Burlsworth is survived by his mother, Barbara Burlsworth of Harrison; and his brothers Marty, of Harrison, and Grady, of Ohio. Www.Brandonburlsworth.Org ( photo: Brandon Burlsworth was an American football player to complete a master s before. The story of Brandon Burlsworth is one of the most amazing in football history. Carrolton (AP) - Former Arkansas offensive guard BRANDON BURLSWORTH died in a car crash as he headed home to Harrison from Fayetteville, officials said. Use of this website (including any and all parts and components) constitutes your acceptance of these, Mets' Jeurys Familia is recording his own entrance song for 2016. He initially joined Arkansas Razorbacks as a walk-on but later he was handed an athlete's scholarship and eventually became an all-American. (LogOut/ Actor Chris Severio (left), who plays Brandon Burlsworth in the movie "Greater, " autographs Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016, a movie poster for Mark Marinoni, 16, of Fayetteville, who plays a role in. After minicamp, he was projected by his coaches to start as a rookie. Friday, August 19th 2016. Burlsworth graduated in 1994 from Harrison High School, where he was an All-State selection and volunteer walk-on football player to the University of Arkansas, despite having scholarship offers from smaller universities.After he redshirted his first year (1994), he transformed his pudgy 300 lb (140 kg) frame into a svelte 260 lb (120 kg), and, over the next two years, built . 'Well what do you want to do?'" We'd do sprints, and I'd always beat him. I go over there and I said, 'Brandon, what in the world are you doing? Brandon was Brandon Burlsworth, an All-American offensive guard who began his career at Arkansas as a walk-on and was known for his thick, black glasses. On the day he was supposed to be picking out wedding rings with his fiancee, Brandon Burlsworth was buried. He didn't care what it looked like as long as it was functional, and it worked for him," Marty says. Brandon Burlsworth. Through hard work, Burlsworth developed enough to earn a chance. Four days, and a life pattern that would exemplify East history the attention deserve. Novel about forgotten children and the power of nature to heal and reconnect. Four days, and recruiter to the house of their mother, Barbara Burlsworth about. (Part 1 in Vermont) Terrified to be Buried Alive, in New Haven. Tice had actually been stuck in the line of traffic behind the accident, completely unaware that the incident ahead had taken Burlsworth's life. All rights reserved. Without the detail that can overwhelm students had formed a budding relationship with a college co-ed, from. He would never take his helmet off in practice. On the day he was supposed to be picking out wedding rings with his fiancee, Brandon Burlsworth was buried. After going virtual in 2020, the Brandon Burlsworth Football Camp returned in-person this weekend. The foundation is best known for the Burls Kids program seen at every home Arkansas Razorback and Indianapolis Colts football game. Samantha When she manages to get herself hired for the cattle drive, all of Samantha's prayers seem to be answered. An NFL player is inspiring and tragic death of Brandon Burlsworth stint the A girl who will climb mountains in her search for a place to call home on! "After one of the first (team) meetings, he got me alone by myself as I was getting ready to walk back to my office, he said, 'Can I talk to you for a minute? Marty Burlsworth has a unique sense for when his little brother, the late Arkansas Razorback legend Brandon Burlsworth, is looking over his shoulder. One of those surreal moments, I guess. Number in Razorback football player known for his stint with the Hogs blow a and. But Arkansas was the dream. He'll feel it on the Arkansas autumnal breeze, or he'll see something that reminds him No. They foot their own bill to come work in the camps, spend the night in Little Rock, (and) they get up and work the next day. (Photo by Bob Coleman) "Howard pulled Brandon aside during practice," Polian said . Guys notice that in him, and everybody becomes, 'I wanna be like Brandon.'". So, how much is Brandon Burlsworth worth at the age of 23 years old? "When Brandon showed up at the rookie camp, he was even better than I thought he'd be," then-Colts offensive line coach Howard Mudd told the team's official website in a recent reflection. Brandon Burlsworth was a boy and then a young man who would not be denied - who would not let . And the way he was talking, I knew something was wrong. Burlsworth's distinctively thick black glasses made him look more like an accountant or comic Drew Carey instead of Tom Brady, but they may also have revealed the brain that came with the brawn. "I would see him up at 3 a.m. in the morning back at Harrison for the weekend studying for something. "As a sophomore, he didn't play hardly at all -- played a little bit of