Despite being the last player selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jaylen Key, known as "Mr. Irrelevant," is proving that even the most overlooked players can make a significant impact on the league.
The NFL Draft is a time of great anticipation and excitement for aspiring football players. For 256 prospects, the dream of playing in the professional ranks becomes a reality as they hear their names called. But for the final player selected, known as "Mr. Irrelevant," the experience holds a different kind of significance.
In the 2023 NFL Draft, the distinction of Mr. Irrelevant went to Alabama safety Jaylen Key. After watching 256 players taken before him, Key's phone finally rang with a life-changing call from the New York Jets. Despite being the last pick, Key's selection carries a unique tradition.
Every year, Mr. Irrelevant and his family are invited to Newport Beach, California, for a week of festivities and fun. They engage in golfing, visit Disneyland, and experience a level of recognition that belies their status as the last player drafted.
While expectations may be low for Mr. Irrelevant, there is a tangible reward attached to the title. The final pick in the draft receives a special trophy, known as the "Lowsman Trophy," a humorous play on the Heisman Trophy given to the nation's top college football player.
The designation of Mr. Irrelevant doesn't always translate to a successful NFL career. Many players chosen last fail to make an impact, but there have been notable exceptions. Last year's Mr. Irrelevant, Desjuan Johnson, recorded two sacks in his 11 games for the Los Angeles Rams.
In an even more remarkable example, Brock Purdy, the Mr. Irrelevant of 2022, became the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers due to injuries to other players. Purdy led the Niners to an NFC title game in 2023 and a Super Bowl appearance in 2024. He has since gone 21-6 as a starter, proving that even the least heralded players can make a significant contribution.
Jaylen Key's journey to the NFL was a unique one. After spending four years at UAB, he transferred to Alabama and played in 12 of the Crimson Tide's 14 games last season, recording 60 tackles. While he may not be expected to make an immediate impact with the Jets, he has the potential to defy expectations.
Undrafted free agents are a vital part of NFL rosters, and Mr. Irrelevant has a special place in the league's history. From long shots to unexpected stars, the final pick in the draft often embodies the spirit of perseverance and the unpredictable nature of professional sports. As Jaylen Key embarks on his NFL career, he carries the mantle of Mr. Irrelevant with pride and the knowledge that anything is possible in the world of football.
