What Is The Last Person Picked In The NFL Draft Called?
Every year, millions of football fans watch with keen interest as the National Football League Draft unfolds. It is a massive event, truly, where teams choose new talent from college ranks. Dreams come true for hundreds of young athletes, as their names are announced, one after another, across seven rounds. Yet, there is a special kind of attention, a unique spotlight, that falls upon just one particular selection. This pick, the one that happens after all the others, has a story and a name all its own. It is a moment that signifies the very end of a long process, the absolute final choice in a multi-day spectacle.
You see, while most of the focus often rests on the early selections, the first-rounders who are expected to change a team's fortunes right away, there is a certain charm to the athlete chosen at the very close of the whole event. This person, in a way, represents the last bit of hope, the ultimate long shot, for teams still looking to add someone to their roster. It is a position that, perhaps surprisingly, carries with it a good deal of history and a special kind of honor, really.
The journey to the NFL is incredibly tough for anyone, and for the individual who hears their name called when no one else is left, it is a truly memorable occasion. This final selection, the last athlete to be chosen from a massive pool of hopefuls, has a specific title that has become quite famous over the years. It is a name that captures both the humor and the perseverance tied to being the absolute final choice in a long, drawn-out selection process. So, what is the last person picked in the NFL Draft called? Let us find out.
Table of Contents
- The Unique Title: Mr. Irrelevant
- More Than Just a Name
- The Last Pick: A Look at Recent History
- The Spirit of the Draft's Final Selection
- Frequently Asked Questions About The Last Draft Pick
The Unique Title: Mr. Irrelevant
The last person picked in the NFL Draft is known by a very distinctive name: "Mr. Irrelevant." This title, which might sound a bit like a joke at first, has actually become a cherished part of draft history. It is a term that sticks with the player chosen at the very close of the entire selection event, usually the 250-something pick, depending on how many compensatory picks are awarded that year. This name, "Mr. Irrelevant," really captures the idea of being the very last one, the person chosen after everyone else has already found a team. It is a playful nod to the idea that, well, you are the last name on a very long list.
Where Did It Come From?
The whole concept of "Mr. Irrelevant" began back in 1976. It was the idea of a man named Paul Salata, who was a former NFL player himself. Salata, a wide receiver who played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Colts, came up with this lighthearted tradition. He wanted to give some recognition, a little bit of extra attention, to the final athlete selected in the draft. Before Salata's idea, the last pick would often just fade away, not getting much notice at all. He felt that the person who was the last to be chosen, the one who continued in time until the very end of the draft, deserved a moment in the spotlight, too it's almost.
Salata's vision was to make the final selection a celebratory moment, rather than just an afterthought. He understood that being the last one picked could feel a bit disheartening, so he aimed to turn it into something positive and memorable. His idea took hold, and the name "Mr. Irrelevant" stuck. It quickly became a recognized part of the draft's fabric, a quirky tradition that fans now look forward to each year. The way it has lasted, the way it has continued in time, really shows how much people appreciate this little bit of fun.
The Tradition of "Irrelevance"
What started as just a name has grown into a full-blown tradition, a very special set of events known as "Irrelevant Week." Each year, the final draft pick is invited to Newport Beach, California, Salata's hometown, for a week of celebrations. This week is filled with various activities, some of them quite humorous, all designed to honor the "Mr. Irrelevant" of that year. It is a way of saying, "Hey, you might be the last, but you are definitely not forgotten." This tradition, actually, makes the final pick stand out more than many earlier ones.
During "Irrelevant Week," the athlete receives the "Lowsman Trophy," which is a playful take on the Heisman Trophy, featuring a player fumbling a football. There are parades, golf tournaments, banquets, and even a trip to Disneyland. It is a truly unique experience, quite unlike anything any other draft pick gets to enjoy. This celebration, in some respects, turns the idea of being the "last" into a badge of honor, a fun way to begin a professional football journey. It is a testament to the idea that being the very last can, in fact, mean you are the most memorable in a different kind of way.
More Than Just a Name
While the title "Mr. Irrelevant" might suggest a lack of importance, the truth is often quite different. Many athletes who have earned this distinction have gone on to have meaningful careers in the NFL. Being the last one picked does not mean a player lacks talent or determination. Instead, it often means they are a diamond in the rough, someone who might need a bit more development or who plays a position that is not highly valued in the early rounds. Their selection, at the very end, shows that a team still sees something in them, a potential that is worth that final slot.
The journey for these players is often one of perseverance. They typically face an uphill battle to make a team's final roster, competing against higher-drafted players and undrafted free agents. Yet, their status as "Mr. Irrelevant" gives them a unique story, a built-in narrative of the underdog that can inspire both themselves and fans. It is a story about being the last to be chosen, but then proving that being last does not mean being least. This aspect, honestly, makes their stories particularly compelling.
Surprising Success Stories
Over the years, a good number of "Mr. Irrelevants" have defied expectations, proving that the last pick can, in fact, make a significant impact. Some have gone on to play multiple seasons, become starters, or even win Super Bowls. These stories are a powerful reminder that draft position is not the only thing that matters; hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck also play a huge part. The fact that someone who was the very last to be chosen can achieve such things is truly inspiring, you know.
One notable example is Marty Moore, who was the 1994 "Mr. Irrelevant" chosen by the New England Patriots. He played linebacker and went on to have a nine-year NFL career, winning a Super Bowl with the Patriots in 2002. Another great story is Ryan Succop, the kicker picked last by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009. He had a very long and successful career, playing over a decade in the league and also winning a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. These athletes, picked at the very end, showed remarkable staying power, really.
