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The final pick of this year’s NFL Draft has once again earned the infamous title of “Mr. Irrelevant.”
“Mr. Irrelevant” was long overlooked, but Brock Purdy reshaped the narrative by becoming a starting quarterback and guiding the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance.
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Buffalo Bulls linebacker Red Murdock plays in the third quarter of a college football game against the Missouri Tigers at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri on September 7, 2024. (Scott Winters/Sportswire Icon)
On Saturday, the Broncos used the 257th pick on former Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock, who recorded 142 tackles – the second most in the country – as well as 13.5 tackles for loss.
In 1976, Kelvin Kirk became the first player to receive the nickname “Mr. Irrelevant.” The Pittsburgh Steelers selected the wide receiver with the No. 487 pick at a time when the draft extended beyond today’s seven rounds.
Red Murdock of the Buffalo Bulls speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 25, 2026. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Paul Salata, a former NFL player who coined the nickname “Mr. Irrelevant,” noted the significance of this tradition.
“We created Irrelevant Week to send an important message: It’s not a negative to be picked last in the NFL draft; rather, it’s an honor to be drafted,” Salata said according to the “Mr. Irrelevant” website. “The final draft pick’s display of perseverance is a lesson that resonates not only with NFL players and fans, but with people around the world.”
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Purdy established himself as a starter for the 49ers. Last year, he signed a five-year extension worth up to $265 million. According to ESPN, the deal includes $181 million in guarantees.
Murdock has a long way to go if he hopes to match anything close to Purdy’s success, but this trajectory offers him a blueprint – and future choices for “Mr. Irrelevant.”
Northern Illinois Huskies quarterback Ethan Hampton (2) rushes the ball against Buffalo Bulls linebacker Red Murdock (2) during the first half at Huskie Stadium on September 21, 2024. (Mike Dinovo/Imagn Images)
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“Mr. Irrelevant” has been the No. 257 pick in each of the last three years.
