“Mr. Irrelevant” has become even more relevant in recent years.
The nickname given to the last player selected in each NFL Draft is Brock Purdy, the quarterback who was selected 262nd overall in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Iowa and led the San Francisco 49ers to Super Bowl 58. Its importance has increased due to the success of . Purdy has claimed many firsts as “Mr. Irrelevant,” including becoming the first quarterback on a Super Bowl team, even though he was left out of the roster at the end.
Jalen Key will join the “Mr. Irrevant” club that Purdy helped revitalize. The New York Jets selected Key, a 6-foot-2, 210 safety from Alabama, with the final pick in the seventh round (257th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. The selection was announced by Melanie Salata Fitch, daughter of Mr. Irrelevant founder Paul Salata. (More on him later.)
Brock Purdy:Why is the 49ers QB called Mr. Irrelevant?Last player drafted makes first appearance in Super Bowl 58
Here’s everything you need to know about “Mr. Irrelevant.”
NFL Draft Hub: Latest NFL Draft mock drafts, news, live picks, grades, and analysis.
History of Mr.Irrelevant
There has always been a last overall pick in the NFL Draft, but there has not always been a “Mr. Irrelevant.”
This nickname was coined in 1976 by Paul Salata, a former professional receiver who played football in college football (USC), NFL (San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Colts), and CFL (Calgary Stampeders, Ottawa Rough Riders). was first created by With the approval of NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, Salata raised funds to sponsor the last overall pick of the 1976 NFL Draft (Kelvin Kirk of the Pittsburgh Steelers) during a week-long celebration of underdogs, “Irrelevant Week.” ” and flew to Newport Beach, California to participate in the event. It included a trip to Disneyland and a golf tournament. “Mr. Irrelevant,” which depicts a player fumbling for the ball, also won the Lowsman Trophy.
“All the players that are drafted are working hard, but there are some players who don’t get any recognition. They’re doing their job,” Salata told the New York Times in 2017. Therefore, it deserves attention.”
The fanfare and publicity surrounding “Mr. Irrelevant” was followed by the introduction of the “Salata Rule”, which prohibited teams from intentionally passing to get the last pick, after the 1979 Rams-Steelers brawl. This led to its creation.
Introducing the newest Mr. Irrelevant, Jalen Keyes
Keys, 24, spent the first four years of his college career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where he totaled 78 tackles (58 solo, 20 assists), three interceptions, and two forced fumbles in 24 games. Recorded. He transferred to Alabama in 2023 and finished the season with 60 total tackles (35 solo, 25 assists), a pass deflection, and one interception in 12 games.
Most notable Mr. Irrelevant draft picks
The player nicknamed “Mr. Irrelevant” has risen to the top of the sport and is one of only three players to appear in a Super Bowl. Purdy finally did it in the 49ers’ 25-22 overtime loss to the Chiefs.
- marty moore: The Kentucky linebacker was selected by the New England Patriots with the 222nd pick in the 1994 draft. He played in 112 games (19 starts) over his eight-year career, primarily with the Patriots. He became the first “Mr. Irrelevant” to play in a Super Bowl (Super Bowl XXXI), joining quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick (Super Bowl XXXVI) to win a Super Bowl. He was the first player to do so.
- Ryan Succop: The University of South Carolina kicker was drafted 256th overall by the Chiefs and enjoyed a 14-year NFL career, hitting 320 of 386 field goal attempts (83%) while playing for the Chiefs and Tennessee Titans. achieved. And the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was the first “Mr. Irrevant” to start in a Super Bowl, in the Buccaneers’ 31-9 victory over the Chiefs (Super Bowl 55), and the first starter to win a Super Bowl. .
- Brock Purdy: The Iowa State quarterback was selected by the 49ers with the 262nd pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was promoted from third-string quarterback to 49ers starter for the 2022 season after Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo went down with season-ending injuries. Purdy led the 49ers to five straight wins and two playoff wins, making him the first “Mr. Irrelevant” quarterback to start and win a playoff game. He returned as a starter during the 2023 season, leading the 49ers to a 12-5 record and an appearance in Super Bowl 58, becoming the first “Mr. Irrevant” under center in the Super Bowl.
“To be honest, it doesn’t really bother me,” Purdy said of the nickname in February. “If it still remains ‘Mr. Irrelevant,’ that’s great. I love it. But if it does, I’m going to continue to wear it with pride.”
All Mr. Irrelevant picks in the NFL Draft
Since 2013, every “Mr. Irrelevant” has appeared in at least one NFL game. The last five players (in bold) selected in the past six drafts made NFL rosters this season. He is one of only three “Mr. Irrelevant” players (highlighted) to play in the Super Bowl.
The final picks of every draft since 1966 are:
Contributor: Jim Sergent, USA TODAY
