What Is The Last Person Picked In The NFL Draft Called? Unpacking The "Mr. Irrelevant" Story
Have you ever watched the NFL Draft, perhaps wondering about all the hopeful young athletes, and then thought about the very last one chosen? It's a moment that, you know, wraps up the whole selection process, and it holds a pretty special place in football lore. This final pick isn't just another name on a list; it gets a unique, somewhat playful title that has become a real tradition. Many folks wonder about this, like your average fan or someone just getting into the sport. So, what is the last person picked in the NFL Draft called, anyway?
This particular pick, the one that truly finishes the draft each year, has a name that might sound a little bit like a joke, but it's actually steeped in history and a lot of good-hearted fun. It's a title that brings with it a whole week of celebrations, a kind of counter-intuitive honor that turns being last into something quite memorable. It's a story of perseverance, and, well, sometimes, even a path to unexpected fame.
We're going to explore this interesting tradition, looking at where it came from and what it means for the player who receives it. You'll get to hear about the man who started it all and some of the players who have carried this unique title. It's a pretty cool part of the NFL's yearly calendar, and, you know, it just shows how every player, no matter where they are picked, has a chance to make their mark.
Table of Contents
- The Unique Title: "Mr. Irrelevant"
- How "Mr. Irrelevant" Came to Be
- The Irrelevant Week: A Celebration
- Notable "Mr. Irrelevants" Through History
- From Underdog to Impact Player
- Recent "Mr. Irrelevants"
- The Significance of Being Last
- More Than Just a Pick
- Frequently Asked Questions
The Unique Title: "Mr. Irrelevant"
The very last person chosen in the NFL Draft each year gets a special nickname: "Mr. Irrelevant." This term is given to the final pick, and it's something that has been around for a while now, really. It might sound like a bit of a put-down, but it’s actually a term of affection, a way to shine a light on the player who is picked last, giving them a moment in the spotlight they might not otherwise get. It's a bit of an ironic name, you see, because it makes the player anything but irrelevant.
This designation, you know, really began as a way to celebrate every single player chosen in the draft, from the very first to the very last. It highlights the fact that even the final pick is a professional athlete, someone who has worked incredibly hard to get to this point. It’s a kind of nod to their dedication, and, well, it shows that every player has a story worth telling. The name itself just makes people curious, which is good.
How "Mr. Irrelevant" Came to Be
The whole "Mr. Irrelevant" tradition started back in 1976, and, you know, it was all thanks to a man named Paul Salata. He was a former NFL player himself, someone who played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Colts. Salata just thought it would be a fun idea to honor the final pick in the draft, making sure they didn't just fade into the background. He wanted to give that last player a special moment, a little bit of recognition, so to speak.
Salata created something called "Irrelevant Week" in Newport Beach, California, which is where he lived. This week-long event celebrates the "Mr. Irrelevant" player with various activities and, you know, a lot of fanfare. It's a way to welcome the player into the NFL family in a really unique way, making them feel special rather than overlooked. It's pretty cool, actually, how one person's idea grew into such a big deal.
The very first "Mr. Irrelevant" was Kelvin Kirk, a wide receiver chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 17th round of the 1976 draft. He was pick number 487 that year, which, you know, is a lot of picks. Salata made sure Kirk got a trip to Newport Beach, a trophy called the "Lowsman Trophy" (a play on the Heisman Trophy), and a lot of attention. This really set the stage for all the future "Mr. Irrelevants" and their special week, and, you know, it's just continued on ever since.
The Irrelevant Week: A Celebration
So, "Irrelevant Week" is a big part of this whole tradition, really. It's a yearly celebration held in Newport Beach, California, and it's all about the current "Mr. Irrelevant." The player gets a trip out there, and, you know, they participate in a bunch of fun events. It’s not just a quick handshake and a photo; it’s a full-on experience designed to make them feel truly special, almost like a homecoming.
During this week, the "Mr. Irrelevant" player often takes part in things like a golf tournament, a regatta, and even a roast. They get to meet fans, sign autographs, and, you know, really soak up the attention. It's a way to give them a grand welcome to the NFL, proving that being the last pick doesn't mean you're forgotten. It’s a pretty clever way to turn what might seem like a small moment into something much bigger, and, you know, it gets a lot of smiles.
The "Lowsman Trophy," which is given to each "Mr. Irrelevant," is another fun part of the week. It shows a player fumbling a football, which, you know, is a humorous twist on the prestigious Heisman. It just adds to the lighthearted nature of the entire event, making it clear that the spirit of "Irrelevant Week" is all about having a good time and celebrating every single person who makes it to the NFL. It's a bit silly, but in a good way, really.
Notable "Mr. Irrelevants" Through History
While many "Mr. Irrelevants" might not go on to become household names, some have, you know, really defied the odds and made a significant impact in the NFL. Their stories serve as a reminder that where you are picked in the draft doesn't always determine your success. It’s more about the effort you put in and the chances you get. It’s pretty inspiring, actually, to see how some of these players performed.
