Latest news with #MrIrrelevant
Associated Press
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Brock Purdy avoided offseason drama before signing 5-year, $265 million extension with the 49ers
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — After watching drama-filled offseasons when it came to contract negotiations the past two years with his San Francisco 49ers teammates, Brock Purdy was intent on doing his best to avoid a repeat in his situation. Purdy and the 49ers managed to do just that when they agreed on a five-year extension worth $265 million following talks that had had no public acrimony. Purdy described said the initial offer from the 49ers as 'respectful' and made a point of showing up to the start of the offseason program last month as a sign of good faith. That all led to the deal getting finalized before the 49ers begin on-field practices this spring with an extension that makes Purdy one of the top 10 paid quarterbacks in the NFL but doesn't handcuff the team from building a strong roster around him. 'I think where we ended up was exactly where we needed to be,' Purdy said Wednesday. 'I'm extremely happy with where we ended and I know the Niners are too. With that being said, for me it's all about football now. However they use the cap space and all that kind of stuff, that's not my job. My job is to now go and win games and lead this team. But I'm extremely happy and grateful for where we ended.' It's been quite a journey for Purdy, who was lightly recruited out of high school and then picked last in 2022 after a strong college career at Iowa State. But the player once known as 'Mr. Irrelevant' because of his draft status has proved himself worthy of a contract on par with quarterbacks who entered the league with higher pedigree after helping the Niners reach the Super Bowl in his first full season as a starter in 2023. 'There's 32 starting quarterbacks and those guys, like it's not the easiest job in the world,' he said. 'For me, with what I've done and everything, I could hang my hat on the fact that I've had success in this league and I'm capable of leading an organization all the way to the end, the Super Bowl. I proved that. I know who I am and I'm going to obviously want to get what I deserve, but also surround myself, like I said, with guys around me and not just try to take every penny for myself. But that's the whole point of negotiating, you go throughout that you try to meet in the middle ground.' Purdy has made less than $1 million a year for his first three seasons and was set to get a small raise in 2025 to about $5.2 million under the league's proven performance escalator for making the Pro Bowl last season. Purdy's success helped rescue the Niners from a potentially catastrophic mistake after they traded three first-round picks to draft Trey Lance third overall in 2021, only to watch him struggle before getting traded away in 2023. He took over as starter late in his rookie season. He won the final five starts of the regular season and the first two rounds of the playoffs before suffering a serious injury to his throwing elbow early in an NFC title game loss to Philadelphia that season. Purdy had one of the most prolific passing seasons in team history in 2023 when he finished fourth in the NFL in MVP voting and helped the team reach the Super Bowl before losing in overtime to Kansas City. He set a franchise record for yards passing (4,280) and became the first Niners QB in more than two decades to throw at least 30 TD passes (31). Purdy led the NFL with a 113 passer rating and his 9.6 yards per attempt were the most in the NFL for a qualifying QB since Kurt Warner had 9.9 in 2000. That success was harder to come by in 2024 as Purdy was hampered by injuries to key offensive players like Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk. His passer rating dropped nearly 17 points to 96.1, he had only 20 TD passes and 12 interceptions on the season, and also came up short in several late-game scenarios when the 49ers had a chance for a comeback win. Purdy's play was part of a team-wide downturn that led to a 6-11 record and the first missed playoff appearance for San Francisco since 2020. That was one reason why he wanted to make sure he was part of the entire offseason program to help engineer a rebound. 'Everybody's bought in right now and we're excited, obviously, to do more team activities and stuff as we move along the offseason,' he said. 'It's hard to explain, but the young guys, the older guys, everybody is bringing it right now and I think it's just so important that we're just around each other a lot doing little different activities and continuing to build chemistry.' ___ AP NFL:
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mr. Soundoff Says: Purdy gets paid, and he deserves it
Mr. Soundoff Says – Brock Purdy signed a 5 year 265 million dollar deal with the 49ers, making Purdy the 7th highest paid QB in the NFL. From Mr. Irrelevent, last pick in the 2022 draft, to 265 million in less than 3 years. John Sears says, despite all the push-back against the contract, Purdy is worth it. Look at the numbers, don't let the lies get in the way of facts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
