According to multiple outlets, Paul Salata, a Newport Beach, Calif., businessman and the creator of Mr. Irrelevant, died Saturday at 94.
The “Lowsman Trophy,” given annually to the last player selected in the NFL Draft, was lesser known than the moniker Mr. Irrelevant, created by Salata as a promotional gimmick in 1976. It is part of a multi-day celebration known as “Irrelevant Week.”
Salata played football at Southern California before playing a couple of seasons in the NFL, for the Baltimore Colts and San Francisco 49ers.
Per his obituary in The Orange County Register, he was also involved in several charitable causes, many of which benefited directly from Irrelevant Week.
Salata is survived by his wife Carolyn, daughter Melanie Salata Fitch, son Brian Salata, granddaughters Alix and Marie, and brother George.
