Brandon Burlsworth Mom Net Worth. The story of Brandon Burlsworth is one of determination, faith, and the enduring power of a mother’s love. While Brandon’s life was tragically cut short, his legacy continues to inspire and impact lives through the tireless efforts of his mother, Barbara Burlsworth, and the foundation established in his name. This article explores Barbara Burlsworth’s journey, the financial aspects of Brandon’s legacy, and the far-reaching impact of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation.
Barbara Burlsworth: A Mother’s Strength
Barbara Burlsworth, born in June 1940, is now 84 years old as of 2025. She raised three sons in Harrison, Arkansas, including Brandon, who would go on to become a football star at the University of Arkansas. Barbara’s life has been marked by both triumph and tragedy. She lost her husband Leo to cancer in 1997, and just two years later, her youngest son Brandon died in a car accident at the age of 22.
Despite these hardships, Barbara has shown remarkable resilience. She continues to live in Harrison, Arkansas, in the same home where she raised her family. This house, filled with memories of Brandon, serves as a base for the family’s ongoing work with the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation.
Brandon Burlsworth: A Brief but Impactful Life
Brandon Burlsworth was born on September 20, 1976, in Harrison, Arkansas. From a young age, he dreamed of playing football for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Despite not being heavily recruited, Brandon’s determination led him to walk on to the University of Arkansas football team in 1994.
Through hard work and perseverance, Brandon earned a scholarship within his first semester. He went on to become an All-American player in 1998, the first walk-on in Razorbacks history to achieve this honor. His academic achievements were equally impressive; he became the first Arkansas player to complete a master’s degree before playing his final game.
Brandon’s journey from walk-on to All-American caught the attention of the NFL. He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. Tragically, just eleven days after being drafted, Brandon died in a car accident while driving home to attend church with his mother.
The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation: Turning Tragedy into Triumph
In the wake of Brandon’s death, the Burlsworth family established the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in June 1999. The foundation’s mission is to support the physical and spiritual needs of children, particularly those who may be underprivileged or have limited opportunities.
The foundation operates several key programs:
- Eyes of a Champion: Provides free eye exams and glasses to children in need.
- Burls Kids: Brings underprivileged children to Arkansas Razorbacks and Indianapolis Colts games.
- Football Camps: Teaches football skills and life lessons to young athletes.
- Burlsworth Trophy: Honors outstanding walk-on players in college football.
These programs have made a significant impact, serving thousands of children annually and keeping Brandon’s spirit of hard work and generosity alive.
Barbara Burlsworth’s Net Worth: A Complex Picture
While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, recent reports estimate Barbara Burlsworth’s net worth to be around $16 million as of 2024. However, it’s important to understand the context of this figure.
The majority of this net worth is likely tied to the success of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation and the ongoing popularity of Brandon’s story. Here’s a rough breakdown of the estimated assets:
- Brandon Burlsworth Foundation: $10-12 million
- Real Estate: $1-2 million
- Investments: $2-3 million
- Personal Assets: $1 million
It’s crucial to note that much of this wealth isn’t personal income for Barbara, but rather assets tied to the foundation that bears her son’s name.
The Growth of the Foundation’s Impact
The foundation’s growth over the years has been remarkable:
- 2000: Following Brandon’s death, the foundation was established with minimal assets.
- 2005: As Brandon’s story gained attention, the foundation grew. Barbara’s net worth likely reached around $1 million.
- 2010: With the creation of the Burlsworth Trophy and increased donations, the foundation’s value grew substantially.
- 2015: The release of the movie “Greater,” based on Brandon’s life, brought renewed interest. The foundation’s assets likely grew to around $10 million.
- 2020: Continued growth pushed Barbara’s estimated net worth to $14 million.
- 2024: Today, Barbara Burlsworth’s net worth is estimated at $16 million, largely due to the success of the foundation and ongoing interest in Brandon’s story.
Beyond Financial Wealth: The True Legacy
While the financial figures are impressive, they don’t tell the whole story of Barbara Burlsworth’s wealth. Her true riches lie in the lives touched and changed through the foundation’s work:
- Thousands of children have received free eye exams and glasses, improving their quality of life and educational opportunities.
- Underprivileged kids have experienced the thrill of attending college and professional football games, broadening their horizons.
- Young athletes have learned valuable life lessons through football camps, carrying Brandon’s spirit of determination forward.
- College students have received scholarships, enabling them to pursue their dreams just as Brandon did.
Barbara’s Ongoing Role
At 84 years old, Barbara Burlsworth remains actively involved in the foundation’s work. She often shares Brandon’s story at events, inspiring others with his legacy of hard work, faith, and perseverance. Her dedication to preserving and extending Brandon’s legacy has been unwavering.
Barbara’s involvement goes beyond just managing the foundation. She has become a symbol of resilience and hope, turning personal tragedy into a force for good in the community. Her story resonates with many, showing how one can find purpose and create positive change even in the face of unimaginable loss.
The Burlsworth Trophy: Recognizing Walk-On Excellence
One of the foundation’s most visible initiatives is the Burlsworth Trophy, established in 2010. This award honors the most outstanding Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) college football player who began his career as a walk-on. The trophy embodies Brandon’s journey and serves as an inspiration to walk-on players across the country.
The Burlsworth Trophy has gained significant recognition in the college football world, further spreading Brandon’s story and the values he embodied. It’s a testament to how Barbara and the foundation have kept Brandon’s memory alive in a meaningful way that continues to impact the sport he loved.
Media Representations and Their Impact
Brandon’s story has reached far beyond the football field. Books like “Through My Eyes,” written by Barbara Burlsworth, and the 2016 film “Greater” have brought Brandon’s inspiring journey to wider audiences. These media representations have not only generated additional resources for the foundation but have also spread awareness about Brandon’s life and values.
The success of these projects has likely contributed to the growth of the foundation’s assets and, by extension, to Barbara Burlsworth’s reported net worth. More importantly, they’ve ensured that Brandon’s story continues to inspire new generations.
Community Engagement and Lasting Impact
The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation’s work extends deep into communities across Arkansas and beyond. Through programs like Eyes of a Champion, the foundation addresses often-overlooked needs that can significantly impact a child’s education and future prospects.
The foundation’s football camps do more than teach athletic skills; they instill values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance – the same qualities that defined Brandon’s approach to life and sport. By engaging with youth in this way, the foundation ensures that Brandon’s influence continues to shape young lives positively.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Love and Service
As we reflect on Brandon Burlsworth’s mom’s net worth, it becomes clear that the true value of Brandon’s legacy cannot be measured in dollars alone. While the financial success of the foundation is impressive, the real wealth lies in the thousands of lives touched, the dreams inspired, and the positive change created in communities.
Barbara Burlsworth’s journey from a grieving mother to the guiding force behind a impactful foundation is a testament to the power of love, faith, and determination. Her dedication to honoring Brandon’s memory by helping others embodies the very qualities that made her son an inspiration both on and off the field.
The story of Brandon Burlsworth and his mother Barbara reminds us that true wealth is not about personal gain, but about the positive impact we can have on others. Through the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, a tragic loss has been transformed into a lasting legacy of hope, hard work, and helping others – a legacy that continues to grow and inspire nearly three decades after Brandon’s passing.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that Brandon Burlsworth’s story, and the tireless efforts of his mother Barbara, will continue to inspire and impact lives for generations to come. This is the true measure of wealth – not in dollars, but in lives changed and hearts touched.
