Marty Bulsworth Talks About the New Inspirational Movie "Greater"

In theaters right now is the new uplifting and inspirational movie GREATER.  The movie follows the true story of Brandon Burlsworth who is perhaps the greatest walk-on in the history of college football. Brandon dreamed of playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks, but was told he wasn't good enough to play Division I ball.

Undeterred, Brandon took a risk and walked on in 1994. Written off by fellow teammates and coaches, Brandon displayed dogged determination in the face of staggering odds. The awkward kid who once was 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. 

We are honored to be able to catch up with Marty Bulsworth for this exclusive interview. 

Q:  Marty, thank you for your time.  I know you have been approached about making a movie about your brother but what made you decide to want to be a part of GREATER?

We has a great comfort level with the producer.  He wanted to tell Brandon's story in the truest way possible. The agreement gave our family the ability to have input all during the process.  We had been approached several times before but never had that comfort level.  The other producers would not guarantee much or any control at all.  We wanted to be sure our story was told with the integrity and faith that Brandon was known for. Q:  For our readers who may not have seen the movie, give us a brief synopsis of what GREATER is about?

GREATER deals with overcoming obstacle, sometimes what seems like over-whelming obstacles.  It is a story with both the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.  We all face challenges, some more than other.  But the battle of good and evil is always present. We have to learn to lean on our faith in good and bad times.  We need to realize that we cannot see the big picture.  Just like the coach watching the football game from the press box.  He sees everything!  We only see what is in front of us.  Our loss is great but God is Greater. 

Q:  Having seen parts of the movie, I find the movie extremely inspirational.  What do you think are some lessons viewers can grasp from watching this movie?

It really deals with the ups and downs of life. Everyone is going to have hard times, we all do.  It's how we respond to those hard times, difficulties and challenges that make the difference. Brandon was a great example of someone who would not let his dreams escape him, no matter what others said. That's really a lesson that all of us can learn from. Bran's character was evident and his faith kept his strong. 

Q:  For yourself, what were some of the most exciting parts in the making of this movie? 

It was really great to see the recreation of on field practices and games.  We had a football coordinator form LA who put the team members through "training camp" prior to filming.  That is why the game action looks so realistic.  Watching the actors and the film was very enlightening.  I don't think I will ever watch a movie the same way.  Now we know what goes on behind the scenes and there are so many moving parts and it was exciting watching all the pieces come together. We have gained an incredible amount of respect for the people in that industry.  They are some of the hardest working people we have ever seen.  They would spend 3 to 4 hours setting up a scene to shoot for maybe 15 to 20 minutes.   

Q:  Since this movie revolves around football tell us about your family's love for the game?

Football has always been a pastime and the Arkansas Razorback are a big deal in the state.  But when you have a family member who plays, if becomes a way of life.  We traveled to all of Brandon's Razorback games, home and away.  We were with the other player's families week after week.  It was the most fun that we've ever had.  It went by so fast and that Sr year, everyone talked about how quick it had blown by us.  It made us appreciate life and close friends.  We were excited for the next years in the NFL.  Then the accident!  We still attend all the Razorback games with our Burls Kids and we make one trip a year to see all our friends with the Colts and to attend a game.  We love the game and will always have a special place in our heart for it. 

Q:  What have you personally taken away from making this film?

To see the response of those who have seen the film has been gratifying.  To be a small part of that makes us extremely proud and humbled.  We consider it a privilege to continue Brandon's legacy and bring his message to a larger audience. The film is a roller coaster film of emotions, there is no doubt about that, but you leave the theatre feeling inspired and wanting to be better, I guess you could say, wanting to be Greater!  

Q:  Talk to us about your brother's foundation you started in honor of him?

The first year was tough.  It was hard for our entire family to function.  It seemed like we were walking in a fog. But at some point, it was sink or swim.  We wanted to make something positive out of it and the idea of a foundation to honor him came about.  Brandon had always wanted to help underprivileged kids when he got in the NFL. The "Burls Kids" came from that.  We bring underprivileged kids to every football home game of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Indianapolis Colts.  

The Burlsworth Character Award was expanded to include all 50 states in 2015.  This award honors high school football players who exhibits high Character.  Someone who puts the team before himself.  Brandon was always about putting others first.  He was a great Christian example to his teammates, not necessarily by preaching it but by his example. Along with our other programs, we prayed to reach outside of sports and tackle health and education issues also.  

The idea of the EYES OF A CHAMPION program seemed like a natural fit.  We, in cooperation with Walmart and Independent Optometrists, provide vision exams and eye glasses to 1000s of needy kids around the state of Arkansas. Our plan is to expand that program nationwide.  We teach Faith, Family and Football.  Whatever your "football" is.  So whether that's sports, band, scholastics; you fill in the blank. Keep God first, then your family and everything else will take care of itself.  We have been very blessed through the BBF.  I believe that Brandon would be proud!  

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