What Is The Last Person Picked In The NFL Draft Called? The Surprising Story

Every year, football fans around the globe look forward to the NFL Draft. It's a really big event, you know, where teams pick new players who they hope will help them win games. Millions of people tune in, watching as young athletes hear their names called, sometimes changing their lives in an instant. It’s a time of fresh beginnings and high hopes for everyone involved, a true celebration of talent coming into the professional sports world.

But while most of the attention goes to the very first picks, the ones who get chosen early in the first round, there's a special kind of spotlight on another player, too. This player is picked way at the very end, and their selection often brings a unique kind of fun and tradition to the whole draft process. It's a moment that, you know, gets a lot of people talking, even if it's for different reasons than the top picks.

This final pick, the very last one, holds a rather interesting place in the history of the NFL Draft. It’s not just a random selection; there’s a specific, affectionate, and sometimes quite famous nickname that goes along with it. So, if you've ever wondered about the person chosen last, and what that honor or challenge means, you're certainly in the right place to find out all about it, at the end of the day.

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Table of Contents

• The Nickname: What is the Last Person Picked in the NFL Draft Called?
• The Tradition Behind the Last Pick
• Notable Players Who Were Mr. Irrelevant
  • Marty Moore: A Story of Persistence
  • Ryan Succop: Kicking His Way to Success
  • Brock Purdy: From Last Pick to Star Quarterback
• Why Being the Last Pick Can Still Be a Big Deal
• How the NFL Draft Works (Briefly)
• Frequently Asked Questions About the Last Pick

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

When the very final selection of the entire NFL Draft is made, that player gets a special designation. They are, you know, affectionately known as "Mr. Irrelevant." This term, while it might sound a bit harsh at first, actually comes with a lot of tradition and even a celebration attached to it. It's not meant to be a put-down, but rather a way to highlight the player who completes the entire draft class, more or less.

The name "Mr. Irrelevant" has been around for quite some time, and it's something that has become a real part of the draft experience. Every year, when that final pick comes in, commentators and fans often bring up this specific title. It’s a moment that kind of brings a smile to many faces, showing that every single player chosen, even the very last one, gets their moment in the spotlight, and stuff.

This label, "Mr. Irrelevant," is really about recognizing the final athlete chosen, making sure they don't just disappear into the background. It's a way to acknowledge their journey, their hard work, and the fact that they too have made it to the professional level. So, while the name might suggest otherwise, it’s actually a sign of inclusion and a nod to the long, sometimes difficult, path these players take, you know, to get drafted.

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The Tradition Behind the Last Pick

The whole "Mr. Irrelevant" tradition started way back in 1976. Paul Salata, a former NFL player, came up with the idea. He wanted to make sure that the last player picked got some attention, a little bit of fanfare, rather than just being an afterthought. His thought was, "Hey, every player deserves their moment," and so the tradition began, basically.

Salata created something called "Irrelevant Week." This is a series of events held in Newport Beach, California, honoring the "Mr. Irrelevant" player. It’s quite a fun time, honestly, with a lot of activities designed to celebrate the player and their unique place in the draft. The player gets a trophy, too, which is called the "Lowsman Trophy," a playful take on the famous Heisman Trophy, in a way.

During Irrelevant Week, the player often gets to visit Disneyland, attend a golf tournament, and participate in various community events. It's a chance for them to feel special, to be recognized for their achievement, and to have a truly memorable experience. This tradition really highlights that even the very last pick is a significant moment for that individual and their family, as a matter of fact.

This annual celebration shows a deep appreciation for every single player who gets drafted into the NFL. It’s a quirky, but very heartfelt, way of welcoming them into the league, no matter where they were picked. It also brings a lot of positive attention to the player, which can be really helpful for their career, you know, giving them a bit of a boost right from the start.

Notable Players Who Were Mr. Irrelevant

While the name "Mr. Irrelevant" might suggest that these players don't go on to do much, that's actually not always the case. Some of them have had really impressive careers in the NFL, proving that where you're picked in the draft doesn't always determine your success. It's almost like, you know, finding a hidden gem that people might have overlooked, but who ends up shining very brightly.

These stories of players overcoming the "irrelevant" label are often quite inspiring. They show that dedication, hard work, and a strong will can take you far, regardless of your starting point. It’s a testament to their talent and their determination to make it in a highly competitive sport. And, you know, these stories often become fan favorites, too, because people love an underdog who makes it big.

Marty Moore: A Story of Persistence

Marty Moore was the very last player chosen in the 1994 NFL Draft. He was a linebacker picked by the New England Patriots. Many people might have thought, "Oh, he's just a filler pick," but Moore actually went on to have a pretty solid career in the league. He played for eight seasons, which is quite a long time for any NFL player, let alone a "Mr. Irrelevant," honestly.

Moore played mostly on special teams and as a backup linebacker, but he was a reliable and consistent contributor for the Patriots. He even played in Super Bowl XXXI with the team. His career showed that being the last pick doesn't mean you can't make a real impact. He proved that you can absolutely carve out a long and meaningful career if you work hard and stay committed, you know, to your craft.

His story is a great example of how these players, despite their draft position, often have a lot of grit and determination. They have something to prove, and they often use that as motivation to succeed. It’s a powerful message for anyone chasing a dream, that your starting point isn't always your final destination, as a matter of fact.

Ryan Succop: Kicking His Way to Success

Ryan Succop became "Mr. Irrelevant" in the 2009 NFL Draft, picked by the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a kicker, which is a position that sometimes gets overlooked in the draft, especially in the later rounds. But Succop, you know, turned out to be a really good player, proving his worth right away.