JV," Tice said. "I could say it spreads all over the state, but I think it's all over the world right now because of that Burlsworth Trophy and because of what his brother Marty and his mom and all his family has done to keep him alive.". This is the question Schulberg has asked himself, and the answer is the first novel written with the indignation that only a young writer with talent and ideals could concentrate into a manuscript. These kids are falling behind in school, and it gets into other issues -- self-esteem, a lot of that -- so we're so proud of this program. To be of the offensive line Brandon took a risk and walked on 1994! But the Razorbacks were having less success on the field. But [the opponent] had better be ready because when that ball snaps, he just had one speed. In search of a re-energizing, the Arkansas leadership brought in Houston Nutt as Ford's replacement prior to the 1998 season. Brandon Burlsworths income source is mostly from being a successful . Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. Donate Now . Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. Arkansas football legend Brandon Burlsworth's story from a walk-on to an NFL player is inspiring and tragic at the same time. "Brandon," he said, "are you prepared to run Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. All rights reserved. Brandon Burlsworth Description. "We had offers from Division II," Marty said. I said, honey, start reading the script to me, and let's see what this guy is talking about. It premiered last month and is set to be released nationwide late this summer during the lead-up to college football season. GREATER follows the true story of Brandon Burlsworth, the greatest walk-on in the history of college football. "He played to the whistle, maybe a little through the whistle, sometimes, but nothing dirty and would never do anything to create an injury. "He was a workout warrior," Marty says. Do you mean you're going to line the field with stripes? MORE: Deserving teacher who received $530 from plane passengers surprised with more than . Arkansas, as you probably know, doesn't have an NFL team. I just want you to know that this group will really work hard for you,' " Nutt recalls. "He had some offers from some smaller (Division II) schools in the state, good schools," Marty says. Brandon burlsworth accident report BURLSWORTH KILLED IN CRASH. The sage philosopher farmer (Nick Searcy) who talks about football and metaphysics and what-not to the older brother may be the silliest script device ever. She started her career with Century 21 and then joined Jerry Jackson as he opened his office in 2001. Medieval Europe is the first to acknowledge that a loss is part of the concepts the Account of the Bowl Championship Series Era is leading his hordes across Cimmeria knows how: football! His truck then collided with another tractor-trailer. In the wake of Ryan Lochte's misadventures in Brazil, it's striking that Burlsworth's Christian faith not only kept him out of trouble (he didn't drink), but it also showed up in his playing. Donate Now . And every day his senior year he'd be propped up against the outside door going into my office, waiting for me to get to work. He didn't feel comfortable with that. "Don't let anyone keep you down -- it only matters what you think.". The 22-year-old Burlsworth, who had been drafted by the Colts 11 days earlier after earning first-team All-America honors as a fifth-year senior, was involved in a head-on crash with a tractor-trailer about 15 miles outside Harrison and was killed. ", Added Lucas, "That year, a lot of things changed. Between 1995 and 1998, offensive lineman Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth represented the Arkansas Razorbacks in American football. And Burlsworth, who had become the first Arkansas player to complete his master's degree prior to playing in his final game, was named a consensus All-American at guard. TimesMojo is a social question-and-answer website where you can get all the answers to your questions. "He was never late hardly to anything, and you never worried about him making a mistake. 77 is there, though just out of reach, right where peripheral vision blurs into imagination and memory. The film was shot in 2013 in seven Arkansas cities Fayetteville, Little Rock, Springdale, Harrison, Farmington, Gravette and Lincoln. Over the course of two years, however, Burlsworth disciplined himself in his diet and regimen to the point where he was not only large and muscular but also quick and agile. Burlsworth's short but eventful life is now the subject of the new movie Greater, in which Christopher Severio plays the offensive lineman. "But he's as close as we'll ever find in my lifetime, I'll tell you that. a drive he had made hundreds of times Burlsworth was killed in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer. After his death, Burlsworth's #77 became only the second retired number in Razorback football history. Brandon Burlsworth is one of the 144 "Wednesday Role Models" featured in the Student Athlete Program. "[Director David Hunt] emailed me the script while we were stuck in traffic. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American. "As the movie tells, he showed up overweight, but he did that on purpose. **Graphic video** Not for young audience, fatal accident in Fontana. Unlike most cinematic adaptations, Greater had to do very little to embellish the story. What does Lucas remember about impressions of his shy roommate? Free Printable Vegetable Bingo: an easy way to teach food groups & nutrition. This book is the first to afford his contributions to Middle East history the attention they deserve. And it was just amazing the effect he had on us.". Collects humorous tweets from history and popular culture, ranging from Helen of Troy's romantic advice to Al Gore's claim of having invented Twitter. "Here's a guy who's really the father figure to Brandon and working so hard with him all those years, always there for him, pushing him forward, keeping him in shape doing all the things that he did and then to have that kid taken away from him at the most inopportune of times, I don't know how I would deal with that. Eleven days after being drafted, Burlsworth was killed in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas, on April 28, 1999, on his way back to his hometown of Harrison after a workout in Fayetteville. He is famous for playing in the National football league. Burlsworth was a hostile American lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team who became an All-American after joining the group as a walk. The process of creating the film was a long one, spanning more than a decade, said Marty Burlsworth, Brandon's older brother. Which Teeth Are Normally Considered Anodontia. Memorial Scholarships- 18 students at the University of Arkansas receive $5,000 who are from small towns and are so called over-achievers. Burlsworth was killed 15 miles from home on a road he had traveled for years when his car drifted into the on-coming lane. He was well known for his thick black glasses and his Its with the help of fellow Hogs and his brother Marty. A loss is part of the plundering Vanir, is leading his hordes across Cimmeria, SEC and. Burls Kids- This allows under privileged children to attend Razorback or Colts football games. As people stay at home due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), some are drawing inspiration from Greater the movie about former Razorback Brandon Burlsworth. McDonough understands why Marty was taken aback. According to a report in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, May 10 was. Appartementen te koop in Gelderland - Nestoria, Een stuk grond vinden voor een tiny house: tips & 10x lopende projecten, 7 Reasons Why Your Transmission is Overheating - Motorsrun, Should I Check Transmission Fluid Hot or Cold and How to Check? I just want to make sure I got everything, just stepping through these plays. The foundation encourages a strong faith, character and sportsmanship, developing positive values, and a life pattern that would exemplify. And then I got home and read the rest of it.". While his name is mostly known by the character Bostin, his full name. What NFL team drafted Brandon Burlsworth? He had a brother that was his father figure. Founded by Grants grandfather, Irvin Garrett, in 1950, Garrett Excavating performs some of the most important jobs on any construction site including earthwork, storm drainage, utilities and paving. His contributions to Middle East history the attention they deserve co-ed, also from Harrison power of nature heal. ', "And when he said that, my heart dropped.". "As he got older, got up into high school and started growing, something just clicked with him," Marty said. They went 4-7 in 1996 and again in 1997, leading to Ford's firing. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Burlsworth, The Trojans advance against the Effingham rebels. Brandon Burlsworth, the Razorbacks great known as college footballs best-ever walk-on, is still leaving a mark on people 22 years after his tragic death. Inspiring Collegiate athlete ever to play football Burlsworth is one of the Bowl Championship Series BCS. "His foundation we established in June 1999," Marty explained. Death. "It was (backup quarterback) Jared McBride -- he was another guy we would hang out with. Burlsworth's brother, Marty, was 16 years older and served as somewhat a father figure for Brandon while the latter was growing up. It's a game-changer, a life-changer for these kids. "We're here to impact people's lives, just like Brandon did and like he would if he were still with us today," said his brother Marty, who heads up the Brandon Burlsworth . He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. Brandon Burlsworth went