Irrelevant Week's 50th Celebration: Events & More

Mr. Irrelevant Turns 50: Irrelevant Week Honors Kobee Minor and Underdog Spirit in Orange County

Newport Beach, CA — May 21, 2025 — Irrelevant Week, the iconic celebration of the final pick in the NFL Draft, proudly marks its 50th year by honoring Kobee Minor, the 2025 Mr. Irrelevant and newest member of the New England Patriots. This milestone year not only celebrates the perseverance and potential of Minor, but also spotlights one of Irrelevant Week’s most meaningful events—the Lowsman Banquet, hosted by the Orange County Youth Sports Foundation (OCYSF).

Founded in 1976 by former NFL receiver Paul Salata, Irrelevant Week honors the NFL’s final draft pick with events that celebrate perseverance and community. This year’s festivities include:

Thursday, June 26: Meet and greet the Newport Beach Junior Guards. Sailing regatta followed by a BBQ at the Balboa Yacht Club

Friday, June 27: VIP Luncheon with past Mr. Irrelevants. Celebrate 50 years of Mr. Irrelevant at the Lowsman Banquet presented by Orange County Youth Sports Foundation at the Balboa Bay Resort beginning at 5pm.

Saturday, June 28: Surfing on 30th Street in Newport Beach at 9am followed by a BBQ. Return to the NB Peninsula for a Night Out around Newport, visiting local eateries and hangout spots beginning at 5pm.

Sunday, June 29: Sunday Service at Mariners Church in Irvine, followed by a day at Disneyland. 

Monday, June 30: Visit FOX Sports for a segment on the studio lot.

*Note: These events are subject to change. 

The highlight is the Lowsman Banquet on Friday, June 27 at 5 PM at the Balboa Bay Club, where Kobee Minor will receive the Lowsman Trophy among past Mr. Irrelevants and sports legends.

This year's banquet will be hosted by OCYSF, a nonprofit co-founded by Salata himself. For over five decades, OCYSF has dedicated itself to supporting deserving young athletes in Orange County through scholarships and mentorship opportunities. The organization recognizes both athletic and academic excellence, helping young people pursue higher education and build leadership skills through sports.

“The Lowsman Banquet has always been a cornerstone event of Irrelevant Week,” said Melanie Salata-Fitch, CEO of Irrelevant Week and daughter of the late Paul Salata. “With OCYSF hosting the event this year, it brings the celebration full circle—honoring Kobee Minor while uplifting the youth athletes my father was so passionate about.”

Minor, who played at Texas Tech, Indiana, and Memphis, impressed scouts with his grit and athleticism. Selected with the 257th pick, he now joins a long line of Mr. Irrelevants who have embraced the title as a badge of honor. “I love it, actually,” said Minor. “It’s just fuel to my fire.”

As Irrelevant Week celebrates its golden anniversary, its mission remains unchanged: to champion the underdog and to do something nice for someone for no reason. This year’s celebration will run from June 26 - 29 in Newport Beach, culminating in the Lowsman Banquet on Friday, June 27th, which also raises funds to support OCYSF’s youth sports initiatives.

For more information about all the events during Irrelevant Week, visit https://mrirrelevant.org/.