"Mr. Irrelevant: An Ode To The Underdog"

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His name isn't announced, he doesn't receive a huge contract and he isn't even promised a roster spot. He is "Mr. Irrelevant" the last pick of the NFL Draft. I feel it's time he received his 15 minutes even if it is from a amateur writer.

The award was created in 1976 by Paul Salata an ex-NFL WR. He created the award as a way of recognizing the last man selected. He also created Irrelevant Week, a time where the player and his family are treated to a weekend in the player's honor.

The title was first awarded after the 1976 NFL Draft to Kelvin Kirk a WR picked by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The most recent "winner" was Ryan Succop a kicker picked by the Chiefs. Every "winner" is given the Lowsman Trophy which mimics the Heisman Trophy except the player is fumbling the ball.

These players are usually guys from small schools, didn't have the production, size, skill set or just didn't fall into the "formula" NFL Scouts use to judge talent. That doesn't mean they weren't relevant in college. Last year's "winner" David Vobora was a standout LB for Idaho.

Now contrary to popular belief being picked last does not ensure NFL obscurity. There are a number of players who have had successful careers or contributed to their teams in some way. In fact Mr. Irrelevant 1978 Bill Kenney was selected to a Pro Bowl after setting team records in passing yards and completions. He is the only one to be selected to a Pro Bowl.

They're the underdogs of the draft. They did just enough to be drafted but not enough avoid this "honor". You won't find their names in the history books and you won't hear much from them on ESPN. But the fact of the matter is they were drafted and doesn't that mean something?

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