50 Years of Irrelevance Meets 50 Years of New Orleans Magic: A Golden Celebration

As football fans gather for Super Bowl festivities this year, we celebrate two incredible 50th anniversaries that showcase the heart, resilience, and magic of the sport: Irrelevant Week’s celebration of underdog triumphs and the New Orleans Saints’ move to the iconic Superdome. These two milestones share a golden connection—both remind us that the NFL is about more than just wins and losses; it’s about the stories, the fans, and the enduring spirit of football.

Fifty years ago, in 1975, the New Orleans Saints moved into the Caesars Superdome, a revolutionary stadium that changed the landscape of professional football. The largest fixed-dome stadium in the world at the time, the Superdome became a symbol of New Orleans’ ambition, culture, and resilience. The Saints played their first game in the Dome on September 28, 1975, kicking off a new era for the franchise and creating a home where fans could rally behind their team. The Superdome would go on to host unforgettable moments in Saints history, including their first playoff victory in 2000 and their triumphant return after Hurricane Katrina in 2006. 

Irrelevant Week began in 1976 with the vision of Paul Salata, who transformed the NFL Draft’s final pick into a celebration of hope and opportunity. What began as a lighthearted nod to the NFL Draft’s final pick has become a cherished tradition, transforming “Mr. Irrelevant” into a symbol of hope and possibility. Over the past 50 years, Irrelevant Week has celebrated the underdog spirit with humor, positivity, and a commitment to philanthropy, shining a light on those who never stop striving for greatness.

Both the Saints’ journey in the Superdome and Irrelevant Week’s tradition embody the essence of football: the belief that anyone, no matter where they start, can achieve greatness. Just as the Saints rose from their struggles to become Super Bowl champions, Irrelevant Week reminds us that even the last pick in the draft can make a significant impact on the field.

These two anniversaries also reflect the power of community. The Superdome has been more than a stadium—it’s a cultural hub for New Orleans, and a gathering place for fans to celebrate their shared love of the game. Similarly, Irrelevant Week has created a community of supporters who believe in the importance of recognizing everyone’s potential, no matter their draft number.

This year, as we celebrate 50 years of both the Saints in the Superdome and Irrelevant Week, we honor the stories of perseverance, heart, and triumph that make football special. From the roaring crowds in New Orleans to the heartfelt celebrations of the NFL Draft’s final pick, these milestones remind us that greatness comes in many forms—and it’s always worth celebrating.

As you enjoy the Super Bowl this Sunday, take a moment to toast to 50 years of unforgettable moments in the Superdome and the underdog spirit of Irrelevant Week. Here’s to another 50 years of making football history!