Back in the fall of 2016, I had the privilege of going to watch the movie “Greater” with my varsity football team. As an Arkansas native and die-hard Razorback fan, I took pride in knowing that the university I loved got some recognition on the big screen.

The movie follows the life story of Arkansas walk-on Brandon Burlsworth. Burlsworth was a kid who grew up in the small town of Harrison, Arkansas, and like most kids in the state, all Burlsworth wanted to do was play for the Razorbacks.

After receiving all-state honors, Burlsworth received zero Division I scholarship opportunities. Although he was offered the opportunity to play at smaller schools, Burlsworth declined their invitations and decided to walk on at the University of Arkansas.

While there, Burlsworth trained and worked hard which led to him earning team captain, All-SEC 1997-1998, first-team All-SEC in 1998 and All-American in 1998. He was the first All-American from the University of Arkansas in a decade, while also becoming the first athlete to earn his master’s degree at the same time.

See, Burlsworth did things by the book. Not only did he train hard and work toward his goal, but he also held strong in his faith. He didn’t drink, he attended Bible study, and he held himself and those around him accountable.

After his senior year at Arkansas, Burlsworth was drafted 63rd overall by the Indianapolis Colts, where he was awarded a starting position as a rookie. Unfortunately, Burlsworth never got to see the field as a professional football player.

Anytime I watch this movie, a tear comes to my eye. At times it makes you think, “Why him?” He worked so hard to finally get here, and now that dream is gone.

But that’s not the reason behind the movie. Burlsworth’s story is a testament to those who are dedicated and diligent in life. Branded “the Burlsworth way,” it’s sticking true to who you are and believing in yourself. That whatever you put your mind to you can achieve.

Through my short time here in the Crestview area, I’ve noticed that this is a common theme that coaches teach their athletes. To be deep-rooted in their faith, to train hard throughout all seasons, and to keep one another accountable.

Although the story has a tragic ending, the motivation it provides is unparalleled. For young athletes, it can be hard knowing that there is a nation full of players competing for a college offer. Less than 2% of Division I college athletes get the chance to go pro anyway.

But look at Baker Mayfield, Stetson Bennett, Hunter Renfrow and Drew Mestemaker. Each one started their college career as a walk-on and is now one of the biggest names at either the college or professional level.

I say all this not to bring down the mood, but to bring encouragement. Burlsworth’s story isn’t just for high school or college athletes. It’s a story that transcends sports altogether.

There’s a sort of excitement that fills the air when August comes around. After months of being dormant, the world of sports awakens at the start of the eighth month.

You could say that the sports season begins in March with Opening Day of Major League Baseball, followed by the WNBA regular season in May. But an entire nation doesn’t rumble across states like it does when football season arrives.

Whether cheering on a high school team, college/university, or professional organization, we as fans join in a massive celebration and anticipation for what may happen in the final months of 2026.

At the high school level, it’s been months of grinding through the hot summer waiting to play in the cool shade of night under the lights at the chance for a state championship. The student section roaring for their team as the sound of brass horns blare throughout a stadium, and parents sitting in attendance hoping for a win but cheering on their child to compete at their best level.

College is a little more complicated. More teams on a nationwide scale rather than in a single state. There are also more opinions about who’s the best in the nation when a single game hasn’t even been played.

Not to mention the ever-changing rules around NIL and the transfer portal.

This, I believe, is going to start making an impact at the high school level. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that as a sweet sixteen gift an athlete gets a car and an agent.

It makes you wonder if the world of college football will ever return to how it once used to be, or if its past glory has been buried under piles of cash.

Then there’s the professional level. Rather than in the stands, fans are circled around a television with cushioned seats. There’s no roar of a crowd except through speakers that may get muted once a commercial airs. And you can normally expect a team from last year’s Super Bowl to be there once again.

Unlike high school where parents worry about their child getting hurt, it’s fantasy footballers who may lose to their friend because they didn’t start the right quarterback for the week.

Now, it may sound like I don’t enjoy some of these things.

Are there things I don’t like? Yes. Do I think the changes being made are good? Also, yes.

As a sports reporter, changes mean stories. A new rule being implemented needs someone to explain why the rule was put in place. An athlete transferring colleges or being traded to a new team needs someone to break down the deal that was made or what that player brings to the table.

It generates questions around a team or a league that we as fans love trying to answer. Whether we end up right or wrong, we remain entertained in the process.

I don’t know who the FHSAA State Champions will be, nor the College National Champions, nor the two Super Bowl teams. What I do know is that high school football is here, the SEC is still the greatest conference, and the NFL needs to rethink the new kickoff.