The History of Mr. Irrelevant

Last on the draft board. First in the Department of Vibes.

Actual facts, regrettably

Mr. Irrelevant is the nickname given to the final player selected in the NFL Draft. The celebration began in 1976, when former professional football player Paul Salata launched Irrelevant Week in Newport Beach, California. Pittsburgh’s selection of Kelvin Kirk made him the first honoree of the new tradition.

The idea turns a doubtful distinction into a welcome: the last player called still gets a chance to become a professional. Irrelevant Week celebrates that opportunity, complete with the deliberately comic Lowsman Trophy—a counterpart to the Heisman.

Last pick does not mean last chance

A draft position is a starting point, not a career forecast. Among the memorable final picks are kicker Ryan Succop, who built a long NFL career, and Brock Purdy, the quarterback selected by San Francisco in 2022. Their stories are a useful reminder that the number beside a name does not play the game.

How Mr. Irrelevant became Mister Relevant

The 49ers selected Brock Purdy from Iowa State with pick No. 262 in the 2022 NFL Draft. His rise gives this fan site its name: Mister Relevant. It is our affectionate description, not an official award or a claim of affiliation.

Read Brock Purdy’s story: from Mr. Irrelevant to Mister Relevant.

The Department’s unofficial ruling

Being chosen last is still being chosen. The Department of Vibes therefore awards every final pick an honorary certificate in Showing Up Anyway. The certificate has no academic value. Neither does this department.

Sources and further reading

Mr. Irrelevant on Wikipedia — history, notable selections, and the annual list.

49ers: Brock Purdy selected at No. 262 — the team’s original draft announcement.

Unofficial fan commentary. Not affiliated with the NFL, Irrelevant Week, Brock Purdy, or the San Francisco 49ers. Back to Mister Relevant.