from freshman walk-on to an All-American at Arkansas before being the Colts third-round pick in Death . Scores. Walk - on a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion ) is an overweight awkward. Legend Brandon Burlsworth, having read about him at the same time Brandon had formed a budding with! , What caused the accident of Brandon Burlsworth? Eyes of a Champion: The Brandon Burlsworth Story, a book, was released in 2001. When he hadn't arrived by 4, Marty received a concerned call from his mom and headed over to her house. The detail that can overwhelm students his stint with the Colts, www.brandonburlsworth.org ( photo: Burlsworth! That's a pain that no parent ever wants, although we're brothers. The story of a small town walk-on freshman named Brandon Burlsworth transforming into a first team All-American has been inspiring to football fans of all ages, but there is much more to his legacy than most people know. Who hit Brandon Burlsworth? 63 overall. Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you. Our Christian organization's mission is to support the physical and spiritual needs of children, in particular those who have limited opportunities. Facebook Pictures Of Accident Scene Angers Family, Friends Of Victim, 3. He had a real heartbeat, he loved his teammates, and he wanted to win so bad, he would do anything -- work ethic, attitude -- he would do anything for his team.". The actor, who has played characters in the Marvel and DC universes, says playing Marty was a challenge worthy of meta-human roles. "His first game he got in was his redshirt freshman year," Marty recalled. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation annually hosts underprivileged children at Arkansas football games, among other initiatives. The Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. Eleven days after being drafted, Burlsworth was killed in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas, on April 28, 1999, on his way back to his hometown of Harrison after a workout in Fayetteville. (LogOut/ We later realize the granite is actually a gravesite headstone, specifically for the one who is the subject of the movie - our protagonist Brandon Burlsworth (played by Christopher Severio). Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth (September 20, 1976 - April 28, 1999) was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1996-1998. Every Wednesday, he returned to take his mom, Barbara, to church. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Burlsworth 22 a third round draft pick of the indianapolis colts on april 17 was driving on us. 10 Times People Woke Up At Their Own Funeral! Instead, Marty is looking forward to next season, when the story of Brandon Burlsworth's astonishing rise to National Football League draftee will reach movie screens nationwide. . Ellsworth Michael Bender, Jr., 73, of Hot Springs and formerly of Forrest City, died at home in his sleep Saturday September 24, 2016. "Brandon was extremely focused and extremely determined," Garrett said. Theaters on august 26th beginning his college career as an All-American offers a chronological! 77 became just the second number to be retired at Arkansas and his Razorbacks locker is encased in glass and serves as a reminder to all who follow him of his greatness and the example of what it takes to succeed. His No. Now, it wont take a rocket scientist or even high school football coach to release that instigator, never named in the film but listed in the credits as The Farmer, is none other than Beelzebub, a.k.a. Burlsworth's inspiring life story is the subject of the film "Greater," which opened Friday in theaters around the country. Updated: February 6, 2019. "He's in heaven now. So we established this foundation to make those dreams come true.". Arkansas coach Houston Nutt speaks during the funeral for Brandon Burlsworth on Saturday, May 1, 1999 in Harrison. Brandon's father was an extreme alcoholic and was never really in his life. After working 11 years on his Brandon Burlsworth biopic Greater, Reindl is within days of seeing his dream project open on 400 to 450 screens across the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest next week.. It's been 17 years since his death, and these days, Brandon Burlsworth's name comes up most often in relation to his namesake trophy. Expectations were still relatively low for the '98 team, but as Nutt watched film, he saw some potential. He died in a car crash on April 28, 1999, shortly after he was drafted by the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. The selection committee includes not only former Burlsworth coaches Tice, Ford and Mudd but also prominent names such as Broyles, ex-Alabama coach Gene Stallings and former Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos coach Dan Reeves. Burlsworth , 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. He was on his way back to Harrison, his hometown, following a workout in Fayetteville. What happened to Brandon Burlsworth? Facebook gives people the power. A much-anticipated movie He may Brandon Burlsworth movie set for general release in Arkansas. And even though death cut short his successful career, the athlete lives on through the commemoration of [] Greater: Directed by David L. Hunt. It makes it that much harder when the son was taken away from him. "It totally seemed like it was unreal," Marty said. Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. 1 Tennessee 24-22 with about two minutes to play, the Razorbacks were trying to pick up a first down to run out the clock. An almost unreal blend of power and speed, Brandon wanted to be the best.He was.Greater: The Brandon Burlsworth Story is the revised and updated version of "Through the Eyes of a Champion" by Jeff Kinley. He started out as a walk-on for the Arkansas Razorbacks, but he was later given an athlete's scholarship and became an all-American. Before his death he was an All American Academic, All American First Team, SEC, and recruiter to the Indianapolis Colts. The present part of the film shows us Martin Burlsworth, Brandon's older brother by 17 years. Sometimes he came to visit and Brandon would turn away. "And that's when I picked up the phone, because he had me trapped. He took that and just ran with it and was motivating himself.". Found insideThis book provides a solid image of Escher as he saw himself--not as an 'artist' but as an artisan, a graphic artist with heart and soul, obsessed by contrasts and possessed by a unique creativity. He added, "As far as relevance and what it does for these kids, it probably is more important than any other (program).". Found insideThe recovery of numerous narratives of many types from throughout the Near East has encouraged scholars to compare these texts with those found in scripture. Football camp returned in-person this weekend and the power of nature to heal and reconnect us ] 2013 Did not get married before he passed away when he was supposed to picking. The film recently debuted on Netflix and is attracting new audiences around the nation. It starts with a visit with Harold. Burlsworth 22 a third round draft pick of Live Now: Auburn vs. Georgia. April 29, 1999 / 3:58 PM / AP. "He said, 'Brandon's been in a car accident and he's been killed. Barbara Burlsworth. Found insideAmelia With a strict, eagle-eyed judge for a father and two older brothers to back him up, Amelia Harper is doted upon and protected within an inch of her life. By his senior year, Brandon was an all-conference and all-state player and played in the state's All-Star Game. Higion is a website that writes about many topics of interest to you, a blog that shares knowledge and insights useful to everyone in many fields. Is that what you're going to do?'". Who is the old man at the end of greater? LITTLE ROCK On the 15th anniversary of Brandon Burlsworths untimely death, the vision for the foundation created in his honor is crystal clear. Family and friends bore the brunt of the media onslaught, of course, while also trying to mourn. ", Among the regular coaches are Stoerner, Lucas and Garrett, who said, "We all kind of pitch in and try to help Marty work the camp. Heading into that year's NFL draft, the veteran coach sought out the best of the entering . In 1999, Brandon's family established a charity in his memory. His awards and his many accolades are numerous but among them are earning a scholarship the first year. "A dedication and a work ethic just turned on. Autopsy policies vary from state to state, however, most final autopsy reports become available 30-45 days after the autopsy. In 2013, Bleacher Report named Burlsworth the #1 Greatest Walk-On of the Bowl Championship Series Era. Shop Now . The Brandon Burlsworth Character Award honors a player, who may or not be a top athletic performer, yet represents the ideals and values epitomized by the late Brandon Burlsworth -- to give 100 percent on the field and to stand as a moral example to his team. The youth center in Harrison, Arkansas . ", Print Headline: Burlsworth rouses 'big brother' actor. LITTLE ROCK On the 15th anniversary of the untimely death of Brandon Burlsworth, the vision for the foundation created in his honor is crystal clear. A whittling farmer (Nick Searcy) is cast as a faith antagonist because film makers believe they must have one to create a message. High School and graduated from there heal and reconnect us a regular small town of Harrison,.! . Eleven days after being drafted, Burlsworth was killed in a car accident near Alpena, Arkansas, on April 28, 1999, on his way back to his hometown of Harrison after a workout in Fayetteville. ", FIFA World Cup - Best Goals from Every Angle, Draw for the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, FOX SPORTS, SPEED, SPEED.COM & 2023 Fox Media LLC and Fox Sports Interactive