He had a very long and successful career in the NFL, playing for the Chiefs, the Tennessee Titans, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Succop was known for his consistency and reliability as a field goal kicker. He even won a Super Bowl ring with the Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV. That's a pretty big achievement for anyone, let alone someone who was the very last pick, essentially.

Succop's journey shows that special teams players, even if they are drafted last, can become incredibly valuable assets to a team. His story is a great reminder that every role on a football team is important, and that talent can be found anywhere, regardless of draft round. It’s a really inspiring tale of perseverance and skill, truly.

Brock Purdy: From Last Pick to Star Quarterback

Perhaps the most famous "Mr. Irrelevant" in recent memory is Brock Purdy. He was the 262nd and final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, chosen by the San Francisco 49ers. At the time, nobody really expected him to do much, you know, maybe be a third-string quarterback or just a practice squad player.

But then, injuries happened to the 49ers' starting quarterbacks, and Purdy got his chance. And what a chance it was! He stepped in and played incredibly well, leading the 49ers deep into the playoffs in his rookie season. He showed poise, accuracy, and a real knack for making big plays, which was quite a surprise to many, you know, in the football world.

Purdy’s story is a truly amazing one. He went from being the very last pick to becoming a starting quarterback for a Super Bowl contender in just a short amount of time. His rise to prominence has completely redefined what it means to be "Mr. Irrelevant." It shows that sometimes, the best talent is hiding in plain sight, just waiting for an opportunity to shine, more or less. His success has, arguably, made the "Mr. Irrelevant" title even more talked about and respected, actually.

Why Being the Last Pick Can Still Be a Big Deal

Being the last person picked in the NFL Draft, "Mr. Irrelevant," is actually a pretty big deal for a few reasons. First, it means you've been drafted into the NFL. That alone is a massive achievement, something that only a very small percentage of college football players ever get to experience. It means you're recognized as having the talent to play at the highest level of professional football, you know, in the entire world.

Second, the "Mr. Irrelevant" title brings a lot of extra attention. While it might be a bit of a quirky label, it also means the player gets more media coverage and public recognition than many other late-round picks. This exposure can be really valuable for building a personal brand and even securing endorsement deals, you know, outside of just playing football.

Third, there's the motivation factor. Many "Mr. Irrelevant" players use their draft position as fuel. They feel like they have something to prove, and that drive can push them to work even harder and perform better. It’s a powerful internal force that can help them defy expectations and make a name for themselves in the league, honestly.

Finally, the tradition of "Irrelevant Week" itself makes it a special experience. It's a unique celebration that no other draft pick gets. It gives the player a chance to enjoy their moment, connect with fans, and start their professional career with a positive, memorable experience. So, while the name might sound a bit funny, the reality is that it's a pretty cool way to enter the NFL, at the end of the day.

How the NFL Draft Works (Briefly)

The NFL Draft is a multi-day event where all 32 NFL teams take turns selecting eligible college football players. It's structured into seven rounds. Teams pick players based on their needs and their evaluations of the players' skills and potential. The order of picks in each round is usually determined by how teams finished the previous season, with the worst teams picking first, you know, to help balance things out.

As the draft goes on, the rounds progress, and the number of picks decreases as teams fill their rosters. By the time it gets to the very last pick, it's usually late in the seventh round. This final selection is the one that gets the "Mr. Irrelevant" designation. It's a long process, with a lot of strategy involved, and every single pick is a big decision for the teams, essentially.

The draft is a really complex system designed to bring new talent into the league each year. It's where dreams come true for many young athletes, and it's a huge part of how NFL teams build their future success. The anticipation builds with each pick, and even the final one holds a special place, as a matter of fact, because it completes the whole class.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Last Pick

Who was the first Mr. Irrelevant?

The very first player to be called "Mr. Irrelevant" was Kelvin Kirk. He was picked by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 17th round of the 1976 NFL Draft. Back then, the draft had many more rounds than it does today, so he was quite literally the very last person chosen that year. His selection really kicked off the whole tradition, you know, that we still celebrate today.

Has any Mr. Irrelevant ever made it to the Pro Bowl?

Yes, absolutely! Ryan Succop, who we talked about earlier, is a fantastic example. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2022 as a kicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His achievement really proves that being the last pick doesn't mean you can't have an incredibly successful career and even reach the highest levels of recognition in the NFL. It's pretty inspiring, honestly, to see someone defy those expectations.

How many picks are in the NFL Draft?

The number of picks in the NFL Draft can vary slightly from year to year, but it's typically around 250 to 260 selections. There are usually seven rounds, with each of the 32 teams getting one pick per round, plus additional compensatory picks awarded to teams based on free agency losses. So, you know, it's a lot of players getting their chance to join the professional ranks, and the very last one gets that special title, basically. Learn more about the NFL Draft process on our site.

So, the next time you're watching the NFL Draft, remember to stick around for the very end. The last person picked, known affectionately as "Mr. Irrelevant," holds a special place in the draft's long and interesting history. It's a title that carries a unique tradition, celebrating every player's journey into the professional game. It shows that sometimes, the most unexpected stories can come from the most unexpected places, a bit like finding a new favorite artist on a music service, where you just stumble upon someone amazing you never knew existed. You can always find out more about the history of the NFL and its players by checking out the official NFL history page. And if you're curious about other unique sports traditions, you might want to check out this page about quirky sports facts.