What Is The Last Person Picked In The NFL Draft Called? Unpacking The 'Mr. Irrelevant' Tradition

Madisyn Pagac I 30 Jul 2025

Every year, millions of football fans eagerly watch the NFL Draft, a truly exciting event where college stars realize their dreams of playing professional football. It's a big moment for so many young athletes, and honestly, the anticipation builds with each pick. From the very first player chosen, the one everyone talks about, all the way down to the final selection, there's a unique story unfolding for each person.

You know, as the draft goes on, round after round, a lot of attention naturally goes to those top prospects, the ones who get picked early and are expected to make an immediate splash. But there's a special kind of curiosity that grows as the draft gets closer to its end, too. People start wondering about the player who will be the very last one called, the ultimate pick of the entire event, which is that person who comes after everyone or everything else, as my text puts it.

So, it's almost a common question among fans, "What exactly do they call the last person picked in the NFL Draft?" It’s a title that carries a lot of history and a pretty interesting tradition with it. This final pick is more than just a name on a list; it signifies the end of one journey and the beginning of another, and it’s actually a pretty big deal in its own unique way, you know?

The "Mr. Irrelevant" Title
A Look Back: History of the Last Pick
The Experience of Being the Last Pick
Beyond the Nickname: The Player's Journey
People Also Ask
The Spirit of the Draft

The "Mr. Irrelevant" Title

What It Means

The last person picked in the NFL Draft is affectionately known as "Mr. Irrelevant." It’s a title that sounds a bit cheeky, but it's actually steeped in a very positive and celebratory tradition. This nickname is given to the player who is the final selection, the one that comes at the very end of the long process, after every other player has been chosen, which is that person after everyone or everything else, you know?

This unique designation has been around for quite a while now, and it’s become a beloved part of the NFL Draft experience. It brings a lot of attention to a player who might otherwise go unnoticed among the hundreds of other draftees. So, it's actually a pretty cool thing for the player, in a way, as it gives them a special kind of fame.

The Tradition Behind It

The "Mr. Irrelevant" tradition began in 1976, started by Paul Salata, a former NFL player himself. He wanted to make sure that the final pick, the one who is literally the last to be chosen, got some special recognition. This wasn't about making fun of anyone; it was about celebrating the very last player to make it into the league, and giving them a memorable welcome. It's a pretty sweet gesture, honestly.

Part of this tradition includes "Irrelevant Week," which takes place in Newport Beach, California. The selected player, along with their family, gets a free trip to Newport Beach, where they are treated like royalty. They participate in various events, parades, and banquets, and they even receive the "Lowsman Trophy," a playful take on the Heisman Trophy, showing a player fumbling a football. It’s a very fun and lighthearted way to honor the ultimate pick, you know?

Why It's Called "Mr. Irrelevant"

The name "Mr. Irrelevant" might seem a bit odd at first, especially since it implies something that is not important. However, as my text suggests, "last applies to something that comes at the end of a series but does not always imply that the." In this case, the name is meant to be ironic and humorous, not demeaning. It’s a way to highlight the player who is "at the end or last," and turn that finality into a moment of special recognition.

It's a clever play on words, really, because while they are the last to be chosen, they are anything but irrelevant to the fans or the community that embraces them. It’s almost a way of saying, "You made it! You are the final one, and we are celebrating that achievement!" This title, you know, just adds to the rich tapestry of the NFL Draft, making sure every player, even the very last, gets their moment in the sun.

A Look Back: History of the Last Pick

How It All Began

The tradition of honoring the last pick, as we mentioned, really got going in 1976 with Paul Salata. Before that, the last pick was just... the last pick. There wasn't a special name or celebration tied to it. But Salata, who clearly understood the struggles and triumphs of making it to the NFL, wanted to give that final player a proper send-off into their professional career. It was a simple idea, yet it grew into something very meaningful, you know?

The first official "Mr. Irrelevant" was Kelvin Kirk, a wide receiver picked by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1976. Since then, a new player has joined this exclusive club every year. It’s a continuous thread through NFL history, with each year's final selection adding another chapter to this unique story. It's quite fascinating, actually, how a small gesture can become such a lasting tradition.

Players Who Beat the Odds

While many "Mr. Irrelevants" don't go on to have Hall of Fame careers, some have certainly made their mark in the league, which is pretty cool. For example, Marty Moore, picked in 1994 by the New England Patriots, played six seasons as a linebacker and even won a Super Bowl. He managed to "last the game" right to the end, even though it was very difficult for him, as my text puts it, which is truly inspiring.

Another notable example is Ryan Succop, a kicker picked by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009. He went on to have a long and successful career, playing for over a decade and becoming a reliable scorer for multiple teams. He definitely "lasted the course," proving that where you are picked doesn't always define your potential. These stories really show that being the last pick doesn't mean you're the least capable, which is a powerful message, you know?

Then there's Chad Lewis, a tight end picked in 1997 by the Philadelphia Eagles. He went on to become a three-time Pro Bowler. These players are fantastic examples of perseverance and dedication. They show that being "the last to be chosen" is just the start of their story, not the end. It's pretty amazing to see how some of these players, seemingly at the very end of the draft process, truly shine, you know?

The Underdog Spirit

The "Mr. Irrelevant" title really embodies the spirit of the underdog. These players are often overlooked, and they have to fight harder to prove themselves. They are the ones who are "at the end or last" in the draft order, but they come into the league with a fire to show they belong. This determination is a big part of what makes their stories so compelling.

It's about proving that even when you're the last person to get on stage, you can still deliver a memorable performance. They have to "last the game" and "last the course" in a very competitive environment, which is a true test of character. This makes them incredibly relatable to fans who love a good comeback story. It's a reminder that talent and grit can come from anywhere, even the very last spot, which is a great lesson, honestly.

