June 28, 2023
By: Paul Bartelt
IPA Sports Editor
Newport Beach, Ca. Irrelevant Week was founded in 1976 by Paul Salata, a former San Francisco 49ers player, who wanted to do something nice for the lowly last player selected in the annual NFL Draft. That is how Irrelevant Week started. Back then the NFL Draft had 17 rounds with over 500 players selected while Clubs did not have a practice squad like they do today. Needless to say, the last player drafted was not going to make the team and never play a down in the NFL.
In 1994 the NFL reduced the draft to seven rounds and suddenly the last player selected has a good chance of making the team. Last year Brock Purdy from Iowa State University was the Irrelevant Week honoree, a quarterback selected by the San Francisco 49ers. Purdy filled in late in the season and guided San Francisco to a playoff berth and led the team to the NFC Championship game. Purdy got injured in the game and had off season surgery but is expected to be the starter this season.
Last evening the Lowsman Trophy was awarded to Desjuan Johnson, the last player chosen in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. Johnson, a defensive end from the University of Toledo, was the 259th player selected at this year’s draft held in Kansas City.
Melanie Salata Fitch, Paul Salatas daughter, has run the annual event for years after her father’s passing. Following nearly a week of activities, including a day at Disneyland, Johnson was honored Monday evening at the sold-out Cannery Restaurant. Over the years, Irrelevant Week has raised over one million dollars for charities.