In the high-stakes world of professional football, the NFL Draft is often defined by the names called first. However, in recent years, the spotlight has shifted significantly to the very end of the board. The Mr. Irrelevant history in NFL draft lore has evolved from a lighthearted tradition into a legitimate pipeline for NFL talent. With the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, the torch has been passed to Red Murdock, a standout from Buffalo, who now joins an exclusive club that includes Super Bowl starters and Pro Bowlers.
The Origins of the Mr. Irrelevant Tradition
The concept of "Mr. Irrelevant" was born in 1976, the brainchild of former NFL receiver Paul Salata. Salata wanted to celebrate the underdog—the player who endured the grueling wait of a multi-day draft only to be the final name called. He established "Irrelevant Week" in Newport Beach, California, a series of events including a parade, a golf tournament, and the presentation of the Lowsman Trophy, a humorous nod to the Heisman that depicts a player fumbling the ball.
The first player to receive the title was Kelvin Kirk, a wide receiver out of Dayton who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 487th pick. While Kirk never played a regular-season game in the NFL, he went on to have a successful career in the CFL, proving from the start that being last doesn't mean lacking talent.
The Brock Purdy Phenomenon
No player has done more to rewrite the Mr. Irrelevant history in NFL draft books than Brock Purdy. Selected with the 262nd pick in 2022 by the San Francisco 49ers, Purdy entered a quarterback room filled with high-pedigree talent. However, due to a series of injuries to starters, the former Iowa State signal-caller was thrust into the spotlight during his rookie season.
Purdy didn't just survive; he thrived. He led the 49ers to an incredible winning streak and deep playoff runs, shattering the glass ceiling for final-round picks. His success has forced NFL scouts and executives to rethink how they value the final slots in the draft. Purdy proved that a player with the right mental makeup and system fit could transition from the final pick to a franchise cornerstone.
Red Murdock and the 2026 Draft Class
The latest addition to this historic lineage is Red Murdock. The linebacker out of Buffalo was selected as the final pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, instantly becoming a household name among draft enthusiasts. Murdock enters the league during an era where the "Irrelevant" tag is worn as a badge of honor rather than a punchline.
Murdock joins a list of players who have recently found success coming out of the final slot. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, and Denver Broncos have all seen the value in these late-round developmental prospects. For Murdock, the path to a roster spot involves proving his worth on special teams and showing the same grit that allowed his predecessors to stick in the league for a decade or more.
Notable Success Stories in Mr. Irrelevant History
While Purdy is the most famous example, several other players have enjoyed long and productive NFL careers after being the final pick:
- Ryan Succop (2009): Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, Succop became one of the most reliable kickers in the league, eventually winning a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and playing over 14 seasons.
- Marty Moore (1994): Selected by the New England Patriots, Moore was the first Mr. Irrelevant to play in a Super Bowl (Super Bowl XXXI) and enjoyed an eight-year career as a linebacker and special teams ace.
- Jim Finn (1999): A fullback who spent several years in the league, most notably with the New York Giants, providing lead blocking for some of the league's top rushing attacks.
- Bill Kenney (1978): Though he was the final pick, Kenney eventually became a Pro Bowl quarterback for the Chiefs, throwing for over 17,000 yards in his career.
Why the Final Pick Still Matters
The Mr. Irrelevant history in NFL draft serves as a reminder of the depth of talent in college football. In a league where roster spots are won by the thinnest of margins, the final pick represents the ultimate opportunity. For the player, it is a guaranteed contract and a chance to participate in training camp. For the team, it is a low-risk, high-reward investment in a player they believe has a specific trait—speed, toughness, or intelligence—that can help the roster.
As the NFL continues to evolve, the celebration of the final pick remains one of the draft's most endearing traditions. Whether it's the 49ers finding a star in Purdy or the newest journey beginning for Red Murdock, being "irrelevant" has never been more meaningful in the world of professional sports.
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