FIRST PERSON:

The sky was the limit.

That’s what I thought, not knowing what to expect for Irrelevant Week, five days full of different events for the last player chosen in the NFL Draft.

Arriving at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort on June 23, I could see it was a day of celebration. It was a day for Mr. Irrelevant XXXIII, David Vobora. Everything was for the 252nd pick by the St. Louis Rams.

Anticipation grew more and more as the time dwindled and the arrival of Mr. Irrelevant grew closer.

Surrounded by cheerleaders in the back of a truck, Vobora arrived wearing an orange prison jumpsuit and a ball and chain.

The atmosphere was very relaxing and fun. Everyone was there for a good time and to celebrate Vobora, the linebacker out of the University of Idaho.

He had the same idea — sky’s the limit — as me because he was actually clueless about the week for him.

“I really had no idea. I Googled it,” Vobora said about Irrelevant Week before the week-long celebration began. “I read about it. People told me about it. Still don’t know what to expect to be honest with you.”

Being showered in ball caps, shirts, and many other gifts was only Day One for Vobora, who remained calm amid the hoopla. Reporters, television cameras, city mayors and Rams fans swarmed the St. Louis Rams linebacker, wanting to find out about pro football’s favorite underdog.

“I guess the sky is the limit,” Vobora said. “All these gifts, everything, it’s just a fun time.”

More fun was ahead, two days later during a Rams Reunion and the Lowsman Banquet, which took place at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa.

Walking into a room full of former NFL Players can make you almost feel insignificant. You didn’t rush for more than 1,000 yards like Lawrence McCutcheon did with the Rams or block like lineman Rich Saul, but then you remember you’re the one that tells their story. And it’s not so bad anymore.

Being around these former players, especially Saul, a six-time Pro Bowl center for the Los Angeles Rams from 1970 to 1981, and McCutcheon, a five-time Pro Bowl running back for the Rams from 1972 to 1979, is definitely something to get used to.

I actually had the opportunity for a question-and-answer session with Saul, a Newport Beach resident who is battling cancer.

Moving into the banquet room, Vobora was welcomed with a standing ovation and thunderous applause. All of a sudden the spotlight shifts to Mr. Irrelevant and away from the old-time Rams.

The entire night was full of laughter as the former Rams roasted Vobora and even made fun of each other as well.

John Ireland, a 1981 Corona del Mar High graduate and sports broadcaster at KCAL Channel 9 and KCBS Channel 2, took over the microphone.

Ireland introduced the former Rams to the stage. That’s where they gave Vobora some words of advice.

As the night drew to a close, Vobora was roasted about more, as any Mr. Irrelevant should.

Vobora, accompanied by his right-hand man of the week, Roy Schuening, another Rams rookie, headed over to a bar in Newport Beach for drinks and laughs.

Day Four began at the Balboa Yacht Club for an afternoon of sailing.

Being around so many beautiful yachts and huge sailboats makes you feel just as irrelevant as Mr. Irrelevant himself.

Attempting to lace up his sailing shoes aboard the Gratitude, Vobora wasn’t sure if there was some special technique to lacing them correctly.

He was laughed at.

It was time for Vobora to put his sailing skills he learned earlier in the day to some use on the 48-foot Amante.

Vobora appeared plenty ready for the beer can regatta to begin. Being the competitor that he is, Vobora didn’t want to lose.

“You won’t see me hanging out in the boat,” Vobora said.

Vobora spent most of his time on board sitting with a beer in hand, fitting for a beer can regatta.

The setting couldn’t have been more beautiful, being on the Gratitude, following around a dozen sailboats, and riding into the sunset.

The evening was perfect.

As much as everyone wanted the Amante to win, they were out-sailed by It’s OK!

After the race, it was time to move the party to Huntington Beach, where Mr. Irrelevant would choose his Miss. Irrelevant.

The competition was fierce, as all the ladies strutted their stuff for Vobora. He had a hard choice to make.

His decision? Three beauties from Ireland.

Even though Vobora would be with many more gorgeous women at the Playboy Mansion the following day, he still managed to enjoy the company of his Miss Irrelevants for the rest of the night.

Overall, a relevant week.

JESSICA IRIZARRY may be reached at (714) 966-4616.