Greater (2016) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Brandon chose to walk on because his dream of playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks was his lifelong goal since age 12. Despite not receiving a scholarship and facing widespread skepticism from coaches and teammates about his size, he refused to abandon that dream. Instead of accepting rejection, he took the bold step of trying out as a walk-on in 1994, using the doubt as motivation to prove everyone wrong.

• walk-on
• Arkansas
• scholarship
• dream
• determination

Brandon underwent a grueling physical transformation by committing himself to the weight room and conditioning program. He shed fat, built muscle, and refined his technique until he no longer resembled the player teammates had doubted. This dramatic transformation caught the attention of the coaching staff and earned him respect from skeptics, ultimately leading head coach Danny Ford to award him a scholarship during his sophomore year.

• weight room
• transformation
• scholarship
• hard work

The Farmer was an imaginary figure who appeared to Marty Burlsworth as a voice of doubt about faith after Brandon's death. He challenged Marty's belief in a benevolent God, questioning how such a tragedy could happen to a gifted young man. The Farmer represented Marty's inner struggle and anger toward God, embodying the crisis of faith that Marty grappled with throughout the film.

Foreshadowing: The Farmer's appearance at the funeral foreshadows Marty's ongoing battle with doubt that extends throughout the film.

• farmer
• faith
• doubt
• Marty
• crisis

The 'We Trust' message was spelled out by flower arrangements laid across the Arkansas stadium in tribute to Brandon. When Marty saw this simple yet powerful statement, it became a turning point in his faith journey. The message represented Brandon's unwavering faith and loyalty, and it inspired Marty to find renewed purpose and belief despite his brother's tragic death.

• we trust
• flowers
• stadium
• faith
• memorial

Brandon Burlsworth is considered inspirational because he went from being dismissed as too small for Division I football to becoming an All-American at Arkansas. As a walk-on who earned a scholarship through sheer determination, he became a symbol of perseverance and proved that dedication can overcome perceived limitations. His journey from overlooked prospect to third-round NFL Draft pick demonstrated the power of hard work and never giving up.

• all-american
• inspirational
• walk-on
• perseverance

Eleven days after being selected in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Brandon was killed in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer. This sudden and tragic accident cut short what appeared to be a promising professional football career and devastated his family, friends, and fans who had followed his inspiring journey.

• death
• accident
• nfl draft
• colts
• tragedy

Marty began the film struggling with faith, feeling abandoned by God after Brandon's death and tormented by the Farmer's voice of doubt. However, after witnessing the 'We Trust' message at the stadium memorial, Marty found renewed faith. He came to believe that Brandon's life carried meaning beyond its tragic ending, and he committed to honoring his brother's legacy through perseverance and belief.

• faith
• Marty
• belief
• hope
• resolution

Brandon was drafted because his college career at Arkansas demonstrated exceptional potential. His transformation from walk-on to All-American right guard, combined with his work ethic and performance during his senior season, convinced NFL scouts that he could succeed at the professional level. The Indianapolis Colts selected him in the third round, believing his dedication and skills would translate to professional football.

• draft
• colts
• nfl
• potential
• scouts

Brandon's father Leo was an estranged former musician battling alcoholism who tried to rebuild his presence in the family life. The family dynamic was complicated by Leo's absence and struggles, with Marty often stepping into a protective father-figure role for Brandon. Despite the challenges, the film shows the family working through these difficulties as Brandon pursued his dreams.

• father
• leo
• family
• alcoholism
• estranged

Brandon's teammates, including Nathan Ward, Anthony Lucas, and Grant Garrett (who became his roommate), initially voiced disbelief and mocked him relentlessly. They questioned whether someone of his size could compete at the Division I level. However, as Brandon's dedication and transformation became undeniable, his perseverance began to shift their perceptions and earn their respect.

• teammates
• mockery
• respect
• locker room
• doubts

Offensive line coach Mike Bender questioned whether Brandon's size would ever meet the physical demands of Division I football. He doubted that Brandon had the frame and build necessary to compete as an offensive guard at the college level, representing the initial skepticism Brandon faced from the coaching staff.

• mike bender
• size
• doubt
• coach
• offensive line

The 1998 season was significant because Brandon achieved All-American honors while playing as the starting right guard. This season represented the culmination of his hard work, transforming from an overlooked walk-on to one of the top collegiate offensive linemen. His performance helped the Razorbacks approach greatness and cemented his legacy as a symbol of perseverance.

• 1998 season
• all-american
• right guard
• achievements