'Greater' -- the movie

David Wilson
David Wilson

Radio broadcaster Rush Limbaugh said he was very impressed with the movie "Greater," about the life of Arkansas All-American Brandon Burlsworth.

In Limbaugh's view, "Greater" is a movie about everything that is right in America and he elaborated on the film on the air in his Aug. 30 radio broadcast.

"Perseverance, competition, leadership, faith," he said. "All of that takes place in this movie, with SEC football as the backdrop, because this man's life was culminated with his success story at Arkansas."

Burlsworth, from Harrison, did not get a football scholarship at Arkansas. He walked on in 1994 in an effort to earn one.

With a dogged tenacity he got that scholarship, became a starting guard, got national attention, and was eventually drafted to play professional football for the Indianapolis Colts.

"You are living proof that when you do the right things, good stuff happens," Burlsworth was told by one of his new coaches at Indianapolis. "You have done everything right."

But a few days later, his life tragically ended in an automobile accident at the age of 22.

The movie includes much about Razorbacks football, but also deeply examines the spiritual struggle that occurs when tragedy strikes.

One character in the movie said of the accident that ended Burlsworth's life, "Of all the people, how's that make any sense?"

Another said, "His life meant something. It had to."

Burlsworth's older brother Marty was tormented with the loss of Brandon, and struggled within himself.

"He (Brandon) believed that if he worked hard and did everything he was supposed to God would make everything turn out for the best. Did everything turn out for the best Marty?"

The movie deals with those difficult questions, but it also demonstrates how hard-nosed determination can translate into success.

It is an insightful look at the importance of family, an encouraging look at the support of friends and community, and an uplifting look at the meaning of faith.

"You can't help but be moved by this," Limbaugh said. "It could have been cheesy, but it isn't. It's inspiring."

The film is based on the book entitled, "Through the Eyes of a Champion: The Brandon Burlsworth Story," by Jeff Kinley.

Both the book and the movie make it clear that Burlsworth, even at a very young age, wanted to play football for the Razorbacks.

In fact, after Burlsworth's last college game as a Razorback (a 45-31 Citrus Bowl loss to Michigan) he spoke of his affection for the team to a reporter for Memphis' Commercial Appeal.

"I wish I had another year to play for Arkansas," he said. "All I ever wanted to do was play for the Razorbacks."

But after that game, he set his sights on professional football. The upcoming NFL draft placed him in the hands of the Indianapolis Colts, where his success story was expected to continue, blocking for running back Edgerrin James and quarterback Peyton Manning.

Limbaugh commented further on his radio show: "When I describe on this program talking to you the people who make this country work," he said, "it's things like this that I have in mind -- people who come from places in the country you've not heard of, who are just living and doing the best they can."

The movie stirs deep emotional empathy for the Burlsworth family. Their struggle of why this happened becomes our struggle as well.

In midst of pain, confusion, and turmoil, where does one find answers? Where does one find comfort or meaning?

Perhaps a simple statement like the one Brandon himself articulated to his brother in the movie is a good place to begin.

"Have faith Marty," he said. "This is my road."

-- David Wilson, EdD, of Springdale, is a writer, consultant and presenter, who grew up in Arkansas but worked 27 years in education in Missouri. You may e-mail him at [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

Editorial on 09/21/2016