We watched the movie Greater, last night. It is the story of the rise from walk-on to NFL prospect to sudden death of former Arkansas Razorback guard, Brandon Burlsworth. The story of his effort to become a Razorback, alone, put his story on an inspirational level with the likes of Rudy. The lessons provided in the life of Brandon Burlsworth are many. On so many levels the story exemplifies what I have termed “well-centered fitness”.
Spiritual. Faith is a strong underlying theme in the movie. Brandon’s brother struggles throughout the movie to understand how God could allow bad things to happen to good people. In the end (spoiler alert), he learns to trust the bigger picture. Brandon, himself, was a person of “irrational” faith. In the process of proving himself, he draws others into his faith—by his example. Moreover, the story is about community and the understanding that we are not the center of the Universe and that our impact is felt far more broadly than one can every fully grasp. The impact of “we trust”—in simply trusting in our path and purpose—permeates the film and the life of Brandon Burlsworth, his family, and his community (and beyond).
Physical. What more can I say about the Physical dimension of the movie? Brandon Burlsworth goes from (more than) pudgy kid to a transformed 300-lb All-American Guard in the SEC. In the movie, his brother called him “Cheesecake” for his poor eating habits as a kid. The movie shows how Burlsworth takes the work ethic inspired by his high school coach to Arkansas and works hardest when no one is watching.
Mental. Burlsworth not only earned a football scholarship as a walk-on (named the the #1 Greatest Walk-On of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) Era by Bleacher Report), becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree, but he also earned a Master’s degree in his five years of eligibility (he first Razorback football player to complete a master’s degree before playing in his final game). This is no easy task for the traditional student. It is rarely done as a Division I athlete who has to work harder on the field than his teammates. Brandon Burlsworth was disciplined on and off the field.
Emotional. The drive to succeed is nothing if not emotional. Beyond the self-motivation, Brandon Burlsworth frequently took responsibility for his actions—individual responsibility in a team sport where it is easy to pass the blame. Burlsworth dealt with the negativity of teammates and fans and allowed this to drive him and motivate him rather than excuse him or cause him to give up on his dream. He encouraged others. The movie gives him much of the credit for the Razorbacks turn-around in the 1998 season. His positivity and self-efficacy were infectious.
Social. Brandon Burlsworth was depicted as a bit socially awkward, but he was certainly a person committed to others. His devotion to family and community was evident. His impact was far-reaching.
It is an inspirational story on so many levels. If ever there is a story that says: “be your best today; be better tomorrow” and “carpe momento”, this is it. We are given the life we have to make the most of it—no matter how long or how short that life might be. Given that life can be taken at any time, we best live now and seize the opportunity. Trust in the path. Be (extra)ordinary. Be Greater.
“It would have been great to see Brandon play, but it wasn’t God’s plan. That wasn’t the way it’s supposed to be, and that’s what you accept.”—Marty Burlsworth