Barbara Burlsworth, the mother of football legend Brandon Burlsworth, had a reported Brandon Burlsworth Mom Net Worth of around $16 million before her passing in October 2024. Her wealth represents more than just numbers – it tells a story of family legacy, tragedy, and lasting impact through charitable work.
Let’s look at what made up Barbara Burlsworth’s net worth and how it connects to her famous son’s inspiring story.
Who Was Barbara Burlsworth?
Barbara Burlsworth gained recognition as the mother of Brandon Burlsworth, one of college football’s most inspiring walk-on success stories. She passed away in October 2024 at age 84, having dedicated decades to preserving her son’s legacy.
Her life changed forever when Brandon died in a car accident in 1999, just 11 days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. The tragedy struck when he was driving home from the University of Arkansas to attend church with Barbara.
After Brandon’s death, Barbara worked tirelessly to keep his memory alive. This led to the creation of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, which now runs programs helping thousands of underprivileged children across multiple states.
Her dedication to charity and preserving Brandon’s story became her life’s mission. This work not only maintained his legacy but also built the financial foundation that made up her reported net worth.
Brandon Burlsworth Mom Net Worth Explained
Financial tracking sources estimated Barbara Burlsworth’s net worth at approximately $16 million as of 2024. This figure was reported by Net Worth Audit shortly before her passing in a comprehensive biography published in August 2024.
The valuation appeared to remain consistent into early 2025, as shown in a February 2025 Pinterest post referencing similar figures. This represents significant wealth for someone who wasn’t personally a celebrity or business mogul.
Where did this money come from? The sources don’t explicitly detail the origins of Barbara’s wealth. However, several factors likely contributed to building this financial legacy over the decades following Brandon’s tragic passing.
The management of rights to Brandon’s inspirational story probably played a major role. His journey from walk-on to All-American at Arkansas represents one of football’s most compelling narratives.
Sources of Barbara Burlsworth’s Wealth
Barbara’s wealth likely came from multiple sources connected to Brandon’s legacy. The 2016 biographical film “Greater” showcased Brandon’s incredible story to wider audiences, potentially generating licensing fees and royalties.
The film was based on Jeff Kinley’s 2001 book “Through the Eyes of a Champion: The Brandon Burlsworth Story,” later retitled “Greater: The Brandon Burlsworth Story.” Book royalties may have contributed to the family’s financial position.
Insurance settlements following Brandon’s tragic accident could have been substantial. As the third-round NFL draft pick had just signed with the Indianapolis Colts, policy payouts would likely have been significant.
The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, established by Brandon’s brother Marty and sister-in-law Vickie, received numerous donations after his death. While foundation money is separate from personal wealth, the family’s management roles could provide income.
Brandon’s legacy investments, including potential memorabilia rights, speaking engagements by family members, and continued partnership with the University of Arkansas and Indianapolis Colts also likely contributed to building this financial position over 25 years.
The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation
Following Brandon’s death, his older brother Marty Burlsworth and sister-in-law Vickie established the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in 1999, just two months after the tragedy. This organization became central to preserving his legacy.
The foundation started when many people donated money after Brandon’s accident. Vickie Burlsworth explained, “We had so many people around the time of the accident who wanted to donate money, and we didn’t know what to do with all of that money.”
This charitable organization runs several important programs that help thousands of children each year. Their flagship initiative is “Eyes of a Champion,” which provides free eye care and glasses to low-income youth through partnerships with retailers and volunteer optometrists.
Another key program is “Burls Kids,” established in 2000, which allows underprivileged children to attend Arkansas Razorbacks and Indianapolis Colts games. The foundation also runs football camps for boys and girls ages 7 to 15.
The foundation’s leadership team includes Marty Burlsworth as Chairman/CEO, Vickie Burlsworth as Executive Director, and several dedicated program directors. Their headquarters are in Harrison, Arkansas.
Brandon Burlsworth: The Inspiration Behind the Legacy
Understanding Barbara Burlsworth’s net worth requires knowing her son’s remarkable story. Brandon walked on without a scholarship at Arkansas but transformed himself through incredible work ethic into an All-American offensive lineman.
His journey represents perhaps the greatest walk-on story in college football history, according to many sports analysts. Brandon earned his master’s degree before playing his final season – a rare academic achievement for an active football player.
The Indianapolis Colts selected Brandon with the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. His pre-draft performance impressed scouts, with Brandon posting a 4.88-second 40-yard dash – exceptional for an offensive lineman.
Tragically, Brandon died in a car accident just 11 days after the draft, on April 28, 1999. He was only 22 years old and just 15 minutes from home when the accident occurred, as noted in multiple sources.
Brandon’s jersey number 77 is one of only two numbers retired in Arkansas Razorback football history. His legacy lives on through various honors, including his election to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.
What Happened to Barbara Burlsworth’s Estate?
Since Barbara Burlsworth passed away in October 2024 as reported by local news, the question of her estate distribution naturally arises. While specific details about her will aren’t publicly available, some reasonable assumptions can be made.
A significant portion of her assets likely went to family members, including Brandon’s brother Marty and his wife Vickie. These two already lead the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation and have dedicated their lives to continuing his legacy.
The foundation itself may have received a substantial bequest to ensure its continued operation. This would align with Barbara’s lifelong commitment to preserving her son’s memory through charitable work.
The family connection to the foundation suggests an ongoing commitment that extends beyond emotional ties to include financial support. The continued expansion of foundation programs indicates stable funding sources.
The Lasting Impact of Brandon’s Story
Brandon Burlsworth’s impact continues far beyond financial considerations. His incredible work ethic and character inspired the 2016 film “Greater,” which introduced his story to audiences nationwide.
Today, the Burlsworth Trophy is awarded annually to the most outstanding FBS college football player who began his career as a walk-on. This prestigious honor ensures Brandon’s name remains prominent in college football.
The Indianapolis Colts organization maintains a relationship with the Burlsworth family, with family members attending one home game annually. This ongoing connection speaks to Brandon’s lasting impression despite never playing a professional game.
Beyond trophies and recognition, Brandon’s greatest legacy may be the thousands of children helped through foundation programs. From vision care to football camp opportunities, his name continues to create positive change.
Final Thoughts on Brandon Burlsworth Mom Net Worth
Barbara Burlsworth’s reported $16 million net worth represents more than just financial success. It stands as a testament to turning personal tragedy into lasting positive impact through dedicated foundation work and preservation of an inspiring legacy.
While Barbara has now passed, the financial foundation she helped build ensures that Brandon’s story and charitable work will continue for generations to come. This may be the most valuable aspect of her net worth – not the dollars themselves, but what they can accomplish.
For those inspired by the Burlsworth story, the family foundation continues to accept donations and volunteers to expand their programs helping underprivileged children across multiple states.
For more inspiring stories about sports figures and their legacies, visit us at Back Magazine.