How the NFL's very last draft pick became a Super Bowl champion
In short: In the 2009 NFL draft, Ryan Succop was the 256th and final selection, earning him the nickname 'Mr. Irrelevant.' Yet, the man many expected to fade away eventually defied the odds to secure a championship ring, proving that the league's very last pick could become a Super Bowl starter.
The title of 'Mr. Irrelevant' is traditionally reserved for the player taken with the final pick of the draft. For Ryan Succop, this designation in 2009 was not a career sentence, but a starting point. After being selected by the Kansas City Chiefs, Succop proved his value immediately, tying an NFL record for the highest field goal percentage by a rookie at 86.2% and scoring more points than any other rookie in the league that year.
His journey through the league saw him move from the Chiefs to the Tennessee Titans and eventually the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During his tenure with the Titans, he demonstrated remarkable precision, setting a record for the most consecutive field goals made from inside 50 yards, with 56 successful attempts. His ability to perform under pressure was a hallmark of his career, often delivering game-winning kicks in the final seconds of regulation or during overtime.
The ultimate validation of his career came in Super Bowl LV. Playing for the Buccaneers, Succop was part of a 31–9 victory over his former team, the Kansas City Chiefs. This feat earned him a unique honour: being the initial 'Mr. Irrelevant' to secure a Super Bowl victory while starting a game. His career, marked by multiple Special Teams Player of the Week honors and high-scoring seasons, serves as a testament to the impact a specialist can have on the game.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Ryan Succop
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