsured children.
The Burlsworth Trophy, Official site
The award for college football's best player who began as a walk-on, first given in 2010.
Visit burlsworthtrophy.com (opens in a new tab)The 2019 release (opens in a new tab)
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, “Clemson receiver wins Burlsworth Trophy,” December 3, 2018
04 The film
Greater (2016), directed by David Hunt, Greater Productions, released by Hammond Entertainment
Christopher Severio plays Brandon Burlsworth, Neal McDonough plays Marty Burlsworth and Leslie Easterbrook plays Barbara Burlsworth. Short clips from the film are used for commentary, criticism and education. All rights remain with their owners.
Blu-ray on Amazon (opens in a new tab)Watch on Prime Video (opens in a new tab)
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Nancy Hendricks, “Greater,” Encyclopedia of Arkansas
Pro Football Hall of Fame, “‘Greater’ Nationally Released Starting Aug. 26,” August 23, 2016
Nick Schager, “‘Greater’ Review: A Sermonizing Third-String Sports Saga,” Variety, August 24, 2016
05 Further reading
Jeff Kinley, Greater: The Brandon Burlsworth Story (2016)
Recommended reading, not a source for the video. The book the film is based on, first published in 2001 as Through the Eyes of a Champion.
Buy the book on Amazon (opens in a new tab)Original 2001 edition on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
06 Photo and footage credits
Photos and footage
News coverage and archive material about Brandon Burlsworth, the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Indianapolis Colts.
Some archive photos and footage have no known original source. If one is yours, contact the channel and it will be credited or removed.