'Greater' Star Chris Severio Shares How God Used Brandon Burlsworth to Renew His Faith

Chris Severio stars as Brandon Burlsworth, the greatest walk-on in the history of college football, greaterthemovie.com

Chris Severio, star of the inspirational new film "Greater", opened up about how God used his experience playing Brandon Burlsworth, the "greatest walk-on in the history of college football," to renew and strengthen his faith.

"Greater", which hit theaters Friday, tells the story of Burlsworth, a young man who dreamed of joining the University of Arkansas' football team, the Arkansas Razorbacks, despite receiving little support from those around him.

Even his older brother Marty (Neal McDonough) doubted Brandon's abilities even though he dearly loved his little brother. Undeterred by those who told him he wasn't good enough to play professional football, Brandon took a risk and walked on in 1994.

Brandon's refusal to give up in the face of overwhelming odds eventually paid off, as the young man became the most respected player in the history of the program. In 1998, Brandon was a First-Team All-American, the Razorbacks' first such player in nine years.

Tragically, Brandon was killed in a car accident the following year, shortly after being selected in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. But while his life ended all too soon, Brandon left behind a legacy of faith, determination, and perseverance.

During an exclusive interview with The Gospel Herald, Severio revealed that before being cast as Brandon, he was struggling with questions of identity and purpose. However, after spending months learning about Brandon, studying his habits and beliefs, and spending time with the late football player's family, something amazing happened.

"All the sudden it hit me - this is something I've been looking for," Severio said. "Through this film,  I was able to find God again and go along the right path that I needed to in life. I learned not to give up, and not to quit. Brandon was a huge inspiration - he was this remarkable young man who made such an impact on everyone around him. He made me want to be a better person, and when people go see the film, they'll feel the same way - they'll be touched just like I was because his story is truly powerful."

The Louisiana native revealed that since starring in "Greater", he's adopted the motto "Do it the Burls Way", a saying that means never give up - even when the odds are stacked against you.

"Brandon stood there, and he kept his faith and kept his head down. He worked hard for what he wanted in life," Severio said. "I was paralleled with his life in a lot of ways; he faced a lot of adversity, and I did as well. He was bullied growing up, and I was bullied, and we were able to tie that in on screen, I truly felt his emotions because of what I had been through. I learned so much from Brandon - to never quit, to never give up."

Brandon's death was particularly hard on his brother Marty, who in the film is shown experiencing a crisis of faith as he struggles with why a loving God would let something so terrible happen to someone so good. Eventually, Marty came to grips with the cruel twist of fate, and founded the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation to help other kids overcome challenges in their lives. 

"Through his life, Marty looking back on who Brandon was and what he did," Severio said. "They had a saying on Brandon's tombstone: 'Our loss is great, but our God is greater.' That's why this film is called 'Greater.'" 

Determined to make Brandon's brother and mother proud and honor Brandon's legacy, Severio worked tirelessly to perfect the young man's mannerisms and even learned how to play football - which was no small feat.

 

"The hardest part was being able to play somebody who was such a remarkable human being. That was a lot of pressure on me," Severio said. "But I wanted Brandon's family to see the finished product and be happy with it, and they were, and that's all I could ever want. I want the story to touch other people, and it has and will."

After seeing "Greater," Severio believes that audiences, both Christian and non-Christian, will leave the theater inspired, encouraged and transformed - just like he was.

"if you're looking for something to touch your heart and kind of give you a sense of humanity, a sense of looking for your faith, a blessing in disguise - this film is it," he said. "If you see this film, you'll walk out of the theaters and you're heart will feel warm, it'll be lit up. You'll feel that you learned a little more about life. I believe it's gonna touch a lot of people in a great way."

OLYMPICS: AMERICAN HURDLERS CREDIT GOD FOR 1-2-3 SWEEP—GOLD, SILVER, BRONZE

It was a clean sweep for three American women in the 100 meter hurdles Wednesday night.

