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What Is The Last Person Picked In The NFL Draft Called? Uncovering The Story Of Mr. Irrelevant

Elza Koch

Every year, the National Football League Draft captures the attention of sports fans everywhere. We often hear so much about the top picks, the rising stars who go first, and the promising talents set to change a team's fortunes. Yet, for all the buzz surrounding those initial selections, there is always, you know, a final choice made, bringing the marathon event to a close. This last pick, quite honestly, holds a rather unique place in the history and traditions of the draft.

It's a process that spans nearly 15 hours, with teams making hundreds of selections, one after another. While the media, as a matter of fact, tends to focus most of its energy on who will be the very first player chosen, someone, somewhere, is always going to be the very last one. This final selection might seem like a small detail, but it actually comes with its own special, slightly quirky distinction.

This player, picked with the very last choice, receives a rather infamous title, a nickname that has become a cherished part of NFL lore. It's a moniker that, in some respects, carries a touch of irony, yet it has also brought unexpected attention and even a bit of a spotlight to those who receive it. So, what exactly is this title given to the final person picked in the NFL Draft? Let's take a look.

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The Unique Title: What is the Last Person Picked in the NFL Draft Called?

The player chosen with the very last pick in the NFL Draft receives a special, well, you know, a very particular nickname: "Mr. Irrelevant." This term, or rather, this phrase, has been around for quite some time, becoming a recognized part of the draft's annual proceedings. It's a title that, in a way, playfully acknowledges the position of being the final selection among hundreds of hopeful athletes.

The "Mr. Irrelevant" nickname is given to the player selected with the final pick of an NFL Draft. This tradition, as a matter of fact, goes back to the 1976 NFL Draft. That year, the term was first coined and assigned to Kelvin Kirk, who was a wide receiver from Dayton, a college that is now an FCS program. So, it's not a new thing; it has a history that stretches back decades, making it one of the league's quirkier traditions for more than 40 years, actually.

For every NFL Draft, after all the other players have been chosen, there is always that one final name called out. That player, whoever they might be, immediately earns this distinctive, somewhat lighthearted, nickname. It's a designation that, in some respects, sets them apart from the other 256 or so players picked earlier in the draft, making their selection a bit more memorable, even if it's for being last.

The History Behind "Mr. Irrelevant"

The origins of the "Mr. Irrelevant" phrase are tied to a former USC, NFL, and CFL wide receiver named Paul Salata. He was the one who, in 1976, first came up with and coined this unique term. It was his idea to bring a bit of extra attention, and perhaps some good-natured fun, to the player who found themselves as the very last selection in the draft, which, you know, is quite a position to be in.

Over time, this nickname became so popular that it actually started to influence how teams approached the end of the draft. Apparently, some teams began trying to intentionally pick last, just so they could have the chance to draft "Mr. Irrelevant." This was because, arguably, the title brought a certain amount of media attention and a fun, unique story to their franchise, which, you know, can be a good thing for public relations.

This practice of teams trying to manipulate the draft order to get the last pick eventually led to a rule change. NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, in response to this trend, created what is known as the "Salata Rule." This rule, basically, prohibits teams from passing on a pick in order to acquire the final selection of the NFL Draft. It ensures fairness and prevents teams from deliberately trying to get that specific, final spot, keeping the draft process, you know, a bit more straightforward.

Why Being Last Can Be a Big Deal

Getting picked last in most situations, to be honest, rarely comes with many perks. Yet, when it comes to the NFL Draft, being the final selection has, surprisingly, become a rather coveted prize since 1976. While all eyes are usually fixed firmly on the top picks in the first round, there is this quiet, almost understated, award that nobody truly wants to be the first to get, but it certainly holds a unique charm.

The media, as we discussed, gives most of its attention to those highly touted players at the very beginning of the draft. However, the story of the last pick, the "Mr. Irrelevant," has a certain human appeal. It's a narrative that, in a way, resonates with people because it speaks to perseverance and the idea that every player, no matter where they are picked, has a chance to make their mark. This narrative, quite honestly, is something fans really appreciate.

Being picked last isn't always so great, you know, unless you're picked last in the NFL Draft. This quirky tradition has grown to such an extent that a jersey is actually held for "Mr. Irrelevant" each year. This small gesture, in some respects, symbolizes the unique place this player holds in the draft's history. It's a moment that, you know, celebrates every player who makes it to the professional level, even if they are the very last one called.

