"Greater" Premiere a Hit at Hall of Fame

Last Saturday the Pro Football Hall of Fame premiered an exclusive screening of the major motion picture “Greater,” the story about walk on Brandon Burlsworth who was tragically killed in a car accident eleven days after he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. His impact during his life and his legacy after his death has inspired millions.

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Hall of Fame President David Baker presented Brandon’s brother, Marty, a copy of Brandon’s draft card. It was an emotional moment for Marty as he held back tears upon receiving the gift.

A roundtable discussion followed, with Brandon’s brother Marty joined by Gold Jackets Aeneas Williams, a college walk-on himself, and John Randle, an undrafted free agent, that was moderated by Hall of Fame Executive Producer George Veras. Marty explained the eleven year journey to make the movie and Aeneas, visibly moved, spoke about how he felt like an outcast as a walk on as did Brandon.

“This story will be told and impact not just kids on a college campus, but throughout the world because of a story of belief and having enough fortitude to walk out your belief, even in the midst of other people having different beliefs,” explained Williams.

Gold Jacket Bill Polian called in during the roundtable. He attended Brandon’s funeral and initiated the tickets to Indianapolis Colts games for the BURLS KIDS program.

Burlsworth walked on to Arkansas’ football team in 1994 and became a three-year starter at guard for the Razorbacks. He eventually earned All-American acclaim in 1998 and was the only Razorback scholarship football player to graduate with a Master’s degree in four years. His efforts were rewarded when Polian used the Colts’ third round draft pick, 63rd overall, to select Burlsworth in the 1999 NFL Draft, and went to one minicamp before his tragic accident.

“Just to be here at the Hall of Fame – I know Brandon would be incredibly humbled and honored as we are. I always felt like Brandon would be inducted into this Hall of Fame,” shared Marty.

The movie “Greater” opens in select theaters on Jan. 29, 2016.