Brianna Rollins, Nia Ali and Kristi Castlin swept first, second and third in a feat that's never been accomplished in that event.

After the race, the runners said they held a prayer circle the morning before the race and felt God's presence on them to help them glorify him in the race.

Rollins said she just kept God first and let him guide her.

Faith, you only need a mustard seed of it. God got you!

After winning the bronze Castlin honored her teamates and dedicated her medal to those who lost their lives to gun violence.

"I would like to dedicate this medal to victims of gun violence,'' she said. "Women hurdlers are so strong in the U.S., and we have overcome controversy. We are three strong hurdlers."

Ali said it was a hard road to get to Rio, especially after giving birth to her now 15-month-old son, Titus, who she held during the post-race interview.

"He won't remember this, but he will see photos and see that you can do anything you put your mind to,'' Ali said while holding her son.

Ali says earning the silver was hard and attributes her faith in God as the source of her accomplishment.

Everything God has promised you is already in your future. 

Usain Bolt, Fastest Man In World and God-Honoring Christian, Makes Olympic History

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt is known for making the sign of the cross before racing competitively. He's now also known as the first sprinter to ever win three consecutive gold medals in 100 meters OIympic races. Part of his public reaction was to post on his Facebook page late Sunday:  "Thanks for all the support my peeps ‪#‎blessed"

Nicknamed "Lightning Bolt," this sprinter hails from a rural area along the northern coast of Jamaica, and is a Catholic.  His middle name, St. Leo, was given to him in honor of one of the Catholic Church's earliest Popes.

Bolt is devout in his faith, with references on Hollow Verse calling him a "Bible-believing, God-honoring, Jesus-worshiping Christian."

On Twitter, Bolt declared:  "With God anything is possible... I demolish training today #thankuGod4"

Bolt entered the Rio Olympics as something of a question mark, having dropped out of Jamaican Olympic qualifying five weeks before the games with a nagging hamstring injury, reports Yahoo. He is undoubtedly the "World's Fastest Man," having broken the 100-meter world record three times and the 200-meter record two times.

Bolt turns 30 years old this Sunday, Aug. 21. When he's not running, Bolt enjoys dancing and music, along with playing cricket and basketball. He also has his own clothing line in conjunction with Puma; his own watch made by Hublot; and his own restaurant "Tracks & Records" in Kingston, Jamaica.

Additionally, the mission of his Usain Bolt Foundation is to create opportunities through education and cultural development for a positive change in youths. The organization is dedicated to the legacy for happy children and to enhance the character of children.

RIO 2016 - US tops medals table

As Nigerian athletes continue to pursue a first medal at the Rio Olympics, the United State has taken a hold of the top spot of the medals table.

See the table below:

Rio Olympics medals table on Monday (gold, silver, bronze, total):

1. United States 3  5  4 12

2. China          3  2  3  8

3. Australia      3  0  3  6

4. Italy          2  3  2  7

5. South Korea    2  2  1  5

6. Hungary        2  0  0  2

7. Russia         1  2  2  5

8= Britain        1  1  0  2

8= Sweden         1  1  0  2

10. Japan         1  0  6  7

11= Thailand      1  0  1  2

11= Taiwan        1  0  1  2

13= Argentina     1  0  0  1

13= Belgium       1  0  0  1

13= Kosovo        1  0  0  1

13= Netherlands   1  0  0  1

13= Vietnam       1  0  0  1

18= Canada        0  1  1  2

18= Kazakhstan    0  1  1  2

20= Brazil        0  1  0  1

20= Denmark       0  1  0  1

20= France        0  1  0  1

20= Indonesia     0  1  0  1

20= New Zealand   0  1  0  1

20= Philippines   0  1  0  1

20= North Korea   0  1  0  1

20= South Africa  0  1  0  1

28. Uzbekistan    0  0  2  2

29= Spain         0  0  1  1

29= Greece        0  0  1  1

29= Poland        0  0  1  1

Total:           26 26 30

Courtesy PUNCH

Haruna Quadri makes Olympic history, enters quater-final

Haruna Quadri at the Olympics

Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri became the first African to reach the quarter-finals of the Olympic Games table tennis event on Monday after beating London 2012 bronze medalist Germany’s Timo Boll 4-2 in the fourth round of the men’s singles.

