Greater

as a walk-on. Once he got the chance he took off. He became a three-year starter and as a senior was a second-team AP All-America and legitimate NFL prospect.

Even before Polian met Burlsworth face-to-face the reports he received about him were glowing.

"Incredible perseverance and dedication and the highest possible character," Polian said.

Burlsworth could play, too, even though he never had the typical look of potential star. The dark horned-rim glasses he wore under his helmet were the first thing that stood out, Polian said.

"The body was Baby Huey, but inside that body was a really tremendous athlete," Polian said.

The Colts drafted Burlsworth in the third round, 63rd overall.

Colts offensive line coach Howard Mudd had worked with Burlsworth at the Senior Bowl before the draft and knew what he was getting. Mudd quickly installed Burslworth in the starting lineup, Polian said.

"The other players were saying, 'Wow, this guy must be pretty special,'" Polian said.

After Burlsworth's death, his brother, Marty, started a foundation in Brandon's name that helps provide glasses to needy children in Arkansas and gives kids a chance to attend a Razorbacks' football game. In 2010 the Burlsworth Trophy was created to honor the top FBS player who began his career as a walk-on.

"There's never a day where I don't think about Brandon," Marty Burlsworth wrote in a story posted on The Players' Tribune on Friday. "Whether I'm driving around town, past the baseball park where we used to play catch, past the Razorbacks signs on front lawns, I feel his presence."