What Is the Movie Greater About? What Happened to Brandon Burlsworth?

Is what Is the Movie Greater About? What Happened to Brandon Burlsworth really worth exploring? Discover the full picture in our dedicated article.

The 2016 biographical sports movie “Greater” narrates the real story of Brandon Burlsworth, a young man who aspired to play football for the University of Arkansas. Brandon becomes a walk-on player and eventually receives a scholarship in spite of overcoming many obstacles, such as not receiving a scholarship and being initially disregarded by his peers.

The film follows his journey from an underappreciated player to an All-American college football star, highlighting his perseverance, hard work, and determination. Tragically, just 11 days after being selected for the NFL draft, Brandon passes away in a car accident, ending his bright future.

With a focus on Brandon’s inspirational story and his long-lasting impact on his community, the film delves into themes of faith, family, and the influence one person can have on those around them.

In 1999, Marty Burlsworth is waiting for his brother Brandon, who is 22 years old, to be buried. While some people, such as Marty’s mother Barbara, have come to terms with the loss and placed their trust in God, Marty is unable to do so because he cannot comprehend why God would take away his brother just as he was about to become a famous NFL player. The Farmer, a stranger, expresses a similar doubt and tries to fuel Marty’s rage.

As the funeral gets ready, the narrative goes back to when Brandon was twelve years old and had aspirations of playing football for the University of Arkansas. It also revisits his time as a high school player under Tommy Tice’s coaching at Harrison High School.

At that moment, Leo, the long-estranged father of Marty and Brandon and a former musician, tries to re-enter their lives as well as Barbara’s. Since his younger brother is frequently misidentified as his father and is 17 years older than he is, Marty tries his best to keep him safe.

In 1994, Brandon is determined to join the Arkansas Razorbacks as a walk-on after failing to receive a scholarship to play offensive guard. Due to his lack of size for a Division I college lineman, offensive line coach Mike Bender does not think Brandon will make the squad. Other players, like Nathan Ward, Anthony Lucas, and Grant Garrett (who is paired with Brandon as a roommate), are aware of him and constantly make fun of him.

However, Brandon gains muscle and loses weight through hard work, which ultimately helps him prove himself on the field and change people’s perceptions of him. Brandon receives a scholarship from Arkansas head coach Danny Ford by his sophomore year, and he establishes himself as the team’s starting right guard.

Driven by Brandon’s example, the team succeeds almost perfectly in his final year of 1998 through diligent practice and hard work. The Indianapolis Colts select Brandon in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft after he is named an All-American following the season. His position coach tells him he has a bright future ahead of him after they work out together in Indianapolis.

Eleven days after being drafted, Brandon is killed when he is hit head-on by a tractor trailer. 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.