Christopher Severio's story is one of dreams, perseverance, and faith tested by unforeseen circumstances. Severio, an actor, was on the cusp of a significant breakthrough with the premiere of the motion picture "Greater," in which he portrayed Brandon Burlsworth. However, life took an unexpected turn when catastrophic floods ravaged his Louisiana home, threatening to overshadow his career milestone. This article explores Severio's journey, his role in "Greater," and the profound impact of faith and resilience in the face of adversity.
From Dreams to Disaster: The Louisiana Floods
Just before the premiere of "Greater," Severio's life was upended by devastating floods in Denham Springs, Louisiana. He went to bed last Friday with about 18 inches of water in his front yard. When he woke up the next morning, the water had receded a little. But less than an hour later, the Amite River was running through the home he grew up in and now shares with his ailing mother, Dawn. "There was no warning," Severio said. The floodwaters, triggered by what was called a 500-year storm, inundated his home, causing complete devastation.
Severio's immediate concern was the safety of his mother and uncle. "If I hadn't have moved in with my mom, I don't believe she would have made it out. She didn't know what to do. "I made sure my mom was OK and went back for my uncle," Severio said. "By the time I got back in the water, it was up to my chest and it was a pretty strong current. I didn't think I was going to make it to his house. About midway through, I thought I was going to get swept away and there was no way I was coming back. "I was able to convince him to get his dogs and get his medicine, and get out of the house. After taking on more than 4 feet of water, Severio's home that sits 4 feet off the ground is a total loss. "Complete devastation," Severio said of the aftermath. "The water is well over 8 feet and in the neighborhood that I lived in, every home is destroyed. The actor, whose home was not in a flood-prone area, found himself among the thousands affected by the disaster.
Despite the personal loss, Severio remained committed to his professional obligations. Greater producer Brian Reindl bought Severio a plane ticket to North Carolina. In Charlotte is the SEC Network's headquarters, and there Severio was scheduled to promote the film this week on various shows. He traveled to North Carolina to promote the film, wearing donated clothes after losing all his possessions in the flood. The SEC Network staff and a local department store, Belk, provided him with clothing and support. "They were able to give me something that wasn't expected at all, but it was certainly a blessing," Severio said.
Becoming Brandon Burlsworth: A Dream Realized
Christopher Severio's role as Brandon Burlsworth in "Greater" marked a significant milestone in his acting career. The film tells the inspiring true story of Brandon Burlsworth, who overcame immense odds to become a successful football player for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks.
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Brandon Burlsworth, portrayed here by actor Christopher Severio in the film "Greater," may have been the greatest walk-on player in the history of college football. Brandon had always dreamed of playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks but was considered too short and too fat to play Division I. Undeterred, Brandon took a big risk and walked on in 1994. The film chronicles Burlsworth's journey from an overweight, unheralded walk-on to an All-American offensive lineman.
Severio connected with Burlsworth's story on a personal level, drawing parallels between their lives of adversity and perseverance. Chris Severio: As I speak today I am more comfortable talking but I am an introvert like Brandon was. More closed off, not a partygoer and very focused on whatever task I set my mind to - like Brandon. I was able to relate to Brandon on a personal level. Our lives of adversity and fighting to overcome were similar. He immersed himself in the role, studying Burlsworth's movements and striving to do justice to his character.
"Greater": A Story of Faith, Perseverance, and Overcoming Obstacles
"Greater" is more than just a sports movie; it's a story of faith, perseverance, and the power of the human spirit to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The film explores themes of faith, family, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.
The film "Greater" explores the life of football player Brandon Burlesworth and how to keep one's faith when bad things happen to good people. The movie, then, is as much about how those who loved Brandon are coping with his loss as it is the many ways Brandon’s character, faith, integrity and perseverance enabled him to do what everyone said was impossible: start for his beloved Arkansas Razorbacks as an unheralded walk-on.
