Football: Mr. Irrelevant XXIV gets starting nod

INDIANAPOLIS - Jim Finn, 1999’s Mr. Irrelevant, is now

high-profile. He will be leading the way for Indianapolis Colts running

back Edgerrin James and protecting quarterback Peyton Manning as he was

named the starting fullback by Coach Jim Mora Monday.

Finn, who ranks fourth in the University of Pennsylvania’s career

rushing list, was the 253rd and last draft pick by the Chicago Bears last

season, thus earning the honor of Mr. Irrelevant XXIV, handed out

annually by founder Paul Salata of Newport Beach.

Finn was cut by the Bears last season and was signed by Indianapolis

in January. After a dubious start, he fumbled his first carry as a Colt

in an exhibition game against the Falcons, he ended up as Indianapolis’

fourth-leading preseason rusher with 63 yards on 22 carries. He also

caught five passes for 63 yards.

But it was his blocking skills that gave the 5-foot-10, 240-pound

fullback the job over last year’s starter, Paul Shields, who was cut. His

primary job is to block for the Colts’ young backfield stars, Manning and

James. Last year, the Colts went 13-3, won the AFC East and advanced to

the conference championships.