Perhaps the most famous "Mr. Irrelevant" in recent memory is Brock Purdy, the quarterback picked by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2022 NFL Draft. Purdy, the 262nd and final pick, was thrust into a starting role due to injuries and performed exceptionally well, leading his team deep into the playoffs. His rise from being the last chosen to a starting quarterback in a very short time captured the imagination of many. His story is a powerful example of how the "last" pick can sometimes turn out to be incredibly important, a true game-changer, in a way.
What Happens After Being Picked?
Once "Mr. Irrelevant" is chosen, the real work begins. Like all other draft picks, they sign a contract with their new team, though typically for a smaller amount than those picked earlier. They then join their teammates for rookie minicamps, organized team activities (OTAs), and training camp. This is where they have to prove themselves, just like everyone else. The "Irrelevant Week" festivities are fun, but the serious business of professional football starts right after.
The pressure is certainly on, as teams have limited roster spots. For the last pick, every practice rep, every preseason game snap, is an opportunity to show coaches they belong. They often have to contribute on special teams or fill a specific niche role to earn a spot. It is a challenging path, no doubt, but the unique spotlight of being "Mr. Irrelevant" can sometimes give them a bit more visibility, a slight edge in getting noticed. Their ability to last, to continue to perform, is what truly matters.
The Last Pick: A Look at Recent History
The tradition of "Mr. Irrelevant" continues to thrive each year, bringing a fun close to the NFL Draft. As of the 2024 NFL Draft, the most recent "Mr. Irrelevant" was Jaylen Key, a safety from Alabama, chosen by the New York Jets with the 257th pick. Each year, fans and media alike wait to see who will be the final name called, eager to learn about their story and see if they can beat the odds. It is a moment that signifies the very end of the selection process, the final athlete to be welcomed into the league.
The selection of the last player often comes with a bit of fanfare, with television cameras focusing on the moment and commentators sharing some facts about the player. It is a nice way to wrap up the draft, giving everyone a final player to root for, a kind of underdog hero. This consistent attention, year after year, shows how deeply this tradition has woven itself into the fabric of the NFL Draft. It is a moment that, in its own way, is just as important as the first pick, representing the full scope of talent chosen.
Notable Mr. Irrelevant Athletes
Beyond the stories of Marty Moore, Ryan Succop, and Brock Purdy, many other "Mr. Irrelevant" players have made their mark in the NFL. For instance, John Tuggle, the 1983 "Mr. Irrelevant," played running back for the New York Giants and won the team's Rookie of the Year award. He had a short but impactful career before health issues forced him to retire. Another is Bill Butts, the very first "Mr. Irrelevant" in 1976, chosen by the Baltimore Colts. While his NFL career was brief, he holds the distinction of starting the entire tradition.
These stories, and many others, highlight the unexpected journeys that can begin with the very last pick. They are a testament to the fact that talent can be found anywhere, and that passion and hard work can overcome any perceived disadvantage. The history of "Mr. Irrelevant" is rich with tales of determination, showing that being the last one chosen does not define a player's potential or their ability to contribute to a team. It is a story that, quite literally, continues to unfold each season, year after year.
The Spirit of the Draft's Final Selection
The "Mr. Irrelevant" tradition embodies a truly unique spirit within the highly competitive world of professional sports. It is a celebration of the underdog, a nod to the idea that every single player chosen, no matter their draft position, has earned their spot. This final pick reminds everyone that the draft is not just about the superstars at the top; it is also about the depth of talent, the hidden gems, and the players who are willing to fight for their chance. The fact that someone is chosen last, that they are the very end of the line, makes their story all the more compelling, you know.
It also reflects a broader human truth: that being last in a sequence does not mean being insignificant. Just as the last day of the year, December 31st, holds its own special meaning, or the last line on a page completes a thought, the last pick in the draft has a distinct place. It marks the conclusion of one phase and the beginning of another for hundreds of young men. This tradition, in a way, shows that every person has value, and every opportunity, even the last one, can be seized. It is a message that resonates far beyond the football field, really.
The continued popularity of "Mr. Irrelevant" shows how much people appreciate stories of perseverance and unexpected success. It adds a touch of humor and humility to an event that can sometimes feel very serious and high-stakes. This tradition ensures that the athlete chosen at the very end of the draft gets a memorable start to their professional career, turning what might have been an overlooked moment into something truly special. It is a fantastic way to cap off the entire selection process, offering a final cheer for the athlete who hears their name called when all others have been spoken.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Last Draft Pick
People often have questions about this special draft position. Here are some common ones:
Is "Mr. Irrelevant" always a player who does not do well in the NFL?
Not at all. While many last picks do not make a long-term impact, quite a few have gone on to have very successful careers. The title is more about the position in the draft order, being the very last, rather than a prediction of their professional future. Some have even become starters or won major championships, showing that being the last chosen does not mean they lack talent.
How many picks are usually in the NFL Draft, and is "Mr. Irrelevant" always the same pick number?
The NFL Draft typically has seven rounds, with each team getting one pick per round, making for around 224 regular picks. However, the exact number of total picks changes each year due to compensatory picks, which are extra selections awarded to teams for losing certain free agents. So, the "Mr. Irrelevant" pick number varies, but it is always the absolute last pick in the entire draft, the one that comes after all others, usually somewhere in the 250s.
What is the "Lowsman Trophy" that "Mr. Irrelevant" receives?
The Lowsman Trophy is a humorous award given to "Mr. Irrelevant" during "Irrelevant Week." It is a playful parody of the prestigious Heisman Trophy, which is awarded to the most outstanding player in college football. The Lowsman Trophy features a football player fumbling a football, symbolizing the lighthearted and self-deprecating nature of the "Mr. Irrelevant" tradition. It is a unique keepsake for the last player chosen, a fun way to remember their special selection.
You can learn more about the history of the NFL Draft's final picks on NFL.com. Learn more about football history on our site, and link to this page to understand the full NFL Draft process.
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