Notable "Mr. Irrelevants" Through the Years

The title of "Mr. Irrelevant" has been granted to a new player each year since its inception. While many players chosen with this final pick are, admittedly, often released from the team that drafted them before the regular season even begins, some have gone on to achieve surprising levels of success. This, arguably, adds another layer of intrigue to the title, making it more than just a playful nickname.

One of the most talked-about "Mr. Irrelevants" in recent memory is Brock Purdy. He was selected as "Mr. Irrelevant" in the 2022 NFL Draft. His story, to be honest, is quite remarkable. Purdy's unexpected success with the 49ers truly made the "Mr. Irrelevant" nickname more relevant than it had been in a long time. It showed that being the last pick doesn't mean you can't, you know, play a significant role in the league, perhaps even a very important one.

The 2025 NFL Draft saw Kobee Minor become the newest "Mr. Irrelevant." The New England Patriots, as a matter of fact, selected the Memphis defensive back with the 257th and final pick, officially bringing that year's draft to a close. Jaylen Key is another name mentioned in connection with the history of this famous draft slot, showing that the tradition continues to evolve with new players joining its ranks year after year.

The Journey from Last Pick to NFL Hopeful

The NFL Draft is, in essence, an annual event where teams select players to join their ranks, hoping to build a winning roster. For the vast majority of players, 256 of them, to be precise, being picked means taking a significant step towards their professional dreams. For the last player, "Mr. Irrelevant," that journey is, you know, perhaps a bit more symbolic, representing the very end of the selection process.

The draft itself is often described as a marathon, not a sprint. It's a long, drawn-out process, sometimes lasting nearly 15 hours, as teams carefully consider each pick. For the players, it's a moment of immense anticipation, regardless of where they are projected to be chosen. And for that final player, the one who becomes "Mr. Irrelevant," it's the culmination of years of hard work, even if the immediate future with the drafting team might be uncertain.

It's important to remember that while the "Mr. Irrelevant" title is fun and brings attention, the reality for many of these players is quite tough. As mentioned, players chosen with this pick are, you know, often released from the team that drafted them before the regular season even begins. However, the title itself has become a symbol of hope, showing that even the last person chosen can, arguably, find a path to success in the demanding world of professional football. You can learn more about the NFL Draft process on our site, and link to this page for more on its history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mr. Irrelevant

Who was the first "Mr. Irrelevant" in NFL Draft history?

The first player to be given the title of "Mr. Irrelevant" was Kelvin Kirk. He was a wide receiver from Dayton, and he was selected with the very last pick in the 1976 NFL Draft. That year, you know, truly started this unique and enduring tradition in the league's history.

Why is the last pick in the NFL Draft called "Mr. Irrelevant"?

The nickname "Mr. Irrelevant" was coined by Paul Salata, a former NFL and CFL player, in 1976. He created the term to bring some lighthearted attention and recognition to the final player selected in the draft. It's a playful nod to the idea that, well, you know, they are the last one chosen, but it has actually become a rather celebrated part of the draft.

Has any "Mr. Irrelevant" ever become a successful NFL player?

Yes, absolutely! While many "Mr. Irrelevants" face an uphill battle to make a roster, there have been notable exceptions. Brock Purdy, for example, who was the "Mr. Irrelevant" in the 2022 NFL Draft, went on to have significant success as a quarterback for the 49ers. His story, in a way, has shown that being the last pick certainly doesn't define a player's potential in the league.

The story of "Mr. Irrelevant" is a charming part of the NFL Draft, reminding us that every player's journey is unique. It's a title that, you know, has evolved from a simple nickname into a symbol of perseverance and the unexpected paths to professional football. So, the next time you're watching the draft, remember to keep an eye out for that very last pick, because their story, arguably, is just beginning.

For more details on the NFL Draft and its rich history, you can visit the official NFL Draft website.

Opposite wordcard for first and last 455875 Vector Art at Vecteezy

Opposite wordcard for first and last 455875 Vector Art at Vecteezy

Last Meaning - YouTube

Last Meaning - YouTube

Last Meaning | Definition of Last - YouTube

Last Meaning | Definition of Last - YouTube

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