Brandon Burlsworth’s story is one that touches hearts deeply. It is a tale of determination, quiet virtue, and achievement
From humble beginnings as a walk-on at the University of Arkansas to becoming a third-round NFL draft pick, his life was defined by character and rigor.
Tragically, just eleven days after he was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts, he died in a car accident.
This article explores the details of the crash, clarifies fault, and paints a full portrait of the man he was and the family he came from. We show his stats, answer common questions, and detail how his legacy endures.
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Table of Contents
Brandon Burlsworth’s Early Life and College
Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas.
He graduated from Harrison High School in 1994, where he shone academically and athletically. Despite offers from smaller colleges, he chose to walk on at the University of Arkansas—driven by belief in his potential.1
He redshirted in 1994. At that point he weighed 300 pounds and was told he needed to be more athletic. He lost weight to around 260 pounds, then rebuilt himself to a powerful 300-pound offensive guard.
By 1996 he earned a scholarship and a starting position. He was named team captain before the 1997 season, and earned first-team All-SEC honors in both 1997 and 1998, becoming an All-American in 1998.
He was also consistently on the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll.
Education and NFL Leap
Brandon earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1998. Remarkably, he earned his MBA before playing his final college football game in the 1999 Citrus Bowl.
His work ethic at the NFL Combine stood out—he ran a 4.88-second 40-yard dash, bench-pressed 225 lb 28 times, and measured just under 6-4 while weighing 308 lb.
In the 1999 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected him in the third round, 63rd overall. Colts offensive line coach Howard Mudd was deeply impressed with him and projected him as a starter. 2
The Tragic Accident: How It Happened and Who Was at Fault
The Crash
On April 28, 1999, just eleven days after the draft, Brandon was driving from Fayetteville to his hometown of Harrison.
He planned to pick up his mother and attend church. Around 15 miles from home, near Alpena, Arkansas, on U.S. Route 412, his car inexplicably drifted over the center line.
It clipped an oncoming tractor-trailer, then regained its lane briefly, only to cross again and collide head-on with a second semi-tractor trailer. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 3
Who Was at Fault
A state police report indicated that for unknown reasons, the vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic. The stretch of road was not particularly treacherous.
The report did not find fault with the truck drivers. Rather, the collision was the result of Brandon’s vehicle unintentionally veering into the other lane. At least two reputable sources confirm the same details. 4
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Brandon Burlsworth’s Legacy, Family and Impact
Tributes and Legacy
Brandon’s legacy went beyond football. His number 77 was retired by the University of Arkansas; his locker is preserved behind glass.
The Harrison Youth Center was renamed the Brandon Burlsworth Youth Center. The Colts honored him with BB stickers on their helmets and gave his family and the university athletic director checks during the season.
The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, founded by family and friends, carries forward his values. The motto “Do it the Burls Way” traces back to former coach Houston Nutt.
The foundation supports children’s physical and spiritual needs through programs like Burls Kids (giving game tickets to underserved youths), Eyes of a Champion (providing free eye exams and glasses in partnership with Walmart and local optometrists), summer football camps, and scholarships.
The Burlsworth Trophy, established in 2010, is awarded annually to the most outstanding Division I FBS player who began as a walk-on.
In 2001 a biography, Through the Eyes of a Champion, was published. In 2016 a film, Greater: The Brandon Burlsworth Story, premiered, faithfully depicting his life.
Family
Brandon’s mother, Barbara, and brother, Marty, have actively preserved his memory. They have remained close to the Colts organization and regularly attend a Colts home game each year. Their continued engagement underlines the lasting bond forged.
Reddit reflections reinforce his impression:
“Insidezone64: I remember watching Burlsworth play at Arkansas… his work ethic was unmatched… a dream player for a coach, respected by teammates, team leader…”5
Stats Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthdate | September 20, 1976 |
| Hometown | Harrison, Arkansas |
| College | University of Arkansas (1994–1998) |
| Degrees | BA in Business Administration, MBA |
| College Honors | All-SEC (1997, 1998), All-American (1998) |
| NFL Draft | 1999, 3rd round, pick 63 by Colts |
| Combine Highlights | 4.88-sec 40-yard dash, 28×225-lb bench, 308 lb weight |
| Accident Date | April 28, 1999 |
| Location of Crash | Near Alpena/Harrison, Arkansas |
| Cause / Fault | Car drifted into oncoming traffic |
| Legacy Highlights | Retired jersey, foundation, trophy, film |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How exactly did Brandon’s car drift into oncoming traffic?
A: The state police report described that for unknown reasons, his car crossed the center line, struck a tractor-trailer, briefly returned to his lane, then crossed again and hit another tractor-trailer. There were no citations of bad weather or road hazards.6
Q: Were other drivers at fault?
A: No. The report did not indicate any wrongdoing by the truck operators. The fault lay in the vehicle crossing into the other lane.
Q: What is the Burlsworth Trophy?
A: Established in 2010, it is awarded annually to the top college football player who began his career as a walk-on.
Q: What does the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation do?
A: It serves underprivileged children through initiatives like vision clinics, game tickets, scholarships, and camps. It promotes character, service, and faith.
Q: Is there a movie about his life?
A: Yes, Greater: The Brandon Burlsworth Story was released in 2016. The story was also told earlier in the book Through the Eyes of a Champion.
Q: What happened to his family after his death?
A: His mother Barbara and brother Marty maintained close ties with the Colts and continue to honor his legacy through the foundation and community programs.7
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