Who Coined the Word ‘Mr. Irrelevant’? History & Tradition Behind the ‘Lowsman Trophy’

The NFL is filled to the brim with traditions and conventions. However, one of the most unique ones present in modern football revolves around the last player to be selected in each year’s NFL Draft. There is immense pressure on the athlete who is drafted last.

But for him, the festivities are just beginning. The player has an entire week of exploring and traveling to look forward to, along with a trophy just for him. The famed ‘Lowsman Trophy’ awarded to ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ after his ‘Irrelevant Week’.

‘Mr. Irrelevant’ has a week to enjoy

Late Paul Salata, the former WR for the San Francisco 49ers, coined the term in 1976. And he not only coined the term, he started an entire week for the player who gets drafted the last. This Irrelevant Week designed by Salata includes spending an all-expense trip to Newport Beach, California for the player and his family.

Salata organized within this week a trip to Disneyland, a golf tournament, a boat race, and a roast! This roast includes former players advising the ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ for his career. And the event is capped off with a ‘Lowsman Trophy’.

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This trophy is a parody of the legendary Heisman Trophy, which is awarded to the best college football player every year. The ‘Lowsman Trophy’ depicts a player fumbling the ball as well. Even though many of the ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ over the years did not have successful careers, there are a few who have broken the mold.

Very few find success through the cracks

The former New England Patriots LB Marty Moore has the special distinction of being the first ever ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ to play and win the Super Bowl. He was drafted last by the Patriots at the 1994 Draft and considered the most successful player to be drafted last. ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ for 1999 Jim Finn also has a Super Bowl ring, however, he did not play the final game.

Ryan Succop was the last man to be drafted in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. He became the second-ever player to play and win the Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. As of now, Brock Purdy is one of the most promising ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ Drafted last by the Niners in the 2022 NFL Draft, he is yet to win the Super Bowl. However, he led his team to the Super Bowl last season with his exceptional skills.

Do you think Purdy will be able to claim the Lombardi trophy in his career? Let us know in the comments.

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