The 28-year-old defeated the world number 13 in 16 minutes as he won his third game in Rio, to send Brazilian fans, who kept chanting ‘Nigeria’, into rapturous celebrations.

Quadri, who is attending his second Olympics, defeated Boll 12-10 in the first set before taking the second and third sets 12-10, 11-5. Boll regrouped and won the next two sets 11-3, 11-5 but the Nigerian, who is currently ranked 40, took the sixth set 11-9.

The 2014 ITTF Star Player of the Year had earlier in the third round defeated world number seven, Chinese Taipei’s Chang Chun-Yuan, to book a place against Boll. He will play winner of China’s Ma Long and Korea’s Jeoung Youngsik match.

Team Nigeria’s assistant captain, Funke Oshonaike, hailed Quadri for his heroic performance against the German.

Olympics: Sports Minister, Dalung apologises to Dream Team

The Minister of Youth and Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, has apologised to players and officials of Nigeria’s Olympic football team for the challenges they faced, leading to their late arrival in Brazil for the Rio Olympics.

Dalung apologised to the players and officials after watching the Dream Team VI defeat Sweden in Manaus on Sunday to reach the quarter finals of the tournament, according to a statement by the Spokesperson of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ademola Olajire, on Monday.

Dalung, a conspicuous presence in the stands as the 1996 champions pipped Europe’s best team Sweden in Manaus on Sunday night to reach the tournament quarter –finals with a game to spare, tendered his apology in the dressing room after the game at the Arena Amazonia.

“I want to apologise for all the circumstances that led to your late arrival here. I apologise because I am the head and as such I must take responsibility for anything that happens under my watch,” Dalung was quoted as saying after exchanging pleasantries with the victorious players.

“I’m happy you all have put the unfortunate incident behind you and have shown that you are true heroes by making the country proud with your qualification for the quarter finals. This qualification is unique as you guys are the first team to do so in the football event.”

He said lessons had been learnt from the event and assured the players and officials that all bonuses and allowances due to them would be paid.

The team captain, Mikel Obi, was quoted as assuring Dalung that the team would not lose focus as their target was to win the gold medal for Nigeria.

Dalung watched the match in company with Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Brazil, Adamu Emozozo, and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Chinyeaka Ohaa.

Nigeria out of 2017 AFCON

Three-time African champions Nigeria have crashed out of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon after losing 1-0 to Egypt in the reverse fixture of their Group G match played at the Borg El Arab Stadium, Alexandria on Tuesday.

A lone goal from 19-year-old Ramadan Sobhy gave the Pharaohs the three points, which extended their lead at the summit of the group’s table. Egypt now have seven points from three matches while Nigeria are second with two points from the same number of matches. Tanzania are third with one point.

Coach Samson Siasia kept faith with the backline that drew 1-1 against Egypt in Kaduna: Abdullahi Shehu, Stanley Amuzie, Efe Ambrose and Godfrey Oboabona while Chippa United goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, was in goal in place of injured first-choice, Carl Ikeme.

The coach also retained Oghenekaro Etebo and Mikel Obi but Umar Aminu started in place of Kelechi Iheanacho. The attack had only one change as Victor Moses started in place of Simon Moses. Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa kept their places in the attack.

The Egyptians created the better chances in the first half but Nigeria also had a few moments during a goalless first half at the packed stadium. Nigeria grew into the game but could not get a meaningful shot past the Egyptian defence.

In the 41st minute of the game, Nigeria goalkeeper Akpeyi pulled off two big saves from Ibrahim Salah and the captain Al-Said. The two efforts were from set-pieces.

