Red Murdock, a linebacker from the University of Buffalo, was selected as 'Mr. Irrelevant' in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. He expressed that being drafted was a 'pretty emotional moment' for him.
Key points
Red Murdock was selected last in the 2026 NFL Draft
He is known as 'Mr. Irrelevant'
Murdock was drafted by the Denver Broncos
He holds the record for most forced fumbles in FBS history
Murdock expressed that it was an emotional moment
University of BuffaloRed MurdockDenver Broncos
Red MurdockCredit: Justin Casterline/Getty
Red Murdock
Credit: Justin Casterline/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
Former University of Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock was selected last in the 2026 NFL Draft, making him this year's "Mr. Irrelevant"
Broncos general manager George Paton says Murdock is a "tackling machine," holding the record for the most forced fumbles in FBS history throughout his college career
Red Murdock was all smiles on Saturday, April 25 when his name was finally called in the 2026 NFL Draft —even if it was the very last one.
The 22-year-old linebacker, who played college football at the University of Buffalo, was selected No. 257 overall by the Denver Broncos, making him this year’s “Mr. Irrelevant," the tongue-in-cheek nickname bestowed to the final pick of the NFL draft each year.
Murdock said he began to grow weary of his name being called in this year's NFL draft as the seventh and final round started winding down, according to the Associated Press.
“The thoughts crept in, but I was trying to keep my mind off of things that I can’t control,” Murdock told reporters after the draft, according to the AP. “And when I got that call, I was extremely grateful.”
Red Murdock was the final pick of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 25, 2026Credit: Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL
Red Murdock was the final pick of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 25, 2026
Credit: Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL
Q&A
Who is Red Murdock and why is he called 'Mr. Irrelevant'?
Red Murdock is a linebacker from the University of Buffalo who was the last player selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, earning him the title 'Mr. Irrelevant'.
What team drafted Red Murdock in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Red Murdock was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 2026 NFL Draft.
What record did Red Murdock hold during his college career?
Red Murdock holds the record for the most forced fumbles in FBS history throughout his college career.
How did Red Murdock feel about being drafted last in the NFL Draft?
Red Murdock described being drafted last as a 'pretty emotional moment' for him.
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The Buffalo grad told ESPN on Saturday it was “a pretty emotional moment" for him after as his dream of making it to the pros was realized.
"I know a little bit about ‘Mr. Irrelevant,’ but the main thing is I got an opportunity and to make the most out of it and help us win," Murdock said. "It was a pretty emotional moment, trying to hold it in front of the family and everything. I was just really excited to get an opportunity ... the Broncos, man, I'm just really excited to play for the Broncos. That's a great team. ... It's playing out perfectly."
Murdock’s resume is anything but irrelevant, breaking the FBS college football record with 17 forced fumbles throughout his career, with 39.5 tackles for loss over three seasons at Buffalo.
"Man, he's a tackling machine," Broncos general manager George Paton told ESPN on Saturday. "Really instinctive, really good versus the run ... but this guy, oh my gosh, if you look at his career and all the forced fumbles he had, just a nose for the ball, relentless motor."
When discussing tackling, Murdock told the outlet he’s “meticulous in intent.”
"I'm kind of obsessed with it,” the rookie linebacker said.
Red MurdockCredit: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty
Red Murdock
Credit: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty
ESPN reported that Murdock is set to be flown out to Newport Beach, Calif., in the coming weeks for this year’s Irrelevant Week festival — an annual charitable event spotlighting the final pick in the draft.
Originated in 1976 by Paul Salata, a former 10th round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1951, the Irrelevant Week festival aims “to drive home an important message – that it’s not a negative to be picked last in the NFL Draft; rather, it’s an honor to be drafted at all.”
Salata, who died in 2021, believed "the last draft pick’s demonstration of perseverance is a lesson that resonates not only with NFL players and fans, but also with people everywhere," according to the festival's website.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is one of the biggest "Mr. Irrelevant" success stories to emerge in recent years. The former Iowa State quarterback was taken with the 262nd pick by the 49ers in the 2022 NFL Draft and became the team's starting quarterback later in the season.
Purdy, 26, agreed to a five-year, $265 million contract extension with the team in May 2025.
