What Did Brock Purdy Get For Being Mr. Irrelevant?

Have you ever thought about what it means to be the very last pick in the NFL Draft? It sounds, well, a bit disheartening, doesn't it? For years, that final selection has carried the quirky, some might say, almost ironic title of "Mr. Irrelevant." This label, honestly, kind of suggests a player won't make much of a splash, or that their professional football dreams are, you know, basically over before they even start.

Yet, sometimes, a label can be really misleading. Just as some concepts are often misunderstood or portrayed incorrectly in popular media, the "Mr. Irrelevant" tag can sometimes overshadow the true potential of a player. Brock Purdy, the quarterback who was the 262nd and final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has certainly shown us this in a big way. He really turned that old idea on its head, didn't he?

So, people often ask, what exactly did Brock Purdy get for being Mr. Irrelevant? Was it just a funny title and a pat on the back? Or did he actually get something more? We're going to look closely at his journey, the things he received, and how he basically redefined what "irrelevant" can truly mean in the world of professional sports, you know, in a very real sense.

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Table of Contents

• Brock Purdy: A Quick Look
  • Personal Details
• The "Mr. Irrelevant" Tradition: What Does It Mean?
  • A Unique NFL Draft Moment
  • The Irrelevant Week Celebration
• Brock Purdy's Path to the Draft
  • College Days at Iowa State
  • Draft Day: The 262nd Pick
• What Did Brock Purdy Actually Get?
  • The Rookie Contract: Money and Structure
  • Beyond the Contract: The "Mr. Irrelevant" Perks
  • The Unexpected Opportunity
• From Last Pick to Starting Quarterback
  • The Rookie Season Surprise
  • Year Two: Proving the Doubters Wrong
• The True Value of Being Mr. Irrelevant
  • More Than Just Money
  • A Story for the Ages
• Looking Ahead: Purdy's Future and the Legacy of "Irrelevant"
  • Sustaining Success
  • Inspiration for Future Underdogs
• FAQs
  • What is "Mr. Irrelevant" in the NFL Draft?
  • How much does the last pick in the NFL Draft make?
  • Has any "Mr. Irrelevant" become a successful NFL player?

Brock Purdy: A Quick Look

Before we look at what he got, it helps to know a little about Brock Purdy himself. He's a quarterback who played college football at Iowa State. He was a pretty good player there, actually, setting several school records. His journey to the NFL was, you know, a bit different than some of the top prospects.

Personal Details

The "Mr. Irrelevant" Tradition: What Does It Mean?

The "Mr. Irrelevant" tradition started back in 1976. It was the idea of Paul Salata, a former NFL player. He wanted to celebrate the last player picked in the NFL Draft, you know, to give them a moment in the spotlight. It's a way of saying, "Hey, we see you too!" It's quite a unique thing, really, in sports.

A Unique NFL Draft Moment

Every year, the NFL Draft gets a lot of attention. Everyone talks about the first-round picks, the big names, the guys who are going to make millions right away. But then, as the draft goes on, you know, the excitement tends to die down a bit. That is, until the very last pick. That's when "Mr. Irrelevant" gets his moment. It’s a little bit of fun, really, at the end of a very long process.

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The Irrelevant Week Celebration

Being "Mr. Irrelevant" comes with some pretty cool perks, actually, beyond just the draft pick itself. The player gets invited to "Irrelevant Week" in Newport Beach, California. This week is full of events, parties, and even a trip to Disneyland. They get a trophy called the "Lowsman Trophy," which is a funny take on the Heisman Trophy, showing a player fumbling a ball. It's all in good fun, and it really highlights the player in a very special way, you know?

Brock Purdy's Path to the Draft

Brock Purdy's college career was quite impressive. He played four seasons at Iowa State. He became the starting quarterback as a true freshman, which is pretty rare. He set many school records, like career passing yards and career passing touchdowns. Despite his college success, he wasn't considered a top prospect for the NFL Draft. This is a bit surprising to some, really.

College Days at Iowa State

At Iowa State, Purdy showed a lot of toughness and leadership. He played in many big games and often performed well under pressure. He was known for his ability to extend plays and make throws on the run. His arm strength was sometimes questioned by scouts, and his size was seen as a slight concern, too. Still, he was a very productive college quarterback, as a matter of fact.

Draft Day: The 262nd Pick

On draft day in 2022, many rounds went by. Team after team picked their players. Finally, in the seventh round, with the very last pick, the San Francisco 49ers selected Brock Purdy. He became the 47th "Mr. Irrelevant." It's a moment that many players would feel a bit down about, but for Purdy, it was just the beginning. He was picked, and that was the main thing, you know?

What Did Brock Purdy Actually Get?

So, what did Brock Purdy actually get for being the final pick? Well, like any drafted player, he got a contract. This contract is based on the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, which sets out rookie pay scales. He also received the unique benefits that come with the "Mr. Irrelevant" title. But perhaps the biggest thing he got was an opportunity, a very real chance, actually.

The Rookie Contract: Money and Structure

Brock Purdy signed a four-year rookie contract with the San Francisco 49ers. This is pretty standard for all drafted players. His contract was worth around $3.7 million over four years. This included a signing bonus of about $77,000. For a seventh-round pick, this is a pretty typical amount. It's not the massive sums that first-round picks get, but it's still a significant amount of money, you know?

The contract also had a base salary for each year. For his rookie year in 2022, his base salary was around $705,000. These figures are pretty much set for all players picked at his spot. It’s a fixed scale, more or less. So, financially, he got what any last pick would get, which is a fair starting point for a professional athlete.