Brandon’s life isn’t an easy one. His father, Leo, is an alcoholic who until recently had zero contact with his family for a decade. His mother, Barbara, valiantly struggles to make ends meet, even as she dotes on her youngest charge. Brandon longs to play big-time college football for the Razorbacks. But he’s overweight. He’s slow. He has no real natural talent. He’s a magnet for bullies. In other words, nothing about Brandon marks him as a gifted athlete destined for glory. Brandon’s kindhearted high school coach, however, encourages him to give his best effort. He challenges Brandon to be the first one to arrive at practice and the last to leave. Brandon takes that advice to heart-for the rest of his football career. No one is ever at practice before Brandon or stays longer. It’s just the first of many moments in the movie where the young man pairs a quietly indomitable work ethic with a teachable spirit as he takes a coach’s words to heart. Through hard work and unwavering faith, Burlsworth defied expectations and achieved his dream of playing for the Razorbacks.
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The film also delves into the challenges faced by Burlsworth's family, particularly his brother Marty, in the wake of his tragic death. The year is 1999 and Marty Burlsworth is awaiting the funeral of his 22-year-old brother, Brandon. While others, including Marty's mother, Barbara, have accepted the loss and put their faith in God, Marty can not do that as he does not understand why God would take away his brother on the cusp of his stardom in the NFL. Marty struggles with the unfairness of his brother's loss and questions his faith. The film explores how Marty copes with the tragedy and ultimately finds solace in Brandon's legacy.
Faith and Inspiration: The Enduring Legacy of Brandon Burlsworth
Brandon Burlsworth's life and legacy continue to inspire people, both on and off the football field. His story is a testament to the power of faith, hard work, and determination to overcome adversity.
Greater is about life and faith, death and faith. The movie, then, is as much about how those who loved Brandon are coping with his loss as it is the many ways Brandon’s character, faith, integrity and perseverance enabled him to do what everyone said was impossible: start for his beloved Arkansas Razorbacks as an unheralded walk-on.
There’s a great deal of Christian content in this film. Brandon has deep trust in God. At every step along his journey, when naysayers rise up to tell him that he’s being unrealistic, Brandon keeps moving forward in faith. Marty is more pragmatic, asking his brother things like, “You think God would give you D I [Division 1] dreams and a D III (Division III) body?” To Marty, the answer to that rhetorical, spiritual question is self-evident. Brandon, however, soldiers on, refusing to give up. “Have faith, Marty,” he says elsewhere. For his part, Marty struggles to cling to his faith in the wake of his brother’s death. That internal battle is depicted in a dramatic way through ongoing dialogue with a doubter named the Farmer. Marty’s trying to summon the courage to go into Brandon’s memorial service at Harrison High School. And the Farmer, depicted very nearly as a Satan-like tempter, repeatedly delivers soliloquies about the utter foolishness of faith.
Marty has put Brandon's examples of hard work and helping others into action through the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation. The Christian organization's mission is to support the physical and spiritual needs of children, in particular those children who have limited opportunities. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, established in his honor, continues to support the physical and spiritual needs of children.
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Christopher Severio hopes that "Greater" will inspire viewers to persevere through their own challenges and to trust in God, even in the face of tragedy. I know that people are going to walk away feeling different. “You should definitely see it. This film can show them that with hard work and focus and even in tragedy, God is still there to take care of you. It’s the bigger picture.
Christopher Severio: Finding Strength in Faith and Community
Christopher Severio's experience with the Louisiana floods and his role in "Greater" have reinforced his faith and deepened his appreciation for community support. He found strength in his faith, the support of his family and friends, and the kindness of strangers.
After filming, I came home and was outside on my back porch relaxing. I got to thinking about being successful and proving I could do something great with my life. I went back and read the screenplay and started remembering everything I’ve done. If it wasn’t for God I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t be able to do what I love. I felt Him in that moment. I was looking for a sign on the outside but I realized it happened within me. Brandon’s life taught me a lot.
The outpouring of support he received from the SEC Network staff and Belk demonstrated the power of human compassion in times of crisis. They were able to give me something that wasn't expected at all, but it was certainly a blessing," Severio said.
Severio's story is a reminder that even in the midst of personal struggles, it is possible to find hope, inspiration, and the strength to persevere. His journey embodies the themes of "Greater," demonstrating the enduring power of faith, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams.
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