If you’re not first, the saying goes, you’re last. But in the case of the annual NFL draft, finishing dead last is by no means a bad thing at all. In fact, being selected as the very last guy on Saturday night provides access to a unique club and the most unlikely football fraternity, just as long as you don’t mind a seemingly demeaning title: Mr. Irrelevant. Anyone who’s been drafted by an NFL team will tell you that it’s both an exhilarating and nerve-shredding experience; sitting anxiously by the phone, waiting for it to ring and hoping that you won’t be completely overlooked. When wide receiver Ryan Hoag was drafted in 2003, the lunchroom at his liberal arts school in Minnesota was turned into a party scene. His cell phone was connected to the loudspeakers and hundreds of friends and family were in attendance. “They made a real big deal about it,” he recalled to CNN, “which was really fun until we’re six hours in and my name hasn’t been called, and now I feel awful.” In the buildup to the draft, Hoag had seen his name featured on ESPN as one of the players to watch, but as Saturday wore on, he began to lose hope. Hoag says he’d given up 15 picks before the end of the final round, but then the phone rang, and the Oakland Raiders coach Bill Callahan was on the line. “He said, ‘Would you like to be Mr. Irrelevant?’ And the whole place just went nuts,” he recalled. “It was like your team had just won the Super Bowl. Everybody just jumped up and screamed. My visceral response was to hang up the phone and celebrate with all my people.” At some point in the mayhem, Hoag’s friend and teammate drew attention to the fact that the number of his selection, 262 out of 262, came with additional benefits. “He’s like, ‘dude! I think Mr. Irrelevant wins a million dollars and a trip to Hawaii!,’” Hoag said, That wasn’t quite true, but he was about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. Hoag said that he didn’t know much about Mr. Irrelevant, but he’d at least heard of it. In 1992, when Michigan’s guard and center Matt Elliot was drafted as the 336th pick, he had no idea. “This was truly the last years before the internet,” he joked to CNN. “I think it was (Washington) coach Joe Gibbs who told me, ‘Some people from California are going to call you, it’s called Irrelevant Week. It’s gonna be fun. Just understand that it’s gonna be fun!’” Historically, most players who’d been picked last didn’t have much of a career in the NFL, in fact many never even played a game. So, in 1976, the late Paul Salata decided that he wanted to give them something to smile about. He had been a 10th round pick as a receiver in 1951, scoring four NFL touchdowns in a fleeting professional career. But his greatest contribution to the league began when he invited the 487th pick Kelvin Kirk to Newport Beach in California. “Mr Irrelevant” and “Irrelevant week” had been born; it’s since become one of the most endearing concepts in sports. “With the exception of maybe the first round,” Hoag posited, “I don’t know that anybody in their right mind would be drafted anywhere other than Mr. Irrelevant. My mom still jokes about it to this day, it was this out of body experience for our family, we were treated like royalty for the entire week.” Irrelevant Week The event is now run by Salata’s daughter, who told CNN that planning for the week begins from backstage as soon as the draft is over. Irrelevant Week takes place in Newport Beach, California, 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. “Many players have never seen the ocean before,” Melanie Pong Salata told CNN. “The player usually wants a surfing lesson, so we have famous surfers teach him while a party is happening on the beach.” 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. As a single man, Hoag appeared on “The Bachelorette” reality TV show. “I just remember sitting up there on one of those big lifeguard chairs on the beach,” quipped the 2009 Mr. Irrelevant Ryan Succop to CNN, “all these people are celebrating you and bringing you gifts and I’m kind of sitting there going, ‘Man, what in the world am I doing?’” 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 depicted is fumbling the ball. “Most people would think it’s the hollow plastic that you get at a sporting goods store,” explained Hoag. “Nah, this thing’s bronze. It’s 10 pounds. This is the real deal my friend, it’s hilarious. I love it!” A very different kind of start to a career Every Mr. Irrelevant is encouraged to show some humility and to lean into the spirit of the event, but the dubious honor doesn’t necessarily signify the end of their professional dreams. The 1994 draftee Marty Moore played alongside Tom Brady in his first Super Bowl victory in 2002. Kicker Succop played alongside Brady in his final Super Bowl triumph for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021, whilst the 262nd pick in 2022, Brock Purdy, played in the Super Bowl for the 49ers just two years later. Youngsters in the school yard might have an idea of what it’s like to be picked last – it can be humiliating. But the Mr. Irrelevants say there is no shame, because they are selected ahead of potentially a hundred other college players who aren’t selected at all. Just a few hundred players are drafted every year. “You’re more likely to be struck by lightning than drafted in the NFL,” said Hoag. “That’s pretty special.” “I didn’t really care how I got my start,” said Succop, who knew that as a kicker who’d be a late round pick at best. “It does not matter how or where you get your start, what matters is the way you prepare, and when your opportunity comes, are you ready? Use this opportunity, don’t take the irrelevant title as a negative.” Succop says that whenever he played, he always knew if there was a Mr. Irrelevant on the opposing team and they’d be sure to connect before or after the game. Many still attend the events in Newport Beach and have formed lifelong friendships, and they are always rooting for each other. Matt Elliot says he only cares about two picks in every draft these days, the first and the last. Asked to put a value on the experience and benefits of being Mr. Irrelevant, he said it was priceless. What started out as a gentle tease half a century ago has turned into something uniquely wonderful. Crediting the founder Paul Salata, Hoag said, “He was just like, let’s celebrate somebody, and do something nice for somebody, for no reason. Especially in this day and age of dog eat dog, when everything’s politicized and negative, you need more of people wanting to lift up others for no other reason. It’s nice to have a breath of fresh air.” “This is the one thing that will never happen to you again and it’s only happened to 49 people in the world, so live it up.”