Beyond the Contract: The "Mr. Irrelevant" Perks

Beyond the actual contract money, Purdy received all the special treatment that comes with being "Mr. Irrelevant." This included the trip to Newport Beach for "Irrelevant Week." He got to attend various events, meet fans, and receive the "Lowsman Trophy." It’s a very public and celebrated moment, something that other late-round picks don't necessarily get. This attention is pretty unique, you know?

He also received a lot of media attention, actually, just for being the last pick. This attention, while initially about the novelty of the title, later became about his incredible play. This kind of spotlight can be quite valuable for a young player. It can open doors for endorsements and public appearances down the road. So, it's not just about the money in his contract, in a way.

The Unexpected Opportunity

Perhaps the most valuable thing Brock Purdy got was an unexpected chance to play. The 49ers had two quarterbacks ahead of him on the depth chart. Trey Lance was the starter, and Jimmy Garoppolo was the backup. Purdy was essentially the third-string quarterback, a developmental player. His path to playing time seemed very, very long, didn't it?

But then, injuries happened. First, Trey Lance got hurt early in the season. Jimmy Garoppolo stepped in. Then, Garoppolo also got injured. Suddenly, Brock Purdy, Mr. Irrelevant, was thrown into action. This was the biggest thing he received: the opportunity to show what he could do on the field. It was a chance that most last picks never get, you know, a very rare situation.

From Last Pick to Starting Quarterback

What Purdy did with that opportunity is what truly sets him apart. He didn't just fill in; he excelled. He led the 49ers on an incredible run, winning games and taking them deep into the playoffs. It was a story that captured the attention of the entire football world. People were genuinely amazed, actually.

The Rookie Season Surprise

In his rookie season, Purdy took over the starting job in December 2022. He won all five of his regular-season starts. He led the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game. He showed poise, accuracy, and leadership far beyond what anyone expected from a seventh-round rookie. He played like a seasoned veteran, which was quite something to see, really. He really proved himself, in fact.

Year Two: Proving the Doubters Wrong

His second season, 2023, was even more impressive. He started the season as the clear starter. He continued to play at a high level, leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl. He broke franchise records for passing yards in a single season. He earned Pro Bowl honors, which is a huge accomplishment for any player, let alone a former "Mr. Irrelevant." He really showed everyone, you know?

The True Value of Being Mr. Irrelevant

So, what did Brock Purdy get? He got a standard rookie contract, the fun "Irrelevant Week" experience, and a quirky trophy. But the real gains for him go far beyond those things. He gained something much more valuable: respect, recognition, and a chance to rewrite his own story. It's a pretty inspiring tale, honestly.

More Than Just Money

While his initial contract was modest, Purdy's performance has significantly increased his future earning potential. When his current contract is up, he'll be in line for a much larger deal. He also gained invaluable experience playing in high-pressure situations. This experience is something money can't buy, you know, it's very important for a quarterback's growth. He also got the admiration of fans and teammates, which is priceless.

A Story for the Ages

Brock Purdy got to create one of the most compelling underdog stories in recent NFL history. He went from the last pick to a starting quarterback in the NFC Championship and then a Super Bowl. This story inspires many people, not just football fans. It shows that where you start doesn't always determine where you end up. It's a powerful message, really, about perseverance. You can learn more about underdog stories on our site.

Looking Ahead: Purdy's Future and the Legacy of "Irrelevant"

Brock Purdy's journey is far from over. He's now a key player for a Super Bowl contender. His future looks very bright, and he continues to prove that he belongs among the league's best. His story will likely be told for many years to come. It's quite a legacy he's building, you know?

Sustaining Success

For Purdy, the next step is to sustain his high level of play. He needs to show that his success wasn't just a flash in the pan. The pressure will be on him to continue leading the 49ers to wins. But given what he's done so far, it seems he's up to the challenge. He really has a knack for proving people wrong, in a way.

Inspiration for Future Underdogs

Brock Purdy's story gives hope to every player who isn't a top draft pick. It shows that talent and determination can overcome draft status. He's redefined what "Mr. Irrelevant" means, turning it into a badge of honor rather than a joke. His success highlights that the NFL Draft is just the beginning, not the end, of a player's journey. It's pretty inspiring, honestly, for anyone with big dreams. For more articles like this, check out our other articles.

FAQs

What is "Mr. Irrelevant" in the NFL Draft?

The term "Mr. Irrelevant" refers to the very last player selected in the annual NFL Draft. This tradition began in 1976. It was created to give special recognition and a moment in the spotlight to the player chosen with the final pick. It's a fun way to end the draft, you know, celebrating every player who makes it to the league.

How much does the last pick in the NFL Draft make?

The last pick in the NFL Draft receives a standard four-year rookie contract. The value of this contract is determined by the NFL's collective bargaining agreement. For Brock Purdy, as the 262nd pick in 2022, his contract was worth about $3.7 million over four years, including a signing bonus of around $77,000. So, it's a set amount, pretty much, for that draft spot.

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

Yes, Brock Purdy is a prime example of a "Mr. Irrelevant" who became a very successful NFL player. While many last picks don't have long careers, a few others have had some success. For instance, Ryan Succop, a kicker, was Mr. Irrelevant in 2009 and played many seasons, even winning a Super Bowl. But Purdy's rise to a starting quarterback and Super Bowl appearance is quite possibly the most remarkable story among them, you know, truly exceptional. You can find more details about past Mr. Irrelevants on the official NFL website, for example, here.