MR. IRRELEVANT

Mr. Irrelevant Tells the Remarkable Story of John Tuggle

Being picked last was supposed to make John Tuggle irrelevant.

He had other plans.

Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story tells the true story of the unlikely NFL journey of John Tuggle, played by David Corenswet, who became the final player selected in the 1983 NFL Draft.

The New York Giants chose Tuggle with the very last pick of the final round, earning him the traditional title given to the draft's final selection:

“Mr. Irrelevant.”

But Tuggle refused to let his draft position define him.

The former Cal running back fought for his opportunity with the Giants and began proving himself under Bill Parcells, played by Michael Shannon, who was entering his first season as the team's head coach.

What begins as a classic football underdog story eventually becomes something much more powerful.

After his rookie season, Tuggle was diagnosed with cancer, abruptly changing the course of both his football career and his life.

Rather than focusing only on what Tuggle might have accomplished on the field, the film follows the perseverance and hope he showed while facing a challenge far greater than anything football could give him.

Isabel May also stars as the woman who becomes an important part of Tuggle's life as his journey takes him from overlooked draft pick to someone who leaves a lasting impression on his teammates, his coach and those closest to him.

John Tuggle died in 1986 at just 25 years old.

He entered the NFL carrying a nickname that suggested he didn't matter.

His story proved just how wrong that name could be.

Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story arrives exclusively in theaters December 25, 2026.