David Corenswet is stepping into the shoes of a real-life NFL underdog in Mr Irrelevant, the upcoming sports drama based on the remarkable story of John Tuggle. Tuggle made NFL history in 1983 when the New York Giants selected him with the very last pick of the NFL Draft. That earned him the label Mr Irrelevant, a nickname given to the final player selected each year. But Tuggle quickly proved that there was nothing irrelevant about him.
He fought his way onto the Giants’ roster, earned a role on special teams and was named the team’s Special Teams Player of the Year. His NFL career lasted just one season, but his story continued long after he left the field.
Here’s what to know about the NFL player portrayed by Corenswet in Mr Irrelevant.
Who Was John Tuggle?
John Tuggle was an American football player who played running back and fullback. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, he attended Independence High School in San Jose, California, before playing college football at the University of California, Berkeley.
At Cal, Tuggle established himself as a powerful runner and became one of the Golden Bears’ leading rushers. His college career eventually put him on the NFL’s radar. The New York Giants selected Tuggle in the 12th round of the 1983 NFL Draft with the 335th and final overall pick.
Why Was John Tuggle Called Mr. Irrelevant?
Mr. Irrelevant is the unofficial title given to the final player selected in an NFL Draft. The nickname is meant to be playful, but it can carry an obvious implication: the final pick is often viewed as having the longest odds of making an NFL roster. Tuggle challenged that perception almost immediately.
He became the first player to be selected last in the NFL Draft and then survive training camp to make the same team that drafted him. The New York Giants gave him a chance, and he made the most of it.
How Did John Tuggle Make The New York Giants?
Tuggle entered the Giants’ 1983 season as an underdog, but his determination helped him secure a place on the roster. He played in all 16 games that season, primarily as a fullback and special teams player. According to Pro Football Reference, he recorded 17 rushing attempts for 49 yards and a touchdown, along with three receptions for 50 yards.
Tuggle became an important special teams player and was voted the Giants’ Special Teams Player of the Year by his teammates. He also eventually moved into a larger offensive role during the season.
What Happened To John Tuggle?
Tuggle’s promising NFL career was cut short by cancer. In 1984, he was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his right shoulder, with the disease also affecting his lung. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment and was unable to return to his NFL career.
Despite his illness, Tuggle continued to work out and remained determined to stay connected to football. His battle eventually became bigger than the game itself. The Giants continued supporting him, including covering medical expenses, according to his mother in a 1986 UPI report. Tuggle died in August 1986 at the age of 25 after an extended battle with cancer.
How Did The New York Giants Honour John Tuggle?
Tuggle’s impact on the Giants did not end with his death. During the 1986 season, the team wore his No. 38 on their helmets as a tribute to their former teammate. The Giants went on to win the first Super Bowl in franchise history that season.
His story had also previously been explored in ESPN’s 30 for 30 short documentary The Irrelevant Giant, which helped introduce his remarkable journey to a wider audience.
Who Plays John Tuggle In Mr Irrelevant?
David Corenswet plays John Tuggle in Mr Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story. The film is directed by Jonathan Levine and written by Nick Santora. Corenswet stars alongside Isabel May and Michael Shannon, with Shannon playing legendary Giants coach Bill Parcells.
The movie focuses on Tuggle’s journey from the final pick of the 1983 NFL Draft to a beloved member of the Giants, while also exploring the personal challenges that followed his brief football career.
When Is Mr Irrelevant Releasing?
Mr Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story is scheduled to arrive in theaters on December 25, 2026. For Corenswet, the film offers a very different kind of sports role. For audiences unfamiliar with Tuggle, it brings renewed attention to a player whose NFL career lasted only one season but whose determination left a lasting impression on the New York Giants.