Siasia, in the 46th minute, brought on Elderson Echiejile for Amuzie to stabilise the defence but it did little to stop the rampaging Egyptian attack. Azubuike Okechukwu was also brought on in the 62nd minute after an injury to Etebo.

But in the 64th minute, Sobhy broke Nigerian hearts after the Eagles defence failed to effectively deal with a set-piece. The 19-year-old’s shot was deflected past Akpeyi by the Nigerian defenders.

The Eagles fought to get an equaliser but the closest they got was in the 83rd minute when Moses’ shot cannoned off the upright.

A former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Kojo Williams, lamented Nigeria’s elimination describing it as utter embarrassment and shame.

Kojo, who spoke with The PUNCH soon after the match in Alexandria, said it was unthinkable that the country would miss out of Africa’s biggest football fiesta twice consecutively while insisting that the way forward was beyond using a local or a foreign coach.

He said, “It goes beyond employing a foreign or Nigerian coach and I won’t involve myself with that. The truth is that we have no philosophy; no pattern. We have to sit down and re-jig our football and develop a serious football culture.

“It’s a disgrace; it’s a disaster that we won’t be in Gabon. If we are using local coaches, we need to retrain them. It was a Dutchman and not a Spaniard who developed Barcelona’s football and they have adapted and maintained the style and philosophy over the years. That is how to develop football. But we are all busy here talking about Arsenal and Chelsea. The federation has to put their acts together and get a system that is working otherwise we will continue like this.

“Nigerians must stand up and say, ‘enough is enough.’ The foundation is too faulty; no structure and so nothing strong can be built upon that. The problem isn’t about venue or the colour of the skin but getting the technical team right. How can nations be rising and playing fluid soccer and we are sliding down? We have to map out a long term plan.”

BREAKING! Nigeria 1-1 Egypt

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have failed to overcome The Pharoahs in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kaduna, settling instead for a draw.

A late goal by The Pharoahs left the Eagles, who had led the game by a goal for a long spell with no time to respond.

The 1-1 draw leaves Egypt top of Group C with seven points with the Eagles in second place with five points.

NFF, Fans Optimistic of Super Eagles’ Victory Against Egypt

Football fans in Kaduna State have been expressing confidence that the Super Eagles of Nigeria will defeat the visiting Pharaohs of Egypt in Friday’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

Some of the fans told our correspondent that with the calibre of players invited by Coach Samson Siasia, coupled with the high spirit of the players and coaching crew, the Eagles will defeat their opponent.

Already, the Ahmadu Bello Stadium is wearing a new look as preparations were still going on when we visited the facility. Security has also been beefed up within and outside the stadium.

Meanwhile, President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has expressed confidence that hosting the crucial match in Kaduna will guarantee the Eagles’ victory.

He stated this when he led other NFF officials on a visit to the State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. He also expressed confidence in the players’ ability and determination to conquer the Pharaohs in the match.

On his part, Governor El-Rufai prayed for Super Eagles’ victory over the visiting Egyptians.

At a news conference on Thursday, Coach Samson Siasia remained optimistic that his team would get the job done come Friday before hitting Alexandria on March 29.

He insisted that Nigeria cannot afford to miss out on the flagship continental championship after missing out of the 2015 edition in Equatorial Guinea.

He unveiled Mikel Obi as the new Super Eagles captain.

Mikel Obi Named New Super Eagles Captain

Super Eagles interim coach, Samson Siasia, has picked midfielder, Mikel Obi as the new captain of the team ahead of Friday’s qualifiers against the Pharaohs of Egypt.

Mikel, who is one of the longest serving players in the Eagles’ squad replaces Ahmed Musa who was named captain of the team under former Eagles handler, Sunday Oliseh.

Mikel made his debut for the national senior team on August 17, 2005, when he came on as a second-half substitute in a 1–0 friendly win over Libya.

The Chelsea midfielder, has thanked the former captain, Musa and the entire team, and promised that he would lead the new Super Eagles with a new approach.