The best things come to those who wait. Here’s why being Mr. Irrelevant in the NFL draft is priceless.
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"The Unique Significance of Being Mr. Irrelevant in the NFL Draft"
CNN
7.5
TruthLens AI Summary
In the context of the NFL draft, being selected as Mr. Irrelevant, or the last pick, is often seen as a badge of honor rather than a mark of failure. This unique title comes with a sense of camaraderie among the chosen athletes, who enter an exclusive club that celebrates their selection, regardless of their future in the league. The experience can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, as illustrated by Ryan Hoag, who was chosen as the 262nd pick in 2003. He recounts how the atmosphere transformed from anxious anticipation to joyous celebration when he received the call from the Oakland Raiders. The festivities surrounding Mr. Irrelevant, known as Irrelevant Week, offer a light-hearted reprieve from the pressures of professional football, allowing these players to embrace the fun side of being last. Events include parades, dinners, and unique experiences such as surfing lessons, proving that the title, while seemingly demeaning, comes with significant perks and a chance to create lasting memories.
Historically, many players drafted last have not had extensive careers in the NFL, but this does not diminish the value of their experiences. The initiative started by Paul Salata in 1976 has grown into a celebrated tradition that highlights the importance of community and support among athletes. Even though the title may carry a stigma, those who have held it often express pride and gratitude for the attention and festivities it brings. Notable players like Marty Moore and Ryan Succop have managed to carve out successful careers despite being Mr. Irrelevant, showcasing that the opportunity to play in the NFL is significant, regardless of draft position. The celebration of Mr. Irrelevant fosters lifelong friendships and a supportive network among those who have experienced this journey together. As Hoag aptly puts it, the experience is priceless, emphasizing a spirit of positivity and celebration in a competitive environment that often feels cutthroat.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article explores the intriguing narrative surrounding the concept of "Mr. Irrelevant," the title given to the last player selected in the NFL draft. It highlights the emotional rollercoaster experienced by draft hopefuls, particularly emphasizing the celebratory aspect that can accompany what is often perceived as a less-than-glamorous title. Through the story of Ryan Hoag, the piece illustrates how being Mr. Irrelevant can lead to unexpected opportunities and a sense of camaraderie among those who share this unique designation.
Purpose of the Article
The primary intention behind the publication seems to be to reshape the perception of being Mr. Irrelevant. By presenting it as a badge of honor rather than a stigma, the article aims to inspire hope and positivity among aspiring athletes who might fear being overlooked in the draft. It seeks to convey that success can come in unexpected forms, promoting a message of resilience and the value of patience.
Public Sentiment and Perception
The article fosters a sense of belonging and celebration within the sports community, particularly for those who may not be viewed as top-tier athletes. It promotes the idea that every player, regardless of their draft status, has a unique journey and story worth telling. This perspective aims to resonate with fans and aspiring players, helping them see the draft as a culmination of hard work rather than a definitive measure of worth.
Potential Concealments
While the article celebrates the positive aspects of being Mr. Irrelevant, it may downplay the challenges faced by players who go undrafted or are selected last. There is an implicit acknowledgment that the majority of athletes do not make it to the NFL, which could lead to feelings of inadequacy or disappointment. By focusing on the celebratory narrative, the article could be seen as glossing over the harsher realities of the draft process.
Truthfulness of the Content
The article appears to be based on factual accounts and personal testimonies, particularly that of Ryan Hoag. The anecdotes shared provide a genuine insight into the experiences of those drafted last. However, the embellishment of the Mr. Irrelevant title’s benefits, such as the claim of winning a million dollars and a trip to Hawaii, suggests a tendency to romanticize the experience, which could lead to misconceptions about the reality of being Mr. Irrelevant.
Connection to Other News
In the broader context, the discussion of Mr. Irrelevant may connect to larger themes in sports media, such as the narratives around success, failure, and the underdog story. This article could serve as a counter-narrative to the often harsh criticisms directed at less successful players, contributing to ongoing conversations about inclusivity and recognition within professional sports.
Impact on Society and Economy
While the article primarily focuses on the sports community, it could indirectly influence societal perceptions of success and failure. By promoting a more inclusive view of success, it may encourage young athletes to pursue their dreams despite the odds. Economically, the draft impacts numerous stakeholders, including teams, sponsors, and fans, as it shapes team dynamics and marketability.
Target Audience
The article likely appeals to a diverse range of audiences, including sports enthusiasts, aspiring athletes, and fans of underdog stories. It seeks to engage those who appreciate the emotional aspects of sports and the narratives surrounding perseverance and camaraderie.
Market Influence
While the article does not directly address stock markets or financial implications, the NFL draft is a significant event that can impact sports franchises' valuations and investment opportunities. Teams that make strategic selections often see a rise in merchandise sales and fan engagement, which can influence associated businesses.
Geopolitical Relevance
This article does not have direct geopolitical implications, as it focuses primarily on a sports narrative. However, the themes of resilience and triumph in the face of adversity resonate universally and can inspire broader discussions on perseverance across various fields.
Role of Artificial Intelligence
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence was used in the writing of this article. However, AI models could potentially assist in analyzing data, trends, or narratives in sports journalism. If AI were involved, it might have shaped the tone to be more optimistic or appealing to a wider audience, thus aligning with the article's intent to celebrate achievement.
The article's overall message is one of hope and recognition, albeit with a potential bias towards an overly positive portrayal of what being Mr. Irrelevant entails. Given its mix of factual accounts and some embellishments, the reliability of the article can be considered moderate, as it conveys an uplifting narrative while possibly glossing over the challenges faced by less fortunate players.