From Underdog to Impact Player
One of the most famous examples of a "Mr. Irrelevant" who went on to have a good career is Marty Moore. He was the last pick in the 1994 NFL Draft, chosen by the New England Patriots. Moore, a linebacker, played in the NFL for eight seasons, which, you know, is a really long time for any player, especially one picked last. He even played in Super Bowl XXXI with the Patriots, which is a huge achievement. His career just goes to show that the "irrelevant" tag doesn't mean you can't be a valuable part of a team.
Another player who made a name for himself after being "Mr. Irrelevant" was Ryan Succop. He was the very last pick in the 2009 draft, a kicker chosen by the Kansas City Chiefs. Succop had a really long and successful career, playing for over a decade in the NFL. He was a reliable kicker for both the Chiefs and the Tennessee Titans, and, you know, he even won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His story is a great example of how specialists, even those picked last, can have a major impact on games and teams.
These stories, you know, just show that the "Mr. Irrelevant" title doesn't limit a player's potential. It might even give them a bit of extra motivation, a chip on their shoulder to prove people wrong. It’s a pretty cool narrative, actually, seeing someone come from the very end of the draft and then achieve great things. It just proves that every single pick matters, in a way.
Recent "Mr. Irrelevants"
In more recent times, the "Mr. Irrelevant" title has gained even more attention, especially with the incredible success of Brock Purdy. He was the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, chosen by the San Francisco 49ers as the 262nd overall selection. Many people, you know, didn't expect much from a seventh-round quarterback, let alone the very last one.
Yet, Purdy’s story is truly remarkable. He stepped in as the 49ers' starting quarterback during his rookie season due to injuries to others, and, you know, he led the team on an amazing run. He helped them reach the NFC Championship game, and his play just shocked everyone. He showed poise, skill, and a real knack for leadership, making the "Mr. Irrelevant" tag seem, well, completely out of place. His success has, you know, really changed the perception of what the last pick can achieve, and it's quite a story, honestly. It just proves that talent can come from anywhere, even the very end of the draft board.
For the 2023 NFL Draft, the "Mr. Irrelevant" title went to Toledo defensive end Desjuan Johnson, picked by the Los Angeles Rams. It's always exciting to see who gets this distinction each year, and, you know, what kind of journey they'll have in the league. Every player picked, from the first to the last, has a dream, and this tradition just shines a light on that final step into the professional ranks.
The Significance of Being Last
Being the last person picked in the NFL Draft, as "Mr. Irrelevant," carries a unique significance, really. It’s not just about the playful title or the celebration week; it’s about the journey. These players have often overcome many challenges, and, you know, they've worked tirelessly to even be considered for the draft. Getting picked, even last, is a huge accomplishment, a testament to their dedication.
It also serves as a reminder that every single pick in the NFL Draft is important to a team. General managers and coaches are always looking for hidden gems, players who might have been overlooked but possess the skills and determination to succeed. Sometimes, you know, the last pick can turn out to be a key player, a real contributor to a team's success. It’s a story of hope, in a way, for all those who might feel like underdogs.
More Than Just a Pick
The "Mr. Irrelevant" tradition, you know, has grown to be more than just a fun anecdote. It’s a symbol of perseverance, of not giving up on a dream. It shows that even when you're the very last one chosen, there's still a place for you, a chance to prove yourself. It's a human story, really, about making the most of an opportunity, no matter how small it might seem at first. This tradition just adds a little bit of heart to the whole draft process, which is nice.
It’s also a pretty good lesson for anyone, in any field. It teaches us that sometimes, you know, the biggest victories come from the most unexpected places. The "Mr. Irrelevant" gets a platform, a chance to be seen and heard, and that can be really powerful. It’s a unique part of NFL history, and, you know, it just keeps on giving us great stories every year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first Mr. Irrelevant?
The first "Mr. Irrelevant" was Kelvin Kirk, a wide receiver chosen by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 17th round of the 1976 NFL Draft. He was pick number 487 that year, and, you know, he kicked off this whole fun tradition.
Has any Mr. Irrelevant ever become a Pro Bowler?
Yes, amazingly, one "Mr. Irrelevant" has indeed become a Pro Bowler. Ryan Succop, the final pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2022 as a kicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's a great example of, you know, how far a last pick can go.
What is the Lowsman Trophy?
The Lowsman Trophy is a humorous award given to each "Mr. Irrelevant" during "Irrelevant Week." It’s a playful take on the Heisman Trophy, showing a player fumbling a football, and, you know, it just adds to the lighthearted spirit of the celebration.
So, the next time you watch the NFL Draft, especially the later rounds, keep an eye out for that final pick. That player, the one who earns the title of "Mr. Irrelevant," is stepping into a unique tradition, one that celebrates every step of the journey to the professional level. It’s a reminder that every single player picked has a chance to make their mark, no matter where their name falls on the draft board. It's a pretty inspiring thought, actually, and, you know, it just makes the draft even more interesting.
Learn more about NFL Draft history on our site, and, you know, you can also find out about how players get scouted for the league. For more on the history of the NFL Draft and its quirky traditions, you might find some interesting facts on sites like the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which, you know, is a really good place for such information.
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