Brandon Burlsworth played football at Harrison High School in Harrison , Arkansas. After several offers from Division II schools, he decided to walk-on at the University of Arkansas . He earned a scholarship his first semester at Arkansas and became the first walk-on to be named All SEC (1997 & 1998) and All American (1998). He also became the first football player in school history to earn his Master’s degree before playing his last collegiate game. He was the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft, being chosen by the Indianapolis Colts.

Tragically, only days after his first mini-camp with the Colts, he was killed in a car accident. While the rest of the Arkansas Razorbacks were in a meeting accepting their SEC West championship rings, Brandon had decided to drive home and attend church with his mom. His accident happened only 15 miles from his home in Harrison .

The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation was founded in June of 1999 in Brandon’s honor. The goal of the foundation is to develop and implement programs for the benefit of needy and underprivileged children. Brandon had planned on having underprivileged children at his NFL games and from there the idea of the “Burls Kids” began.

The Burlsworth family also shares Brandon's desire to help less fortunate children. Brandon's mother, Barbara is actively involved and older brother Marty is the Executive Director of the foundation and is always looking for ways to further its success. "The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation strives to make opportunities available to children who otherwise would not be given a chance. Brandon felt very fortunate to have the many opportunities he was afforded and he would simply say, “I’ve been blessed".

The Foundation has several programs that take place throughout the year. The “Burls Kids” groups have always been the signature program. Each year, for every home game, the foundation purchases 30 tickets for the Arkansas Razorbacks and for the Indianapolis Colts football games so that these special children can be a part of game day for the first time.

Jim Lindsey and Stanley Reed coordinated the first Brandon Burlsworth Memorial Golf Tournaments in August of 1999. Because of their efforts and the work of many volunteers, 19 students from the U of A receive $100,000 in scholarships each year. The goal is to raise 2 million dollars for a permanent endowment that will continue long after we are gone.

In 2000, the first annual Brandon Burlsworth Football Camps were held. Former Arkansas Razorback football stars join together to put on these camps for youngsters. Each year the camp’s are held in Harrison the first Friday in June and in Little Rock at War Memorial Stadium the next day.

Brandon’s life story was forever sealed in print on August 15th, 2001, when his biography came out. Jeff Kinley authored the book with Coach Frank Broyles providing the forward on “Through the Eyes of a Champion” The Brandon Burlsworth Story.

2004 marked the beginning of the High School Football Awards. Every high school football program in Arkansas is invited to nominate a player to receive the award for their school. That player is awarded a Plaque and a signed copy of “Through the eyes of a Champion”.

“Eyes of a Champion” is the newest endeavor for the BBF. 2007 saw the program announced to provide eye exams and eye care for underprivileged children. The foundation has been so blessed with volunteers as well as financial supporters. We invite you to become a supporter of The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation.