Mr. Irrelevant isn’t so irrelevant in our eyes

On Wednesday, June 24, Newport Beach welcomed the 257th NFL Draft pick – Mr. Irrelevant, Red Murdock to celebrate Irrelevant Week. Graduating magna cum laude from the University of Buffalo, Murdock leads the NCAA in career-forced fumbles, with 17. To many, his name may not ring a bell, hint the irrelevancy, but after spending an adventure-filled week with him, I can tell you, Red Murdock is a special guy. I want to take you from Thursday through Saturday, sharing some memorable moments, in case you missed the festivities.

Red Murdock, Mr. Irrelevant LI, the 257th pick in the NFL draft, aboard a sailboat in the Newport Harbor

The program kicked off by welcoming Murdock into Newport Harbor, siren blazing from the Sheriff’s Department boat leading the pack. The star of the week trailed the red boat, standing on the front of a yacht with the Hope International University cheer and stunt team. Murdock was repping the orange and blue Broncos’ jersey, with a special number 257 and his name written on the back.

Marie Fitch, daughter of Melanie Salata Fitch, the CEO of Irrelevant Week, greeted Murdock as they walked into The Cannery Newport Beach to kick off the Lowsman Banquet. MCs Salata Fitch, and Paul McDonald, former NFL quarterback, welcomed the first speaker of the night – Newport Beach Mayor Lauren Kleiman, who presented Murdock with a key to the city. Mayor Kleiman engaged the crowd talking about how she related to Murdock as a female politician because they both “weren’t the first pick.”

Mayor Kleiman gifts Red Murdock with a beribboned gold key to the city of Newport Beach

Next, Newport Beach Police Deputies Shawn Randell and Joshua Vincelet expressed their congratulations to Murdock for his hard work and dedication. They let him know that if he ever wanted to come back to Newport Beach, the Police Department is “always looking to hire.” Assistant Chief of Lifeguard Operations Brian O’Rourke then spoke a few words.

One of the most enthusiastic speakers was Murdock’s former coach at Fork Union Military Academy, Frank Arritt. Coach Arritt discussed the type of person that Murdock is, noting that he had the highest GPA on the team. Arritt told the crowd that he forced Murdock to cut his hair in order to play. Following the coach and a surprise to Murdock, his former teammate and Buffalo Bulls wide receiver, JJ Jenkins told the crowd about his experiences with Mr. Irrelevant.

“Red is a great player, but an even better man off the field,” Jenkins said.

Irrelevant Week then welcomed NFL guests – NFL Senior Director of Global Event Presentation Tim Tubito and Super Bowl Champion and 14-year NFL veteran and professional actor, Matt Willig. Tubito read a letter from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell offering Murdock some advice on work ethics. Willig lightened the mood by providing Murdock with the opportunity to explore his acting career for his post-NFL life. Murdock, who apparently is not a Star Wars fan, put on a cape and a Darth Vader mask with a lightsaber in hand to say, “Luke, I am your father.” Willig professed that Mr. Irrelevant may need to pursue a different career because “that sucked.”

(L-R) Melanie Salata Fitch, Red Murdock as Darth Vader and Matt Willig laughing about Murdock’s post-NFL acting career

Murdock took on surfing for his first time at 30th Street Beach, with SOY (Save Our Youth) Center and SPIN youngsters accompanying him for a morning in the sun. Mr. Irrelevant started off strong, getting up on his feet on his first wave and eventually earning a 7/10 rating from surf legend, Peter Townend, the highest rating in Irrelevant history! Murdock then paddled out further to hop on the Newport Beach Lifeguard boat and took a few photos. After surfing, the Fitch family hosted a barbecue at their beach house where family, friends and fun were the vibes.

Red Murdock (center) takes on the small waves at 30th Street Beach, earning the highest score in Irrelevant Week history

Murdock arrived in style in an orange MOKE to meet the Junior Lifeguards. He shook hands with many of the guards, then made a short speech about the importance of determination and hard work.

