Calling the Shots:

The concept of Mr. Irrelevant and Irrelevant Week might seem like a joke to some, or even sort of a novelty act.

But going into its 35th year, the week-long roast/celebration of the NFL draft’s final pick has grown into so much more. Founder Paul Salata, who cares for it as one of his own children, wants the party for the underdog to keep going in Newport Beach.

Would you believe, after all these years, that Irrelevant Week does not have a partnership with the NFL? Salata has permission to use the NFL shield, and yes, he’s the man who announces the final pick of the draft. But Irrelevant Week is not officially part of the league.

Instead, Salata has used grassroots efforts to keep his dream alive. Salata, along with daughter Melanie Salata Fitch have worked countless hours so the party won’t end. They gained sponsors and found a home for it in Newport Beach.

Now, Salata has formed a steering committee with the goal of gaining a partnership with the NFL. In reality, that’s the only way to ensure the long-term future of Irrelevant Week.

Salata has a new concept. He’s teaming up with former Newport Beach City Manager Homer Bludau for a campaign called, “Keep Irrelevant Week Relevant In Newport Beach.”

Bludau has become the non-paid Executive Director of Irrelevant Week and will lead the three-month fund-raising campaign.

I’ve always known Salata to be funny, the life of the party, someone who always says something to make you laugh. So when he’s serious, you know that whatever he’s talking about, it’s important.

A partnership with the NFL is top priority for Irrelevant Week and Salata. It would be a great achievement and it would mean his party wouldn’t end. And, oh what a party it has been.

For the underdog, it’s been trips to Disneyland, an Angels game, and once, even a visit to the Playboy Mansion. Everyone is along for the ride, with bashes at the Newport Dunes and local bars.

That’s the message Salata is trying to get across now to the NFL, that Irrelevant Week is also good for Newport Beach, that the city supports this quirky, yet meaningful good time.

Salata’s campaign intends to raise at least $100,000 between now and April 30 to show the NFL Irrelevant Week has lasting power in Newport Beach. In addition the campaign is working toward signed pledges for another $100,000 in both 2011 and 2012 to let the NFL know the community supports Irrelevant Week.

“If we can raise a sizable amount of money this year and obtain pledges for the next two years, it will clearly demonstrate to the NFL that Newport Beach will support Irrelevant Week long after I’m out of the picture,” Salata says. “That is important to the NFL, to me and to the future of Irrelevant Week.”

Salata created the Mr. Irrelevant concept on the premise of doing something nice for someone for no reason at all. So it makes sense that money from the fun-filled event is used for charities. IW has raised over $1 million for Orange County charities the past 34 years.

Next week, Salata will be at the NFL draft in New York, most likely with a Honolulu blue and silver jersey with the No. 255 emblazoned on it, as well as “Mr. Irrelevant.” The final pick April 24 is to Detroit, home of Motown and the American car industry.

Salata will be hoping Newport Beach will always be the home of Irrelevant Week.

 Trevor Theriot, a former Newport Harbor High standout, leads the fullbacks eligible for the upcoming NFL draft in speed, agility and strength after marks he set during his Pro Day at UCLA.

Theriot, a former Bruins fullback who is ranked No. 22 at his position by NFLDraftScout.com, ran a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. He had a 6.78 in the three-cone drill and a 4.26 in the 20-yard shuttle run. He also recorded 34 reps when bench-pressing 225 pounds. The marks lead all fullback eligible for next week’s draft.

Still, Theriot (5-foot-11, 237 pounds) is against great odds to be drafted. Just one fullback was drafted in last year’s draft. Fullbacks are becoming a rare breed, as the NFL is more of a pass-happy league.

I think it would be great if he were picked last in the draft, as Mr. Irrelevant. That would make for an entertaining story, as Mr. Irrelevant is roasted and celebrated in his hometown of Newport Beach.

In my opinion, Trevor will not be drafted, but I believe he’ll make it onto an NFL team as a rookie free agent.

Whatever takes place I’m sure it will be exciting for the fullback known as “Moose.”