Has Mr. Irrelevant Ever Won A Super Bowl? The Unlikely Path To NFL Glory

Valentine Luettgen 25 Jul 2025

The NFL draft, with all its excitement and anticipation, often brings a special kind of attention to the very last player chosen. This player, so often overlooked, gets given a rather unique title: “Mr. Irrelevant.” It’s an honor, in a way, but it also carries a bit of a question mark about future success. For a long time, people have wondered if someone picked so late in the draft could ever really make a big splash, especially when it comes to the sport’s ultimate prize, the Super Bowl.

You see, the particular term refers to the very last draft pick of every NFL draft class, and it’s a moniker that suggests long odds. The odds are always stacked against "Mr. Irrelevant," the last player selected in the NFL draft, so it’s natural to wonder if any of them have managed to defy those expectations. Only a select few have really gone on to make a name for themselves, which, in some respects, makes their stories even more compelling.

Over the past couple of seasons, we’ve actually witnessed the truly remarkable rise of a player who was nicknamed ‘Mr. Irrelevant.’ He’s now been just one win away from getting a Super Bowl ring, sparking a lot of talk and curiosity about the history of this special title. This has, in a way, brought the whole question of whether a “Mr. Irrelevant” has ever won the Super Bowl right back into the spotlight.

What Exactly is "Mr. Irrelevant"?
The Early Days and Super Bowl Appearances
- Marty Moore: The First to Play
The First "Mr. Irrelevant" Super Bowl Winner
- Ryan Succop: A Kicker Makes History
Brock Purdy's Incredible Journey
Mr. Irrelevant and the Future

What Exactly is "Mr. Irrelevant"?

Since 1976, the name "Mr. Irrelevant™" has labeled a player who, to many, had very little chance for NFL success, or so it seemed. The particular term, as we know, refers to the last draft pick of every NFL draft class, a player selected right at the very end of the long process. It’s a tradition that, in a way, highlights the underdog spirit of the game.

For a good while, the perception was that these players were unlikely to stick around in the league, let alone make a meaningful impact. Yet, in recent years, that perception has actually changed quite a bit. It's almost as if some of these "Irrelevants™" have risen up, more or less, to prove all the doubters wrong, showing everyone that a late pick doesn't always mean a short career. They've certainly made their mark, which is pretty cool.

Some of these players have even made it all the way to the Super Bowl, which is a truly remarkable achievement for anyone, let alone someone picked last. The very idea that a player could go from being the final selection to playing on the sport’s biggest stage is, in a way, a testament to sheer determination and hard work. It just goes to show you, sometimes the biggest surprises come from the most unexpected places.

The Early Days and Super Bowl Appearances

The journey of "Mr. Irrelevant" players to the Super Bowl has been a slow but steady one, with a few notable individuals breaking through the initial expectations. Before recent times, the idea of a last pick even making it to the big game was, honestly, quite a rare occurrence. It really took a special kind of player to get there, a player who just kept pushing forward.

According to Salata’s daughter, Melanie Fitch, only two "Mr. Irrelevants" had played in the Super Bowl as of a certain point in time, which is actually a very small number considering how many drafts there have been. This fact alone underscores just how difficult it is for any player, let alone the last pick, to reach that level of competition. It’s a tough road, you know?

Marty Moore: The First to Play

In 1994, Marty Moore was drafted last in the league by the New England Patriots, and he actually went on to play in the 1996 season Super Bowl. This was a significant moment, as Moore was the first "Mr. Irrelevant" to play in a Super Bowl, a very big step for players with that moniker. His presence in the game, in a way, showed that it was possible for these late picks to reach the pinnacle of the sport.

However, despite his incredible achievement of reaching the Super Bowl, Moore’s team, the New England Patriots, lost to the Green Bay Packers in that game. So, while he did make history by playing, he didn't, in fact, hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy that day. His appearance still stands as a truly important milestone for the "Mr. Irrelevant" legacy, demonstrating that the nickname didn't mean an automatic end to a player's dreams.

The First "Mr. Irrelevant" Super Bowl Winner

For many years, the question lingered: Has "Mr. Irrelevant" ever won a Super Bowl? Despite several "Mr. Irrelevant" selections making it to the Super Bowl, none had been the primary contributor to a championship team, which is a pretty important distinction. It really felt like a big hurdle that had yet to be cleared, a sort of final frontier for these underdog players.

As of the knowledge cutoff date in September 2021, no "Mr. Irrelevant" player had won a Super Bowl as a prominent member of the team, or so it seemed. This detail is crucial because it highlights that simply being on a roster for a winning team isn't quite the same as actively contributing to that victory. The search for a true "Mr. Irrelevant" champion continued, as a matter of fact.

Ryan Succop: A Kicker Makes History

Then, the answer finally came, and it was a kicker who made history. "Mr. Irrelevant" has, in fact, won the Super Bowl, and the honor belongs to Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Ryan Succop. He was the last player off the board in the 2009 NFL Draft, earning him the famous moniker. His win, basically, changed the narrative for good.

He proceeded to win Super Bowl LV with the team, becoming the second "Mr. Irrelevant" to win an NFL championship, which is quite an achievement. What's more, he was the first to play and win a Super Bowl as a starter and an active player, which is a very important detail. His contribution as a kicker was, you know, integral to the Buccaneers' success, truly cementing his place in history.

Succop's victory was a significant moment for all those who believe in the underdog story, demonstrating that even the very last pick can play a vital role in a championship team. It showed that the "Mr. Irrelevant" title doesn't define a player's potential, but rather, in a way, marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey. His success really paved the way for others, you could say.

Brock Purdy's Incredible Journey

Brock Purdy's NFL journey has been unlike almost any player before him, a truly meteoric rise that captured the attention of fans everywhere. He was selected as the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, earning him the moniker "Mr. Irrelevant," a title he has, quite remarkably, transformed into something else entirely. His story is, you know, a very compelling one.

As his San Francisco 49ers prepared for the 2024 Super Bowl, it was, in a way, worth asking the question again: Is Brock Purdy the first "Mr. Irrelevant" to play in the NFL's biggest game? The answer, as we’ve learned, is no, but his story adds another fascinating layer to the history of these special players. He's really changed the conversation, hasn't he?

From Last Pick to Starting QB

Purdy has undergone a truly meteoric rise from "Mr. Irrelevant" as the final pick of the 2022 draft to an MVP finalist and starting quarterback in the Super Bowl. This is Purdy's first full season as a starter, and he has helped advance his team to the Super Bowl, becoming the first "Mr. Irrelevant" quarterback to ever start in a Super Bowl. That's a pretty big deal, actually.

His performance has, in a way, defied all expectations for a player drafted so late, especially at the quarterback position, which is arguably the most important on the field. The journey from the very last pick to leading a team to the Super Bowl as a starting quarterback is a story that, you know, captures the imagination of so many people. It’s just incredible to witness, really.

Purdy's Super Bowl Appearance

The San Francisco 49ers and Brock Purdy were gearing up to take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LVIII, which was a very highly anticipated matchup. If the 49ers beat the Chiefs, Purdy would not become the first “Mr. Irrelevant” to win the Super Bowl, as we've already discussed. He would, in fact, be the third, following in the footsteps of others who came before him.

This clarifies that "Mr. Irrelevant" won the Super Bowl before Purdy was even selected as the last pick of the 2022 NFL draft. While Purdy's story is undeniably special, especially as a starting quarterback, it's important to recognize the history that precedes him. His journey, you know, adds another exciting chapter to the ongoing narrative of the "Mr. Irrelevant" players.

The Impact of Purdy's Rise

Brock Purdy's success has, in a way, brought a fresh wave of attention to the "Mr. Irrelevant" title, changing the perception of what these players can achieve. His journey from being the very last pick to a Super Bowl starting quarterback is a powerful reminder that talent and determination can emerge from anywhere in the draft. It’s a story that, you know, resonates with so many people who love an underdog.

His performance has also highlighted that despite the nickname's implications, several "Mr. Irrelevant" players have gone on to have successful NFL careers, not just those who made it to the Super Bowl. It really shows that the draft position doesn't always dictate a player's potential, which is pretty cool. The league is full of surprises, and these players are, you know, a great example of that.

Mr. Irrelevant and the Future

The history of "Mr. Irrelevant" players in Super Bowl history shows a progression from simply playing in the big game to actually winning it, and now, to starting as a quarterback in it. This evolution suggests that the perception of the last draft pick is continually changing, becoming, in a way, a symbol of perseverance and unexpected talent. It's truly fascinating to see how things have developed.

As we look ahead, the stories of Marty Moore, Ryan Succop, and Brock Purdy will continue to inspire future "Mr. Irrelevant" selections, reminding them that their draft position is just the beginning of their professional journey. It’s a powerful message that, you know, encourages players to keep pushing, no matter where they start. The NFL, after all, is a place where anything can happen.

Read here to find out if any other "Mr. Irrelevant" hoisted the Vince Lombardi trophy, and see who made it from the bottom of the draft to play in the NFL's big game. You can learn more about NFL draft history on our site, and for more details about player journeys, check out our player profiles page. For a broader look at NFL history, you might want to visit the official NFL history page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions people often ask about "Mr. Irrelevant" and the Super Bowl:

Did any Mr. Irrelevant play in a Super Bowl before Brock Purdy?

Yes, absolutely. Marty Moore was the first “Mr. Irrelevant” to play in a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots in 1997. He played in the 1996 season Super Bowl, which is a pretty significant detail, but his team, you know, lost to the Green Bay Packers. So, Purdy isn't the first to make it to the big game.

Who was the first Mr. Irrelevant to win a Super Bowl?

The honor of being the first "Mr. Irrelevant" to win a Super Bowl belongs to Ryan Succop, the kicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was the last player off the board in the 2009 NFL Draft. He proceeded to win Super Bowl LV with his team, which is a very big achievement, becoming the second "Mr. Irrelevant" to win an NFL championship, and the first to play and win a Super Bowl as a starter and an active player. It's a truly remarkable story, you know.

Is Brock Purdy the first Mr. Irrelevant quarterback to start in a Super Bowl?

Yes, Brock Purdy has made history in this specific way. This is Purdy's first full season as a starter, and he has helped advance his team to the Super Bowl, becoming the first "Mr. Irrelevant" quarterback to ever start in a Super Bowl. While other "Mr. Irrelevants" have played in or even won a Super Bowl, Purdy is the first one, basically, to lead his team from the starting quarterback position in the big game. It's a very unique part of his story.

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