Marty Burlsworth is the driving force behind the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, turning personal tragedy into a lifelong mission of character, faith, and service. Discover his inspiring journey and impact on countless lives.
The Legacy Behind the Name
When people hear the name Marty Burlsworth, they often think of his late brother Brandon Burlsworth—the University of Arkansas football walk-on who became an All-American before tragically passing away in a car accident. But behind that famous legacy stands Marty, the older brother whose strength, faith, and determination turned heartbreak into hope for thousands.
Marty is more than a brother to a legend; he is a man of vision who transformed his pain into purpose. In the wake of Brandon’s death in 1999, Marty co-founded the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation (BBF), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children, promoting good character, and keeping Brandon’s inspirational story alive. Over the years, Marty has become a respected leader known for his authenticity, humility, and unshakable belief in doing things “The Burls Way.”
From Small-Town Roots to a Life of Purpose
Marty Burlsworth grew up in the small town of Harrison, Arkansas. Life there was simple, built around community, church, and football. The Burlsworth family valued hard work and integrity above all else, lessons that both Marty and Brandon carried throughout their lives.
After graduating from Harrison High School, Marty remained close to his family, working in the business world while helping support his brother’s dream of becoming a Razorback. He witnessed firsthand Brandon’s tireless dedication—showing up early, staying late, and always staying humble. That spirit left a permanent mark on Marty, shaping his own path of leadership and compassion.
When tragedy struck just days after Brandon was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, Marty’s world collapsed. But rather than letting grief consume him, he made a promise: Brandon’s legacy would not fade. That promise became the heartbeat of everything he has done since.
Building the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation
The creation of the BBF was Marty’s answer to loss. He wanted to keep Brandon’s spirit alive by giving children the same opportunities and moral guidance that shaped his brother’s success. Founded in 1999, the foundation promotes faith, education, and character through community programs that honor Brandon’s values.
Marty took on the role of executive director and later president, working tirelessly to grow the foundation’s outreach. From humble beginnings in rural Arkansas, it has expanded nationwide, touching thousands of lives each year. Under Marty’s guidance, the BBF created initiatives like “Burls Kids,” which provides game-day experiences for underprivileged children, and the “Eyes of a Champion” program, offering free vision care to students in need.
Each program carries Brandon’s influence—discipline, humility, and excellence—but it’s Marty’s steady leadership that keeps them thriving. His approach combines practical organization with heartfelt empathy, ensuring that every child helped by the foundation feels seen, supported, and inspired.
The Spirit of “Do It the Burls Way”
“Do It the Burls Way” isn’t just a catchy slogan—it’s a lifestyle built around integrity, perseverance, and humility. Marty Burlsworth has made sure that this mantra remains central to everything the foundation stands for.
This philosophy encourages young people to pursue excellence not only in sports but also in academics, relationships, and daily life. It’s about doing the right thing when no one’s watching, working hard even when recognition doesn’t come, and treating others with respect.
Marty often speaks at schools, sports banquets, and churches, sharing personal stories of Brandon’s commitment and faith. His warm, down-to-earth manner connects with audiences of all ages. What makes Marty stand out isn’t just what he says—it’s that he lives by the same principles he promotes. He embodies the “Burls Way,” proving that ordinary people can make an extraordinary impact through consistency and kindness.
Expanding the Foundation’s Impact
Under Marty’s leadership, the BBF has grown from a small hometown project into a nationally recognized organization. The foundation partners with schools, churches, and youth programs across the country, supporting children from all walks of life.
The annual Brandon Burlsworth Football Camps give young athletes a chance to train with college and professional coaches while learning the value of discipline and teamwork. Marty’s emphasis on character ensures that kids leave these camps not only better athletes but better people.
The foundation also awards scholarships to students who demonstrate strong moral character, determination, and academic commitment. Each year, dozens of deserving young people are recognized for living out the same principles that defined Brandon—and that Marty continues to champion.
Faith and Family as Guiding Lights
Faith has always been at the center of Marty Burlsworth’s life. Through the highs and lows, he has leaned on his Christian beliefs for strength and direction. His faith gave him the courage to face unimaginable loss and the perseverance to build something beautiful out of it.
Family, too, plays a crucial role. Marty often credits his parents, Leo and Barbara Burlsworth, for instilling the values that guide him today. Their support, love, and unwavering belief in hard work laid the foundation for both sons’ success.
