Paul Salata

Football fans all over the world breathe a collective sigh of relief every year when they finally get to witness the NFL draft, which is arguably one of the most awaited sporting events of the year. What many might not know, however, is that the NFL draft originated from a simple idea that a man named Paul Salata had been working on since the 1970s. Salata was the man behind the concept of “Mr. Irrelevant,” which was created to recognize the last player chosen in every year’s draft.

Salata was born on October 25, 1926, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in a world that revolved around sports. His father was a professional soccer player and later became a coach at the Los Angeles Athletic Club. Salata himself excelled in athletics and was a gifted runner in high school. He then went on to play football at the University of Southern California (USC), where he was known for being an excellent receiver.

Salata might not have known it at the time, but his experiences on the football field were preparing him for something that would change the face of the NFL draft. After his football career, Salata went on to pursue a career in the entertainment industry and became a successful actor, singer, and stand-up comedian in Los Angeles.

It wasn’t until the 1970s when Salata’s two worlds – football and entertainment – collided in the most unexpected way. While still in the entertainment industry, Salata was offered the opportunity to create a new tradition for the NFL draft, and he, of course, relished the challenge.

Thus, Mr. Irrelevant was born. This idea was to recognize the last player drafted each year as a way of cheering them up and giving them a much-needed boost in morale. The title “Mr. Irrelevant” was symbolically given to this player, but it has become a cherished tradition.

The celebration of Mr. Irrelevant usually takes place after the relevant part of the draft is over. The player gets to attend a weeklong event in Orange County, California, and receives numerous gifts and treasures, including a trip to Disneyland, a championship belt, and a parade. This event has become an intrinsic part of the NFL draft festivities, and it wouldn’t be complete without the jovial presence of Paul Salata himself.

In the years since its inception, Mr. Irrelevant has grown in popularity and has become a beloved tournament ritual. Though this title began as a joke, and the player who receives it is deemed by certain standards to be insignificant, it has become much more than that. For the last player drafted, it’s a moment of joy, recognition, and a commitment to making the most of their opportunity.

And for the fans and viewers of Mr. Irrelevant and the NFL draft, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the smallest and least expected things can bring tremendous joy into our lives. It also demonstrates the power of a single person to create something that can have such an everlasting impact on an industry.

Today, Paul Salata continues to be the heartbeat of the Mr. Irrelevant tradition. Now, at 94 years old, he is still heavily involved in the organization and planning of the coveted event. Despite his age, Salata says he’s still young at heart and is looking forward to overseeing the celebration of the 2022 Mr. Irrelevant.

Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just a casual observer, Mr. Irrelevant has become an essential element of the NFL draft weekend. Without Paul Salata, this beloved tradition wouldn’t exist, and one can only imagine the less joyful world without it. So, every year, when the final pick is announced, always remember the man behind the tradition: the charismatic, warmhearted, and gregarious Paul Salata – the legend that created Mr. Irrelevant.