On the TUNNEYSIDE of SPORTS June 20, 2016 #598 Up next “… for no reason!”
After Further Review…Let’s talk football! Wait a minute –it’s June and you wanna talk football? Well, just so happens June is the month when the annual crowning of Mr. Irrelevant occurs. The 2016 NFL draft announced 253 college football players who were selected by the league’s 32 teams. The last player chosen, Kalan Reed (#253), a defensive back from the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles, became Mr. Irrelevant XLI. What would make such a big deal about being chosen last? Doesn’t the title say it all?
Let’s back up to 1976 when Paul Salata, founder of Irrelevant Week, came up the idea of honoring a player, who by all accounts, has little chance of remaining with the T*E*A*M that selects him. Salata said, “I just wanna do something nice for a guy who has little chance of fulfilling his dream. For no reason at all.” Sounds like a good idea, but how you gonna do it? “Well, Salata explained with a wry smile, “we’ll fly him to Newport Beach, California (Salata’s hometown), have a ticker-tape parade on the bay, a day at Disneyland in his honor, and conclude with a banquet where we present him with a trophy. We’ll call it the ‘Lowsman Trophy,’ patterned (in the opposite direction) from the Heisman Trophy.”
41 such players have been so honored over the years! The Mr. Irrelevant award has often been the highlight of the NFL draft, with players being drafted higher wishing they were selected last so they might receive this distinction. Of the 40 Mr. I’s so honored to date only 8-9 have been able to remain on an NFL roster for more than a couple of years. Ironically, Reed (Mr. I. #41) was selected by the Tennessee Titans, whose placekicker is Ryan Succop, (Mr. Irrelevant #34, 2009). First time in Irrelevant Week history two selectees will be on the same T*E*A*M!
“Slats”, as Salata is known by his friends, has now stepped away, turning that honor over to his daughter Melanie. She and the Irrelevant Week organization have expanded its mission to create the Paul Salata Award, “Hero Beyond the Hashmarks.” This year’s presentation, its first, honors a person who exemplifies the spirit and compassion of Paul Salata in the community. Bill Sumner, head coach of Corona del Mar High School’s winning boys and girls cross-country and track and field teams, is the 2016 honoree and was so recognized at this year’s banquet. The Salata Legacy continues by honoring someone who does something for others!
Will you do something today for someone else — for no reason at all?
To contact Jim go to www.jimtunney.com or email jim@jimtunney.com.
Jim’s latest book “Another 101 Best of TunneySide of Sports” is now available for $20. which includes tax, shipping and an autograph, if requested. Email to the above or write to P.O. Box 1440 Pebble Beach, Ca. 93953. The TunneySide takes issues from the sports world and transforms them into positive messages for living a better life. Thank You! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Ub8mJo-r0
