‘Mr. Irrelevant’ is ‘not irrelevant to us’: Buffalo reacts as Broncos pick Red Murdock in 2026 NFL Draft - what the title means

The final pick of the 2026 NFL Draft came with a big celebration for Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock, as the Denver Broncos selected him with the No. 257 overall pick and gave him one of football’s most famous labels - “Mr. Irrelevant.”

The Broncos held the final two picks of the draft, first taking Utah tight end Dallen Bentley at No. 256 before selecting Murdock at No. 257. Soon after confirming the pick, Buffalo posted on X that “Mr. Irrelevant” is is ‘not irrelevant to us!’



For Buffalo, it was a proud moment. Murdock became the first Bull selected in the NFL Draft since Malcolm Koonce was taken by the Las Vegas Raiders in the third round in 2021. He also became the first University at Buffalo player ever drafted by the Broncos.

What is ‘Mr. Irrelevant,' and Why is the title given?

The “Mr. Irrelevant” title is given every year to the final player selected in the NFL Draft. The title was first coined in 1976 by former football player Paul Salata. The first-ever Mr. Irrelevant was wide receiver Kelvin Kirk, who was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the No. 487 pick that year.

Despite the humorous name, the final draft pick is celebrated with a week-long tradition known as Irrelevant Week. Murdock will travel to Newport Beach, where he will be honored with a parade, a banquet, and a trip to Disneyland this summer.

Who is Red Murdock?

Red Murdock is a linebacker from the University of Buffalo selected by the Denver Broncos with the 257th and final pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, making him "Mr. Irrelevant" of 2026. A, Murdock holds the NCAA record for career forced fumbles with 17.

The two-time first-team All-MAC player's given name is Khalil, but according to Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Murdock got the nickname “Big Red” as a kid because of the red hair and freckles he had when he was born. The nickname was later shortened to simply “Red.”

Born and raised in Virginia, Murdock attended Hopewell High School but did not receive any Division I offers. As per Sports Illustrated, he then completed a post-graduate year at Fork Union Military Academy, helping the team to an undefeated season.

That extra year changed everything. Buffalo gave him his only Division I offer.

Mr. Irrelevant’s bio at a glance

In 2022, Murdock played five games as a reserve and recorded six tackles and one pass breakup.

In 2023, he played 12 games and tied for third in the FBS with four forced fumbles while posting 60 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks.

In 2024, he earned first-team All-MAC honors, led the FBS with seven forced fumbles, ranked second nationally with 156 tackles, and graduated magna cum laude with a psychology degree.

In 2025, he was named a second-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-MAC selection. He ranked second in the FBS with six forced fumbles, third with 142 tackles, and set the NCAA record with 17 career forced fumbles, breaking the previous mark held by former Buffalo star Khalil Mack.

Off the field, Murdock is also the Founder/Director of Virginia Homework Helpers, a free K-12 tutoring program.

Now, as the newest “Mr. Irrelevant,” Buffalo’s standout linebacker heads to Denver with a title that may sound small, but one the Broncos have already made clear is anything but irrelevant.