With the 257th and final pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected cornerback Kobee Minor from the University of Memphis. As the last player selected in the draft, Minor joins one of the most unique fraternities in sports and becomes the newest man to earn the nickname “Mr. Irrelevant.” “I love it. I’ve never been a highly recruited guy. I’ve never been one of the top guys so really this isn’t anything new to me,” Minor said on a video call shortly after being drafted by the Patriots. “I am just going to go out here and do what I got to do, put my head down and grind like I always been.” A fifth-year senior, Minor finished his collegiate career with the Memphis Tigers after initially playing for the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Indiana Hoosiers. Last season, Minor has 38 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and six pass deflections for the Tigers. While the final pick in the draft doesn’t always enjoy great success on the field, there are plenty of other perks that come with the dubious honor. In 1976, the late Paul Salata, who himself had been a 10th round draft pick in 1951, decided that he wanted to give the last draft pick something to smile about. He invited the 487th pick Kelvin Kirk to Newport Beach in California and the concept of “Mr Irrelevant” was born. It’s since become one of the most endearing concepts in sports. The event known as “Irrelevant Week” is now run by Salata’s daughter, Melanie Salata-Fitch, who was in Green Bay to announce Minor’s selection on Saturday. Salata-Finch told CNN that planning for the week begins from backstage as soon as the draft is over. Irrelevant Week takes place in Newport Beach, featuring a parade in honor of the draftee, a “roast and toast” dinner and a golf tournament. The festivities are tailored to each athlete, and they are encouraged to submit a wish list. There are VIP trips to Disneyland and the Playboy Mansion, players have met celebrities like Will Farrell and Jimmy Kimmel and driven the cars of their dreams. At the end of the week, the players leave Newport Beach with more than just fond memories. Stuffed into their luggage is the Lowsman Trophy, a tongue in cheek reference to the Heisman Trophy given to the best NCAA player every season. The player on the trophy is depicted fumbling the ball. But occasionally Mr. Irrelevant has found success on the football field. San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy, Mr. Irrelevant in 2022, had an immediate impact for the 49ers. In his rookie season, he was pressed into the starting role due to injuries and engineered a five-game winning streak that was instrumental in the team’s run the NFC Championship game that year. The next season, Purdy earned the starting quarterback role and led the team to a Super Bowl appearance, where the 49ers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime. Another notable Mr. Irrelevant was kicker Ryan Succop, the final pick in the 2009 draft by the Chiefs. Succop went on the enjoy a 14-year NFL career, winning a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. Following his selection, Minor posted on his Instagram story, “Mr. Irrelevant. I’ll take it.” Time will tell what awaits for Minor in his NFL career, but it’s sure to be an exciting ride for the Dallas, Texas, native.
New England Patriots make Kobee Minor this year’s ‘Mr. Irrelevant’
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"New England Patriots Select Kobee Minor as Final Pick of 2025 NFL Draft"
CNN
8.0
TruthLens AI Summary
In a notable conclusion to the 2025 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected cornerback Kobee Minor from the University of Memphis with the 257th and final pick, earning him the title 'Mr. Irrelevant.' This designation, which humorously refers to the last player chosen in the draft, has become a celebrated tradition in the NFL. Minor, a fifth-year senior, has had a diverse collegiate career, having previously played for Texas Tech and Indiana before finishing his tenure with the Memphis Tigers. Throughout his final season, he showcased his skills with a total of 38 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and six pass deflections. Expressing his excitement about the selection, Minor remarked that he has always been accustomed to not being among the top recruits, indicating that he is ready to embrace the opportunity and work hard to prove himself in the league.
The 'Mr. Irrelevant' title, initially created by the late Paul Salata in 1976, has evolved into a unique celebration known as 'Irrelevant Week.' This week-long event includes various festivities held in Newport Beach, California, designed to honor the last draft pick. Activities include a parade, a dinner called 'roast and toast,' and a golf tournament, all tailored to the player's preferences. Previous participants have enjoyed experiences such as VIP trips to Disneyland and interactions with celebrities. At the conclusion of the week, the draftee receives the Lowsman Trophy, a playful nod to the Heisman Trophy, featuring a player depicted fumbling the ball. While the final pick does not always achieve great success in the NFL, some, like Brock Purdy and Ryan Succop, have made significant impacts. As Kobee Minor embarks on his NFL journey, he shared his enthusiasm on social media, indicating he is ready to take on the challenge and make the most of his opportunity as 'Mr. Irrelevant.'With determination and hard work, Minor hopes to prove that being the last pick can lead to a remarkable career in professional football.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The selection of Kobee Minor as “Mr. Irrelevant” by the New England Patriots highlights a unique aspect of sports culture, particularly in the NFL. This event is not just about the player; it reflects a broader narrative about underdogs and perseverance in the face of adversity. The choice of Minor, who has never been among the top recruits, reinforces themes of hard work and determination.
Cultural Significance of “Mr. Irrelevant”
The concept of “Mr. Irrelevant” has evolved since its inception in 1976, serving as a light-hearted recognition of the last pick in the NFL Draft. This tradition, established by Paul Salata, now includes celebratory events that highlight the achievement despite the pick’s low status. Kobee Minor’s response to his selection indicates his acceptance of the label and his commitment to prove himself, which is a relatable narrative for many athletes and fans alike.
Public Perception and Community Impact
This news aims to foster a sense of community and celebration around the underdog story. By highlighting Minor’s journey, the article seeks to inspire young athletes who may not be top recruits but still aspire to succeed. The event surrounding “Irrelevant Week” not only honors Minor but also engages fans, promoting a more inclusive atmosphere within sports.
Potential Distractions and Context
While the article celebrates Minor's achievement, it may also serve as a distraction from ongoing issues within the NFL, such as player health concerns, contract disputes, or broader discussions about inclusivity in sports. By focusing on a light-hearted narrative, the article diverts attention from these more serious topics.
Reliability and Manipulative Aspects
The news appears reliable, with factual information regarding the draft and Kobee Minor's background. However, it does carry a subtle manipulative quality in how it frames the “Mr. Irrelevant” title as a positive honor. While it celebrates the idea of perseverance, it glosses over the reality that many final picks do not succeed in the league. This framing can create an overly optimistic view of a situation that is often challenging for many athletes.
Connection to Broader Trends
This story connects to wider trends in sports media that focus on personal narratives and the human side of athletes. It resonates particularly with audiences who appreciate stories of resilience and overcoming odds. The article may appeal more to younger audiences and local Memphis fans familiar with Minor’s collegiate journey.
Implications for Markets and Public Sentiment
While this news itself may not directly impact stock markets or financial sectors, it reinforces the branding of the New England Patriots as a team that values every member, which can influence merchandise sales and fan engagement. The narrative surrounding Minor could apply pressure on other teams to embrace similar underdog stories.
Geopolitical Relevance
The article does not have significant implications for global power dynamics. However, it reflects sports culture in the U.S., where narratives about achievement and success are central to national identity. The attention given to such stories may also serve to distract from more pressing socio-political issues.
Use of AI in Reporting
It is possible that AI tools were used in the crafting of this article, particularly in structuring the narrative and ensuring clarity. However, the emotional depth and personal quotes suggest a human touch in the reporting process. If AI was utilized, it likely assisted in organizing the information and enhancing the storytelling aspect.
In conclusion, while the news about Kobee Minor as “Mr. Irrelevant” is largely a feel-good story, it serves multiple purposes—celebrating the underdog, fostering community, and potentially distracting from more significant issues in the NFL. The reliability of the article is strong, yet it is essential to recognize the underlying narratives that shape public perception.