Even after decades of managing the foundation, Marty remains deeply connected to his hometown roots. He still lives in Arkansas, working closely with local communities while expanding outreach efforts nationwide. His grounded personality reflects the same simplicity and sincerity that defined his upbringing.
The Movie “Greater” and Its Emotional Impact
The 2016 film Greater introduced millions to the Burlsworth story. The movie depicted Brandon’s inspirational rise from an unheralded walk-on to an All-American—and Marty’s role as the grieving brother determined to make sense of tragedy.
For Marty, watching Greater come to life was both painful and healing. It allowed the world to see the depth of his brother’s character while highlighting the spiritual journey that followed. Marty worked closely with the filmmakers to ensure authenticity, helping them capture the real-life struggles and triumphs that defined their family’s experience.
After the film’s release, Marty received messages from people around the globe who were moved to live with more purpose. Many shared how the story encouraged them to persevere through loss or chase their dreams with renewed faith. Through Greater, Marty’s mission reached far beyond Arkansas—it became a global message of hope.
Quotes from Marty Burlsworth
“Faith doesn’t remove the pain—it gives you strength to walk through it.”
“Brandon’s story reminds us that success isn’t about talent; it’s about heart, discipline, and humility.”
“If you do it the Burls Way, you’re doing it the right way.”
These quotes capture Marty’s steady philosophy—one rooted in action, compassion, and unwavering faith.
The Heart of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation Programs
| Program | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Burls Kids | Provides game-day experiences for underprivileged children | Over 10,000 kids have attended Razorback games |
| Eyes of a Champion | Offers free eye exams and glasses to students | Thousands of children receive vision care yearly |
| Character Award | Recognizes student-athletes who show exceptional integrity | Awarded to hundreds of students across Arkansas |
| Football Camps | Teaches skills and life lessons to young players | Encourages sportsmanship and leadership values |
Each program reflects Marty’s commitment to developing well-rounded youth. The focus isn’t just on helping kids achieve success—it’s on shaping who they become.
Media and Public Speaking Engagements
Over the years, Marty has become a sought-after speaker at schools, corporate events, and faith conferences. His calm confidence, combined with heartfelt storytelling, leaves audiences inspired. He doesn’t use flashy language or motivational clichés; instead, he speaks with sincerity, reminding people that greatness comes from small, consistent choices.
Whether addressing a room full of student-athletes or a business leadership forum, Marty’s message remains the same: integrity, discipline, and humility are timeless virtues. His presence alone carries authenticity, and his ability to connect with audiences has made him a respected figure in both sports and community leadership circles.
Lessons We Can Learn from Marty Burlsworth
Marty’s story teaches powerful lessons about resilience and service. The first lesson is that tragedy doesn’t have to define you—it can refine you. Marty turned the pain of loss into a movement that changes lives every day.
The second lesson is about leadership through example. Marty doesn’t lead by demanding attention; he leads by living with purpose. His consistent dedication to helping others, regardless of recognition, shows what genuine leadership looks like.
Finally, his life reminds us that greatness is built on character. In a world where quick fame often overshadows true effort, Marty’s steadfast approach offers a refreshing counterbalance. He shows that doing the right thing, even when it’s hard, is the ultimate measure of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Marty Burlsworth?
Marty Burlsworth is the older brother of the late Brandon Burlsworth, founder and CEO of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, and a respected community leader known for promoting faith, character, and youth development.
What does the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation do?
The foundation supports children through programs that provide vision care, sports experiences, scholarships, and character development opportunities inspired by Brandon’s life and values.
How did Marty handle his brother’s death?
Marty turned his grief into action by establishing the foundation in Brandon’s memory. His faith and determination allowed him to create something that continues to bless others.
What is the meaning of “Do It the Burls Way”?
It’s a philosophy that emphasizes hard work, humility, and integrity—doing your best with honor and respect in every situation.
Was Marty involved in the movie “Greater”?
Yes, Marty served as a consultant during the production of Greater, ensuring that the story remained authentic to Brandon’s life and the Burlsworth family’s journey.
Where is Marty Burlsworth today?
He continues to live in Arkansas, leading the foundation and speaking at events around the country to inspire others through his story and faith.
Conclusion
Marty Burlsworth’s life is a remarkable example of how love, loss, and purpose can intertwine to create something truly lasting. Through his leadership, the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation has become a beacon of hope for countless families and children.
His story is not just about football or fame—it’s about faith, family, and the enduring power of doing things the right way. Marty Burlsworth continues to remind the world that greatness is built from character, and that every act of service keeps Brandon’s spirit alive.