“Look at what you’re doing right now, and ask yourself if you are giving your all,” said Murdock.

The Junior Guards listened intently, but were ready for some fun – and the Irrelevant Week team delivered, throwing footballs into the crowd. Murdock notably misthrew one into a nearby umbrella. (C’mon Red, I thought you were supposed to be good at this!)

The smile on Murdock’s face never wore off as he shared he has done hundreds of community service hours and likes to speak from the heart.

The festivities continued with Murdock being welcomed at the Balboa Yacht Club, where he participated in the Beer Can Regatta (a local Thursday night tradition in the summer). Reluctant to get off the boat, it is safe to say Mr. Irrelevant is a true sailor at heart.

Red Murdock took the wheel, sailing in the Beer Can Regatta in Newport Harbor

On Friday, June 26, Mr. Irrelevant and his hosts took on Disneyland, which was also a new experience for him. They enjoyed the churros, lots of rides and a beautiful sunny Southern California day. He was reluctant to board the rides, but when he did, he loved them, especially the Incredicoaster, which was his favorite ride of the day. Going to Star Wars land was somewhat lame for him, because he had never heard of Star Wars before. What?

Following a magical day at Disneyland, Murdock attended an Anaheim Angels game, where he was given a custom Angels “Mr. Irrelevant” jersey to wear for the game. The colors suited him and his name!

Red Murdock, wearing his custom jersey, tossing out T-shirts at the Angels game

With all the fun times and fun eats, Mr. Irrelevant had to manage getting in some gym time. On Saturday morning (June 27), American Gym hosted him so that he could keep in shape, knowing he was heading back to Denver on Sunday (June 28). As he was doing pull-ups, Alix Fitch, another one of Salata Fitch’s daughters, told Murdock he was very good at pull-ups and he responded, “I’ve only been doing them 20 years.” The relaxed, sarcastic humor makes Murdock who he is.

A fan asked Murdock about his adjustment to the high altitude in Denver and he said, “The altitude is real in Denver, but I trained super hard before I went there so I didn’t feel it as much.”

After the workout he was able to stop for a California burrito and told me that this was his favorite part of the entire trip! I need to know the ingredients in that burrito if it was that legendary.

(L-R) Red Murdock and owner of American Gym, Brian Hood, met and shared stories

After the workout, Murdock’s Newport takeover began at Baja Sharkeez, where a group of around 30 people met. Even though he expressed himself as a guy who does not like crowds, he managed to be a good sport, signing hundreds of autographs and making small talk with everyone who looked forward to meeting him.

The next stop was Stag Bar, then onto 22nd Street Pizza, where Murdock crafted a chicken and onion pizza. Make sure there’s no pepperoni when you take him out for pizza, because he doesn’t eat pork. Rolling out the dough and preparing the pizza came naturally to Mr. Irrelevant, even though it was his first time. He told the owners jokingly, “I almost DoorDashed from here last night!”

Red Murdock and the Irrelevant Week entourage made their first stop at Baja Sharkeez, then headed off to the Stag Bar

Finally, the group made its way to Mutt Lynch’s where Murdock finally agreed to get a drink, but not what you would expect for a 6’2”, 230-pound linebacker. Murdock sipped on his pink lemonade while Broncos fans and locals were quick to engage him in conversation.

As Mr. Irrelevant headed out of Newport on Sunday (June 28), we wished him the best of luck when he competes on the Broncos team. His work ethic, kind heart and team-spirit attitude will surely take him places. Look out for number 50 taking on Patrick Mahomes in their opening game against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 14.

(L-R) Melanie Salata Fitch, Red Murdock and Newport Fire Chief Jeff Boyles gathered in front of the Junior Lifeguard facility

Hopefully Murdock gets the chance to come back to Newport Beach to join the Police Department, try his hand at surfing again and enjoy another California burrito!

Article was originally written by Bridget O’Sullivan for Stu News. The original article can be found here: https://stunewsnewport.com/mr-irrelevant-isnt-so-irrelevant-063026/