Remembering Burlsworth, A Razorback legend

On this day 24 years ago, Arkansas Razorback fans lost the legendary all-American, Brandon Burlsworth.

The Harrison, (Ark.) native started his career as a Razorback as a walk-on and had a fabulous career as a guard. He would redshirt his first year on campus when arriving as an unfit 300 pound lineman.

Burlsworth would then transform his body to a stout 260 pound frame before adding muscle throughout his second season in Fayetteville. After adding muscle and bulk to his frame he was awarded a scholarship when he became a sophomore working his way to a starting spot on the offensive line in 1996.

In 1997, Burlsworth was selected by his teammates as a team captain. His performance during his junior season earned him first team all-SEC honors.

Throughout his time as a Razorback the program struggled to win in the SEC as newer members. Until Houston Nutt brought 10 years of consistency to the program, Arkansas managed to go to one SEC Championship Game and one winning conference record.

Under Nutt’s guidance, Arkansas won nine games that season. Burlsworth was named an All-American, the first time a Razorback was selected since 1993. It was also the first time since 1989 that one was named to the first team.

Once his college career was over, Burlsworth wowed NFL scouts at the NFL Combine. He topped all linemen with a 4.88 40-yard dash. He bench-pressed 225 pounds 28 times, weighed 308 pounds, and measured slightly below 6 feet 4 inches.

Burlsworth was chosen with the 63rd pick in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts.

He would go on impress then offensive line coach, Howard Mudd, at the Colts rookie mini-camp where he came away impressed and projected him as a starter for the upcoming season.

He would pass away just a few weeks later. Later in 1999 during a home game in Razorback Stadium Burlsworth’s No. 77 jersey was retired. His jersey is only the second number ever retired by the Arkansas Football program.

In his memory several events and groups were created to carry on the greatness of the former Hog. Every year, the best walk-on in college football is awarded the Burlsworth Trophy.

The Burlsworth Foundation was started to support the physical and spiritual needs of children.

Since 2000, the Foundation started the “Burls’ Kids” program that provides young kids an opportunity to attend a Razorback home game. The tickets are distributed through Razorback Clubs across the state. The children are given an official “Burls Kid” T-shirt and replica glasses similar to those Brandon wore on the field.

The family also performs football camps, awards scholarships and other awards in his honor.

Former head coach, Houston Nutt, often asked of his players to do things “the Burls way.”

Burlworth’s will always be remembered whether it be for his glasses and play on the field or for his generosity as a teammate and friend. In his memory today, so something for somebody. Lead through servicing. Do it the Burks way!