18-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Brock Purdy's contract extension compared to other \
Brock Purdy's contract extension compared to other "Mr Irrelevant" draft picks Purdy's extension is worth more than five times the combined career earnings of the last 20 final picks in the draft. The big news in the NFLGet more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts. at the end of this week was San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy getting a huge contract extension. He received a five-year extension worth $265 million with $181 guaranteed. He was the final player selected in the 2022 NFL draft, making him that year's Mr. Irrelevant. That contract is not only the largest ever given to a player who was the final pick in the draft, it is more than five times the career earnings of all the players who were Mr. Irrelevant from 2004-2024, excluding Purdy. Prior to Purdy, only one former Mr. Irrelevant had made more than $4 million in career earnings. That was kicker Ryan Succop, the final pick of the 2009 draft. He made $32.8 million in his 14-year career. The next player on the list in career earnings is linebacker Grant Stuard, who has made a little more than $3.9 million in his four-year career thus far. From 2004-2024, the 20 players drafted last (excluding Purdy), have made a combined $51.7 million in career earnings, which includes Succop's nearly $33 million. Career earnings for Mr. Irrelevant, from 2004-2024 (2024) S Jaylen Key, Jets: $218,236 (2023) DE Desjuan Johnson, Rams $1.74 million (2022) Purdy (2021) LB Grant Stuard, Buccaneers: $3.9 million (2020) LB Tae Crowder, Giants: $2.37 million (2019) TE Caleb Wilson, Cardinals: $602,000 (2018) WR Trey Quinn, Washington: $1.27 million (2017) QB Chad Kelly, Broncos: $1.17 million (2016) CB Kalan Reed, Titans: $1.94 million (2015) TE Gerald Christian, Cardinals: $742,000 (2014) S Lonnie Ballentine, Texans: $1.39 million (2013) TE Justice Cunningham, Colts: $626,000 (2012) QB Chandler Harnish, Colts: $450,000 (2011) DE Cheta Ozougwu, Texans: $1.02 million (2010) WR Tim Toone, Lions: $26,000 (2009) K Ryan Succop, Chiefs: $32.8 million (2008) LB David Vobora, Rams: $1.41 million (2007) CB Ramzee Robinson, Lions: $25,000 (2006) WR Kevin McMahan, Raiders: $25,000 (2005) TE Andy Stokes, Patriots: $17,500 (2004) LB Andre Sommersel, Raiders: $16,500 Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
Daily Mail
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Why Geelong Cats have been kicked out of their home ground for Superman star this weekend
The Geelong Cats have temporarily been booted from their home at GMHBA Stadium - but for a good reason. Hollywood has taken over Kardinia Park as filming ramps up for a new sports drama starring Superman actor David Corenswet. The untitled film, believed to be called Mr Irrelevant, tells the moving true story of 1983 NFL draft pick John Tuggle. Tuggle was the final pick in that year's draft, earning the nickname 'Mr Irrelevant' — but he went on to defy expectations. He became the first last-drafted player to make his team's final roster, suiting up for the New York Giants in 1983. He played all 16 games, started five, and was named the Giants' Special Teams Player of the Year. Tragically, Tuggle's life was cut short by cancer, diagnosed after shoulder pain in 1984 led to further tests. Despite his illness, he kept training with the team, and the Giants supported him until his death at age 25. His story has since been honoured by the NFL and was the subject of ESPN's 30 for 30 short, The Irrelevant Giant. Now, his remarkable journey is heading to the big screen, with filming already underway in Geelong. Corenswet is taking on the lead role, with Oscar nominee Michael Shannon portraying legendary coach Bill Parcells. The project is being helmed by director Jonathan Levine and produced by Skydance Sports. Filming at Kardinia Park has seen the 40,000-seat stadium transformed into an NFL venue for two weeks. The Cats were able to continue training without disruption, using their alternative base at Deakin University. Filming will wrap up in time for the Cats to return to their home ground on Monday for training They won't return to Kardinia Park until after their blockbuster match against Collingwood tonight at the MCG. Filming is also taking place at La Trobe University's Sports Park in Bundoora, where footy fields are being converted into gridiron ovals. Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks announced the film would inject nearly $29 million into Victoria's economy. The production is expected to create more than 800 jobs for Victorian screen workers and extras. Over 500 Victorian locals are involved, including members of the gridiron community playing umpires, referees, and support crew. Kardinia Park Stadium Trust CEO Gerard Griffin welcomed the project, calling it an exciting opportunity for the region. VicScreen chief Caroline Pitcher and local MPs Christine Couzens and Alison Marchant also joined the announcement. Producer Gillian Bohrer praised Victoria's diverse sporting locations as ideal doubles for cities like New York and California.
CNN
26-04-2025
- Sport
- CNN
The best things come to those who wait. Here's why being Mr. Irrelevant in the NFL draft is priceless.