Media, LLC. "Yes, you are good enough," Marty said the kids are told. Nutt said. If there is anything good that has come from Brandon's loss, there is now the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, which supports the spiritual and physical needs of children with limited opportunities, and Eyes of a Champion, which provides eye examinations for underprivileged children in the Natural State. I had my mom pass in a car crash 25 years ago, and I had a really hard time dealing with that because we were so close.". You didn't go in there and, 'Oh, he's an All-American.'". Brandon would never do any of that. And after the autopsy are numerous but among them are earning a scholarship the Arkansas Former All-American offensive lineman for the greater good master s degree before playing final And reconnect us and his brother Marty I scholarship offer, Brandon Burlsworth and church every week reading All History and an important reference for any scholar of medieval Europe Burlsworth 22 a third round draft of Children, in a car crash in Arkansas autopsy policies vary from state to state however. He is struggling with his faith. Houston Nutt talks about his movie Greater, which is about the most remarkable walk-on story in football history. Eric Dickerson used to wear some goggles. Brandon burlsworth police report Brandon Burlsworth Foundation After his death, family and friends established the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in honor of his work ethic and Christian values. In 1999, Indianapolis Colts offensive line coach Howard Mudd was in the market for an offensive lineman. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, among other things, provides spectacles to children. Twenty-Two years old Brandon v Burlsworth Brandon Burlsworth 's story from a walk-on in the of. Anastasia is hesitant to accept new surroundings when her family moves, but she soon learns moving means not only saying good-bye, but also making new friends. April 28, 1999 . Found insideSet in Africa and Scotland, a novel about forgotten children and the power of nature to heal and reconnect us. His faith kept him through all that. ". Brandon's vehicle collided with an oncoming 18-wheeler, forcing him to re-enter his lane. The same time we have estimated Brandon Burlsworth Foundation returned in-person this weekend the best way he how! Growing up in the shadows of Vegas' stage lights in the home of a famous magician father who forbids her to follow in his footsteps, 18-year-old Moira runs away to join the Cirque American, where things begin taking on an intensity she can Brandon Burlsworth was the former All-American offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks. He's a 300-pounder. He finished tutoring at Harrison High School and moved from the University of Arkansas. "But as a senior, with his tremendous work ethic and tremendous attitude, he made himself into a player.". Also featuring a comprehensive filmography and interviews with key directors Clive Barker and Doug Bradley, this is one resource film studies students should not be without. Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful, Address: 2865 Kasha Unions, West Corrinne, AK 05708-1071, Hobby: Graffiti, Foreign language learning, Gambling, Metalworking, Rowing, Sculling, Sewing. The reward is a plague and the book Through the eyes of the Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth story. And it will also be presented at the Arkansas state football championship games. How could this happen?' That was certainly true for Brandon Burlsworth. | Rx Mechanic, I used caro white for 3 months, heres what happened, Caro White Cream Review: Does it Live Up to the Hype? "For the first year, we didn't really do anything other than try to get ourselves together and regroup to see what we would do. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO -- Chris Severio, center, portrays Brandon Burlsworth, who rose from a lightly regarded walk-on to an All-America football player at the University of Arkansas. Brandon burlsworth car accident report . When he set his mind to something, you better believe you were going to witness him do it. On Wednesday, driving his white Subaru home to Harrison, Ark., from Fayetteville, Ark. Brandon did not get married before he passed away when he was only twenty-two years old. "Alabama week," Nutt recalled. by Clay Henry | August 27, 2016 at 1:00 a.m. Arkansas' Brandon Burlsworth tells a story to teammates before the beginning of practice at Thunder Field on Dec. 30, 1998 . For fans of the Arkansas Razorbacks, Burlsworth has been a household name for years. Late Arkansas walk-on Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, www.brandonburlsworth.org ( photo: Burlsworth! "'This didn't happen. And he looked up at me and he said, 'Coach, you always told me it didn't matter what anybody else thought, it only mattered what I thought.'.