Unpacking "Mr. Irrelevant": What Is The Last Person Picked In The NFL Draft Called?

27 Jul, 2025

Have you ever watched the NFL Draft, perhaps feeling a bit of excitement for all the young athletes getting their big break, and then wondered about the very last player chosen? It's a moment that, you know, wraps up days of anticipation, and there's actually a pretty unique name for that final selection. Many people are curious about this particular spot in the draft, especially since it carries a bit of a quirky tradition.

This final pick, which, you know, sometimes feels like an afterthought to some, has a special place in NFL lore. It’s not just about who gets picked last, but also about the fun and surprising events that often come with it. You might even find yourself rooting for these players, hoping they prove everyone wrong.

So, what is the last person picked in the NFL Draft called? Well, they are affectionately known as "Mr. Irrelevant." This title, though it sounds a bit dismissive, actually marks the beginning of a rather interesting journey for these young men. We’re going to find out more about this tradition and some of the players who have worn the title, to be honest.

The History of "Mr. Irrelevant"
Who Was the First "Mr. Irrelevant"?
The "Irrelevant Week" Celebration
Notable "Mr. Irrelevants" and Their Stories
The Impact of Being the Last Pick
People Also Ask

The History of "Mr. Irrelevant"

The term "Mr. Irrelevant" for the last pick in the NFL Draft isn't something the league itself created, you know. It actually came about thanks to a former NFL player named Paul Salata. He played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Colts back in the day, and he just had this idea to celebrate the final pick in a big way. Salata wanted to turn what might seem like a disappointing moment for a player into something really special and memorable, which is pretty cool.

The tradition officially began in 1976, and it's been going strong ever since. Salata’s goal was to highlight the fact that every single player drafted, no matter where they were picked, had worked incredibly hard and earned their spot in the NFL. It was his way of saying, "Hey, you made it!" and recognizing that dedication. So, it’s not meant to be an insult at all, but rather a playful and encouraging nod.

Over the years, the "Mr. Irrelevant" tradition has really grown, too. What started as a simple idea has blossomed into a full-blown week of events. It’s a quirky part of the NFL Draft that, you know, adds a lot of personality to the whole process. This celebration helps these players, who might otherwise get overlooked, step into the spotlight, if only for a little while.

It’s a tradition that, frankly, showcases the human side of the draft. While everyone focuses on the top picks and the big names, "Mr. Irrelevant" reminds us that every player's journey is worth celebrating. It’s a really unique way to acknowledge the depth of talent across the league, and the fact that, basically, every pick matters.

The idea behind it, you know, is to create a positive experience for someone who might otherwise feel, well, a little bit forgotten in the grand scheme of things. It’s a testament to the fact that even the last pick has a story, and that story, in a way, is just beginning. Salata’s vision really changed the narrative for these players, offering them a moment of recognition and joy.

Who Was the First "Mr. Irrelevant"?

The very first player to be given the title of "Mr. Irrelevant" was Kelvin Kirk, back in 1976. He was a wide receiver from the University of Dayton, and the Pittsburgh Steelers picked him with the 487th overall selection. Now, that’s a lot of picks, isn’t it?

Kirk's selection kicked off the entire tradition. He was invited to Newport Beach, California, for the inaugural "Irrelevant Week" festivities. This was where Paul Salata, the founder of the tradition, would host the player. It was a really new concept at the time, and, you know, probably a bit surprising for Kirk himself.

Kelvin Kirk’s NFL career, as a matter of fact, didn't last very long with the Steelers. He didn't play in a regular-season game for them. However, he did go on to play professional football in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for several seasons, which is still a great achievement. He found success there, proving that being the last pick doesn't mean the end of your football dreams.

His story, in a way, set the stage for all the "Mr. Irrelevants" who followed. It showed that while the title is playful, the players themselves are serious athletes who continue to pursue their passion. Kirk, quite frankly, became a pioneer in this unique little corner of NFL history.

The fact that he embraced the title and participated in the celebrations helped solidify the tradition's place in the draft. It’s pretty cool to think that one player’s selection started something that’s still going strong almost 50 years later, and really, it shows how much impact a single idea can have.

The "Irrelevant Week" Celebration

One of the most distinctive parts of being named "Mr. Irrelevant" is the "Irrelevant Week" celebration, which is, you know, a whole series of events held in Newport Beach, California. This week is designed to honor the last pick with a lot of fanfare and good humor. It's a way to give them a moment in the sun, perhaps even more than some earlier picks get, actually.

The festivities usually include a parade, a visit to Disneyland, a golf tournament, and a regatta, among other things. The player also receives the "Lowsman Trophy," which is a humorous take on the Heisman Trophy, featuring a player fumbling a football. It's all in good fun, basically, and meant to celebrate the player's accomplishment in a lighthearted way.

This week is a chance for the player and their family to experience something truly unique, too. They get to meet fans, participate in community events, and just enjoy being the center of attention for a while. It’s a pretty big deal for someone who was, you know, literally the last name called in the entire draft.