If you're not first, the saying goes, you're last. But in the case of the annual NFL draft, finishing dead last is by no means a bad thing at all. In fact, being selected as the very last guy on Saturday night provides access to a unique club and the most unlikely football fraternity, just as long as you don't mind a seemingly demeaning title: Mr. Irrelevant. Anyone who's been drafted by an NFL team will tell you that it's both an exhilarating and nerve-shredding experience; sitting anxiously by the phone, waiting for it to ring and hoping that you won't be completely overlooked. When wide receiver Ryan Hoag was drafted in 2003, the lunchroom at his liberal arts school in Minnesota was turned into a party scene. His cell phone was connected to the loudspeakers and hundreds of friends and family were in attendance. 'They made a real big deal about it,' he recalled to CNN, 'which was really fun until we're six hours in and my name hasn't been called, and now I feel awful.' In the buildup to the draft, Hoag had seen his name featured on ESPN as one of the players to watch, but as Saturday wore on, he began to lose hope. Hoag says he'd given up 15 picks before the end of the final round, but then the phone rang, and the Oakland Raiders coach Bill Callahan was on the line. 'He said, 'Would you like to be Mr. Irrelevant?' And the whole place just went nuts,' he recalled. 'It was like your team had just won the Super Bowl. Everybody just jumped up and screamed. My visceral response was to hang up the phone and celebrate with all my people.' At some point in the mayhem, Hoag's friend and teammate drew attention to the fact that the number of his selection, 262 out of 262, came with additional benefits. 'He's like, 'dude! I think Mr. Irrelevant wins a million dollars and a trip to Hawaii!,'' Hoag said, That wasn't quite true, but he was about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. Hoag said that he didn't know much about Mr. Irrelevant, but he'd at least heard of it. In 1992, when Michigan's guard and center Matt Elliott was drafted as the 336th pick, he had no idea. 'This was truly the last years before the internet,' he joked to CNN. 'I think it was (Washington) coach Joe Gibbs who told me, 'Some people from California are going to call you, it's called Irrelevant Week. It's gonna be fun. Just understand that it's gonna be fun!'' Historically, most players who'd been picked last didn't have much of a career in the NFL, in fact many never even played a game. So, in 1976, the late Paul Salata decided that he wanted to give them something to smile about. He had been a 10th round pick as a receiver in 1951, scoring four NFL touchdowns in a fleeting professional career. But his greatest contribution to the league began when he invited the 487th pick Kelvin Kirk to Newport Beach in California. 'Mr Irrelevant' and 'Irrelevant week' had been born; it's since become one of the most endearing concepts in sports. 'With the exception of maybe the first round,' Hoag posited, 'I don't know that anybody in their right mind would be drafted anywhere other than Mr. Irrelevant. My mom still jokes about it to this day, it was this out of body experience for our family, we were treated like royalty for the entire week.' The event is now run by Salata's daughter, who told CNN that planning for the week begins from backstage as soon as the draft is over. Irrelevant Week takes place in Newport Beach, California, featuring a parade in honor of the draftee, a 'roast and toast' dinner and a golf tournament. The festivities are tailored to each athlete, and they are encouraged to submit a wish list. 'Many players have never seen the ocean before,' Melanie Pong Salata told CNN. 'The player usually wants a surfing lesson, so we have famous surfers teach him while a party is happening on the beach.' There are VIP trips to Disneyland and the Playboy Mansion, players have met celebrities like Will Farrell and Jimmy Kimmel and driven the cars of their dreams. As a single man, Hoag appeared on 'The Bachelorette' reality TV show. 'I just remember sitting up there on one of those big lifeguard chairs on the beach,' quipped the 2009 Mr. Irrelevant Ryan Succop to CNN, 'all these people are celebrating you and bringing you gifts and I'm kind of sitting there going, 'Man, what in the world am I doing?'' At the end of the week, the players leave Newport Beach with more than just fond memories. Stuffed into their luggage is the Lowsman Trophy, a tongue in cheek reference to the Heisman Trophy given to the best NCAA player every season; the player depicted is fumbling the ball. 'Most people would think it's the hollow plastic that you get at a sporting goods store,' explained Hoag. 'Nah, this thing's bronze. It's 10 pounds. This is the real deal my friend, it's hilarious. I love it!' Every Mr. Irrelevant is encouraged to show some humility and to lean into the spirit of the event, but the dubious honor doesn't necessarily signify the end of their professional dreams. The 1994 draftee Marty Moore played alongside Tom Brady in his first Super Bowl victory in 2002. Kicker Succop played alongside Brady in his final Super Bowl triumph for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021, whilst the 262nd pick in 2022, Brock Purdy, played in the Super Bowl for the 49ers just two years later. Youngsters in the school yard might have an idea of what it's like to be picked last – it can be humiliating. But the Mr. Irrelevants say there is no shame, because they are selected ahead of potentially a hundred other college players who aren't selected at all. Just a few hundred players are drafted every year. 'You're more likely to be struck by lightning than drafted in the NFL,' said Hoag. 'That's pretty special.' 'I didn't really care how I got my start,' said Succop, who knew that as a kicker who'd be a late round pick at best. 'It does not matter how or where you get your start, what matters is the way you prepare, and when your opportunity comes, are you ready? Use this opportunity, don't take the irrelevant title as a negative.' Succop says that whenever he played, he always knew if there was a Mr. Irrelevant on the opposing team and they'd be sure to connect before or after the game. Many still attend the events in Newport Beach and have formed lifelong friendships, and they are always rooting for each other. Matt Elliott says he only cares about two picks in every draft these days, the first and the last. Asked to put a value on the experience and benefits of being Mr. Irrelevant, he said it was priceless. What started out as a gentle tease half a century ago has turned into something uniquely wonderful. Crediting the founder Paul Salata, Hoag said, 'He was just like, let's celebrate somebody, and do something nice for somebody, for no reason. Especially in this day and age of dog eat dog, when everything's politicized and negative, you need more of people wanting to lift up others for no other reason. It's nice to have a breath of fresh air.' 'This is the one thing that will never happen to you again and it's only happened to 49 people in the world, so live it up.'
