Mr Irrelevant, meet Mr Irreverent

May 3, 2008 by traveler.

Sports writers’ analyses of the NFL draft are usually diverse in details but familiar in tone. Which teams made the best picks, which fans were pleased, and who had to wait longer than expected to hear their names called. This article in The Washington Post by Les Carpenter provided a refreshingly novel look at a little-known part of the draft.

I hadn’t heard of Paul Salata or his annual NFL draft celebration. Every year since 1976, Paul has waited patiently to congratulate the draft’s Mr Irrelevent- the player picked dead last.  This year, that player was David Vobora, overall pick #252.  Vobora has a special week ahead of him.  Irrelevant Week includes a news conference, a tailgate party, a trip to Disneyland, a VIP banquet, and a “Lowsman” trophy.  Despite the tongue-in-cheek tone of the week, most players apparently enjoy their time.  If history is any judge, they have reason to live it up now.  Many seventh-round picks struggle through training camp and may not make a team’s roster.  

Paul Salata and Irrelevant Week keep the draft interesting. If you live in Southern California, you can even attend this year’s events. This year’s Irrelevant Week will run from June 23-27 in Newport Beach, CA. After that, Vobora’s NFL career will begin, and we will all look forward to next year’s Mr. Irrelevant.

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