Culture 3 min read By Morgan Griffin
David Corenswet Stars in 'Mr. Irrelevant' as NFL Underdog John Tuggle
Paramount and Skydance Sports have released the official poster and trailer for 'Mr. Irrelevant,' a biopic starring David Corenswet as John Tuggle, the last pick of the 1983 NFL draft who defied expectations with the New York Giants. The film, directed by Jonathan Levine, premieres on Christmas.
David Corenswet is trading his cape for shoulder pads in the upcoming biopic «Mr. Irrelevant,» which tells the story of John Tuggle, the New York Giants running back who became a symbol of perseverance after being the final selection of the 1983 NFL draft. Paramount and Skydance Sports have unveiled the official poster and trailer for the film, directed by Jonathan Levine, ahead of its Christmas Day premiere.
The title comes from the label given to the player chosen last in the NFL draft each year — a designation that traditionally carries little expectation of a professional career. Tuggle, a fullback from the University of California, was the 335th and final pick in 1983, earning him the «Mr. Irrelevant» moniker. Rather than fading into obscurity, he made the Giants' roster and spent three seasons with the team, appearing in 35 games and scoring two touchdowns.
The film focuses on Tuggle's final months before his death from cancer in 1986 at the age of 25. His story became one of quiet inspiration in the NFL: a player who was never supposed to make it, yet earned the respect of teammates and coaches through determination and grit. The trailer highlights his unlikely rise and the emotional weight of his brief but meaningful career.
Corenswet, who recently portrayed Superman in James Gunn's DC Universe, takes on the role of Tuggle. The casting marks a shift from superhero spectacle to grounded human drama, though the actor's profile has risen sharply in recent years. Levine, known for films such as «Warm Bodies» and «50/50,» directs from a script that chronicles Tuggle's journey from draft-day afterthought to beloved teammate.
The poster and trailer arrive as awards season begins to take shape, positioning «Mr. Irrelevant» as a potential holiday release with broad appeal. Sports biopics have found success in recent years, particularly those centered on underdog narratives and personal triumph. The Christmas premiere date suggests the studio is aiming for a family-friendly audience during a competitive box office window.
Tuggle's story has long been part of NFL lore, often cited as proof that draft position does not define a player's worth. His legacy extends beyond statistics: the Giants organization and fans remember him as a player who embodied resilience. The film aims to bring that story to a wider audience, combining sports drama with a meditation on mortality and legacy.
With Corenswet in the lead and Levine at the helm, «Mr. Irrelevant» will test whether a relatively unknown true story can resonate during the crowded holiday season. The poster's release signals the start of a marketing push that will likely intensify in the coming weeks. For now, the film stands as a tribute to a player whose title was meant to diminish him, but whose life became an unlikely source of inspiration.
