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Legacy of Late Hogs G Burlsworth Lives On

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The life of former Arkansas guard Brandon Burlsworth was cut tragically short by a car accident in April of 1999, just 11 days after the Indianapolis Colts selected him in the third round of the NFL draft.

But the legacy of the former walk-on and Drew Carey doppelganger is alive and well. After his death, friends and family formed the Brandon Bulsworth Foundation, which supports “the physical and spiritual needs of children, in particular those children who have limited opportunities.”

In addition, the Burlsworth Trophy was established in 2010 to annually salute the best FBS player who started his career as a walk-on. The first two winners were Georgia Tech offensive lineman Sean Bedford (2010) and Southern Miss quarterback Austin Davis (2011).

Burlsworth was a 1998 All-American and a First Team All-SEC performer in 1997 and 1998. He was also the first Arkansas football player to complete a master’s degree before his final game.

Arkansas faces Alabama — over whom Burlsworth led a 42–6 Razorbacks victory in 1998 — on Saturday. Brandon Burlsworth profile

9:01 AM on 9/13/2012
  • Jbartels

    What makes this story so special is who keeps the Legacy alive, Brandon’s family does. Brandon has touched so many lives after his passing. I am a parent to a Burlsworth Arawrd Nominee from FAU and during our football banquet Brandon’s story was told. After the story was read there was a standing ovation for two minutes and than they announced that my son was the recipient. Than there was another two minute standing ovation and I couldn’t stop crying because my son was thought of the same way Brandon was, a great young man who has carried him self with pride, fought for what he wanted and never let someone tell him he can’t do it. My son was an all county player, red zone player of the year, All Sun Belt player, team MVP, game ball winners, defensive MVP but the greatest thing he ever won was the NOMINEE to the Burlsworth Award Trophy

  • Josh Dudley

    If you would like to read more about Brandon’s story there is a great book about it entitled “Through the Eyes of a Champion”. The digital version of the book is on sale through the entire college football season at a price of just $2.99. It is a great read for anyone. 
    http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005E1OVIC/

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