Paul Salata, who started all this, made sure the week was about positive recognition. He wanted to ensure that these players felt appreciated, not ridiculed. The whole event, in a way, embodies a spirit of good sportsmanship and humor that’s pretty refreshing in the highly competitive world of professional sports. It's a tradition that, frankly, has brought a lot of smiles over the years.

Even after Paul Salata passed away in 2020, his daughter, Melanie Salata-Fitch, has continued the tradition. This shows just how much the "Irrelevant Week" means to the community and to the NFL Draft itself. It's a truly special experience that, you know, makes being the last pick a surprisingly memorable honor.

Notable "Mr. Irrelevants" and Their Stories

While the title "Mr. Irrelevant" might suggest a player who won't make an impact, history shows that some of these last picks have gone on to have surprisingly successful NFL careers. It’s a pretty cool reminder that talent can be found anywhere, even at the very end of the draft, you know.

One of the most famous "Mr. Irrelevants" is Marty Moore, who was picked by the New England Patriots in 1994. He was the 222nd overall pick that year. Moore, as a matter of fact, played linebacker and had a respectable eight-year NFL career, mostly with the Patriots. He even won a Super Bowl with them in 2001, which is pretty amazing for a last pick, isn't it?

Another notable name is Ryan Succop, a kicker drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009. He was the 256th pick. Succop went on to have a very long and consistent career, playing for over a decade in the NFL. He also won a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. His longevity, you know, really defied the "irrelevant" label.

Then there's Brock Purdy, the "Mr. Irrelevant" of the 2022 NFL Draft, picked 262nd overall by the San Francisco 49ers. His story is, frankly, one of the most incredible. After injuries to the 49ers' starting quarterbacks, Purdy stepped in during his rookie season and led the team to the NFC Championship game. He continued to impress in his second season, guiding them to Super Bowl LVIII. His rise, to be honest, has captivated the football world and shown that the "irrelevant" tag can be completely misleading.

These stories, you know, serve as inspiration for future "Mr. Irrelevants" and prove that draft position isn't everything. It’s about hard work, perseverance, and seizing your opportunities. Many players picked early don't pan out, while some picked last truly shine, which is pretty interesting, if you think about it.

It just goes to show that, basically, every player, no matter where they are picked, has the potential to make a difference. These "Mr. Irrelevants" have certainly left their mark on the game, proving that their contributions are anything but irrelevant.

The Impact of Being the Last Pick

Being the last person picked in the NFL Draft, as "Mr. Irrelevant," carries a unique kind of impact, both for the player and for the broader football community. For the player, it often means facing a steeper climb to make an NFL roster. Teams typically invest more in their higher draft picks, so a "Mr. Irrelevant" has to really fight for a spot, you know.

However, the "Mr. Irrelevant" title also brings a surprising amount of media attention and public goodwill. This can be a huge advantage. While a third-round pick might go relatively unnoticed, the last pick gets a spotlight, thanks to the tradition. This exposure, as a matter of fact, can open doors for endorsements or even just fan support that other late-rounders might not receive.

For the NFL itself, the "Mr. Irrelevant" tradition adds a charming, human element to the draft. It reminds everyone that football is about more than just big contracts and star players. It’s about the dreams of every young athlete, and the journey they undertake. This tradition, you know, helps to keep the draft engaging right up until the very last moment.

It also provides a compelling underdog narrative. Everyone loves a good underdog story, and "Mr. Irrelevant" embodies that perfectly. When one of these players succeeds, it resonates deeply with fans and inspires aspiring athletes. It shows that, essentially, if you work hard enough, anything is possible, regardless of where you start.

The very existence of "Mr. Irrelevant" encourages a bit of optimism and hope. It’s a reminder that even when you’re literally at the very end of a long list, your story is just beginning. This positive spin on being the last chosen, frankly, is a pretty brilliant piece of sports folklore, and it keeps people talking about the draft long after the first-round buzz fades.

To find out more about how these players get ready for their big moment, you can learn more about NFL training on our site. And if you want to see how the draft order is determined, you can link to this page NFL Draft Rules.

Detail Author:

Name : Samson Grady
Username : arely45
Email : kade99@abshire.com
Birthdate : 2003-08-05
Address : 79849 Torrance Keys Port Inesstad, TX 11396-7236
Phone : 802-961-9882
Company : Baumbach-Schaden
Job : Instrument Sales Representative
Bio : Saepe facere nemo labore laborum nihil architecto. Autem sapiente magni culpa similique mollitia. Rerum voluptas perspiciatis reiciendis delectus.

Socials

twitter:

url : https://twitter.com/lupton
username : lupton
bio : Autem aut soluta quaerat magni ea rerum quis cum. Ea maiores reprehenderit explicabo. Unde velit numquam ullam ea eos ipsam.
followers : 2027
following : 526