The Experience of Being the Last Pick

The Long Wait and the Moment of Truth

For many college players, draft weekend is a whirlwind of emotions. For those who aren't projected as early picks, it can be a long, anxious wait. They watch as name after name is called, round after round. Being the last pick means enduring that suspense for the longest time, waiting until "after anyone or anything else" has been selected. It's a test of patience, truly.

When that final call comes, it's a mix of relief, excitement, and perhaps a touch of disbelief. It means they've made it, even if just by a hair. That moment, when they are "the last to be chosen," is still a dream come true, no matter how late in the process it happens. It's a moment they'll never forget, you know, finally hearing their name.

The Spotlight and the Pressure

Ironically, being "Mr. Irrelevant" often brings more media attention than being a mid-round pick. The unique title and the "Irrelevant Week" festivities mean that this player is instantly in the spotlight. They are, in a way, the final mention or appearance of the draft. This can be a lot to handle for a young athlete just starting their professional career.

There's a subtle pressure, too, to prove the ironic title wrong. They want to show they are, in fact, very relevant. This drives many of them to work even harder, to "last the game" and make a name for themselves in the league. It's a unique challenge, for sure, but also a pretty cool opportunity, you know?

A Community's Warm Welcome

One of the most heartwarming parts of being "Mr. Irrelevant" is the embrace from the community of Newport Beach. The entire town rallies around this player, celebrating their journey and welcoming them with open arms. It’s a truly special experience that goes beyond football, creating a bond between the player and the community.

This celebration makes the final pick feel incredibly important, turning a seemingly insignificant moment into a highlight of the draft. It’s a testament to the power of tradition and the human spirit of celebration. It shows that even being "at the end he came last in the race" can lead to something really wonderful, which is pretty neat.

Beyond the Nickname: The Player's Journey

Making the Roster: The Uphill Climb

Getting drafted is one thing; making an NFL roster is another. For "Mr. Irrelevant," the journey truly begins after the draft. They arrive at training camp with all the other rookies and veterans, but often with the lowest expectations. They have to fight tooth and nail for a spot on the team, proving their worth every single day. It's an incredibly tough road, honestly.

They are often seen as long shots, the ones who are "held out until the last" moment, needing to show something truly special to stick around. This means extra effort, extra dedication, and a relentless drive to improve. Their position as the final pick means they often have to overcome more obstacles than those chosen earlier, which is a huge challenge, you know?

NFL Careers: A Mix of Outcomes

The careers of "Mr. Irrelevants" vary widely. Some, like the examples we mentioned, manage to carve out respectable, even long-lasting, careers in the NFL. They truly "last the course," defying expectations and proving their doubters wrong. These are the inspiring stories that fans love to hear about, showing that anything is possible.

Others might spend a season or two on practice squads or bounce between teams before their time in the league comes to an end. But even for them, being drafted into the NFL, even as the very last pick, is an incredible accomplishment. It means they were among the very best college players in the country, a testament to their skill and hard work. It's a big deal, you know, just to get that far.

Making an Impact from the Bottom Up

Even if a "Mr. Irrelevant" doesn't become a superstar, they can still make a valuable impact on their team. They often contribute on special teams, provide depth, or push their teammates to be better in practice. Their presence, even as the "last person to get on stage," can be a quiet but important part of a team's success.

Their story also serves as a constant reminder that every single player on a roster has a journey, and every single one of them had to work incredibly hard to get there. It reinforces the idea that hard work and perseverance can lead to great things, no matter where you start. It’s a pretty powerful message, honestly, for anyone chasing a dream.

The Spirit of the Draft

Dreams Realized at Every Level

The NFL Draft is a celebration of dreams coming true, for every player, from the first pick to the very last. It's the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. For many, it's the moment they realize a lifelong ambition, a moment that truly changes their lives. It's a powerful event, you know, for so many young people.

Whether a player is picked in the first round or as "Mr. Irrelevant," the feeling of being chosen by an NFL team is something truly special. It means they have been recognized for their talent and potential, and given a chance to compete at the highest level of professional football. It’s a big milestone for anyone, actually.

The Final Chapter of the Draft

The selection of "Mr. Irrelevant" brings the NFL Draft to its official close. It's the "last line on a page," so to speak, marking the end of the selection process for that year. This final pick provides a sense of completion, a neat wrap-up to days of intense anticipation and excitement. It’s the ultimate selection, as my text implies, the one that completes the series.

This moment, though seemingly small in the grand scheme of the draft, is actually quite significant. It signifies that every single opportunity has been given, and the roster of new talent is now complete. It's a quiet but important punctuation mark at the end of a very public and exciting event. It’s pretty cool how that works out, honestly.

What It Means for the Fans

For fans, the "Mr. Irrelevant" pick is often a moment of shared joy and a final burst of draft-day excitement. It’s a chance to cheer for the underdog, to root for the player who has overcome the longest odds. It reinforces the idea that every player has a story, and every pick, no matter how late, holds potential. We love to see that, don't we?

It's a reminder that football is a game of passion, where every individual contributes to the team's spirit and performance. The tradition of "Mr. Irrelevant" adds a human touch to the often-intense business of professional sports, making it more relatable and enjoyable for everyone watching. It just goes to show, you know, that there's always something to celebrate, even at the very end.

The story of "Mr. Irrelevant" is a wonderful part of NFL lore, a testament to perseverance and the power of a unique tradition. It reminds us that being "the last to be chosen" is far from the end; it's often just the beginning of a remarkable journey. We hope you enjoyed learning about this special part of the NFL Draft. To learn more about NFL Draft history on our site, and to link to this page player stories, check out our other articles. You can also visit NFL.com for more official information on the draft and its rich history.

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