Brandon Burlsworth, offensive guard for the Arkansas Razorbacks, did it the right way, if not the easy way. And he continues to serve as an inspiration, even 15 years after his death.
He was a walk-on -- which to the football novice means he wasn't a recruit or a scholarship player. No one sought him out. But through his own determination, hard work and skill, he went on to be an All-American and a third-round draft pick for the the Indianapolis Colts. He was also a dedicated student and the first Arkansas Razorback to earn a master's degree before his final Razorbacks game.
Then, on April 28, 1999, the 22-year-old was killed in a car wreck while driving from Fayetteville to his home town of Harrison to go to church with his mother.
The foundation that bears his name is still keeping his spirit alive by encouraging young people across the state through a variety of programs and awards, while also inspiring adults to get involved and help others.
William Rockefeller first got involved in the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation two years ago when his boss, Sen. John Boozman, was honored at the foundation's Burlsworth Legends Dinner.
"To actually be able to have the opportunity to be a part of this in a small way is a huge honor," Rockefeller says.
Board member Charlene Reed was drawn in by her late husband, Stanley Reed, who began organizing golf tournaments for the young charity with Jim Lindsey the very year Burlsworth died.
"I'm very much a supporter of young people," she says. "I think, from my perspective, almost every part of this program is a supporter of children or college students."
The foundation's signature charity is Burls Kids. It buys 30 tickets to every Razorbacks football home game. With help from Razorback Clubs, 25 of those tickets are given to underprivileged children from around the state (the other five tickets are for chaperones). Those children get to sit in a special section, meet the players, tour the stadium and be recognized during the game.
"I'm always impressed when I meet those kids," Reed says. "They're very guarded on who they bring. It's truly people that have never been and don't have the means to come. We get the neatest [thank-you] notes from those kids."
Rockefeller adds, "To see the joy on their faces is just unbelievable."
Then there's the Eyes of a Champion program, which coordinates with schools, Wal-Mart and optometrists to provide eye exams and eyeglasses for children who, as Reed says, "fall between the cracks."
They're typically children who aren't eligible for Medicaid or other assistance programs, yet can't afford proper eye care. The foundation is always hoping to expand the program to more communities around the state, to let them know the service is there.
"You have a kid who isn't able to see well and yet doesn't have the means necessary to afford a pair of eyeglasses. That's detrimental to them from a learning perspective," Rockefeller explains. "Education is the best way to improve one's station in life. So giving them a pair of eyeglasses is such a small step, but it's very important in giving them the tools necessary to be able to get ahead."
The foundation also offers the Brandon Burlsworth Football Camps at War Memorial Stadium and in Harrison every year.
In Burlsworth's memory, the foundation continues to recognize athletes across the state and country through a series of scholarships and awards given to young people who exhibit some of the characteristics Burlsworth displayed.
"Every high school can give a Burlsworth Award," Reed says. That award is given to athletes who exhibit outstanding character and dedication to school work.
There's also the Brandon Burlsworth Trophy, a national award that goes to an outstanding college senior from a Division 1 school who began his career as a walk-on.
"It's become a really big honor," Reed says. "It's become more and more prestigious. Last year they had 50 applications."
The awards don't go only to young students. Every year, the foundation takes an evening to recognize an adult who has shown great achievement and dedication to Arkansas and its young people.
This is the fifth year for the Burlsworth Legends Dinner. While in the past they've honored politicians, philanthropists and Coach Frank Broyles, this year, the committee decided to focus on agriculture.
Randy Veach, president of the Arkansas Farm Bureau, was a natural choice. He has served on not just agriculture boards, but boards for schools, hospitals and a seminary. A lifelong Arkansan and farmer, he knows the farming industry and the people of Arkansas and also shares the strong Christian principles that were so important in Burlsworth's life.
"Once his name was brought up, it was a unanimous and immediate decision," Reed says.
As he did two years ago, Rockefeller will serve as the event emcee. He was asked initially when his boss was the honoree in 2012.
"And he did a really good job because he got asked back!" Reed laughs.
Reed says that working on the foundation board with people like Tommy Tice, Burlsworth's high school coach, has helped her get a view of who Burlsworth was as a person and how his story can serve as an inspiration to others.
"He was determined to try and walk on and he had to do his best. So that is just an example to these Burls Kids, and they're all told that when they come, what hard work and character and faith, where that can lead you."
The Burlsworth Legends Dinner will be 6 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Statehouse Convention Center. Tickets are $200. Call (501) 821-1021 or visit brandonburlsworth.org.
High Profile on 07/27/2014