The film, often referred to as Mr. Irrelevant, is an upcoming biographical sports drama from Paramount Pictures, set to hit theaters on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026. This inspirational project follows hot on the heels of David Corenswet’s breakout performance as Superman in James Gunn’s acclaimed 2025 film, positioning the actor as a rising star ready to tackle diverse, emotionally charged roles.
The True Story of John Tuggle: From Last Pick to Lasting Legacy
At the heart of the movie is the remarkable, albeit tragically brief, life of John Tuggle. In the 1983 NFL Draft, Tuggle was selected by the New York Giants as the very last pick overall—the final selection of the final round. This dubious honor earned him the unofficial title of “Mr. Irrelevant,” a label traditionally given to the last drafted player, who is often waived before the regular season begins and fades into obscurity.
Yet Tuggle defied expectations. Far from irrelevant, his presence made a profound impact on the Giants. He played as a fullback and special teams contributor during the 1983 season, starting five games and earning the team’s Special Teams Player of the Year award. His determination, work ethic, and positive influence resonated deeply with teammates and coaches, including legendary head coach Bill Parcells.
Tragically, Tuggle’s promising career was cut short when he was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away on August 30, 1986, at the age of just 25. His story became a poignant reminder that true relevance in sports—and in life—often stems not from draft position or statistics, but from character, resilience, and the relationships forged along the way.
Tuggle’s legacy has been celebrated before, notably in ESPN’s 30 for 30 short film The Irrelevant Giant, which highlighted his enduring influence despite his short time in the league. The upcoming feature expands on this, promising a heartfelt exploration of perseverance, team spirit, and the human side of professional football.
A Talented Team Brings the Story to Life
Jonathan Levine (50/50, Warm Bodies, Long Shot, The Night Before) directs the film, bringing his signature blend of humor, heart, and emotional depth to the sports biopic genre. Levine also serves as a co-producer alongside Gillian Bohrer.
The screenplay comes from Nick Santora, an Emmy-nominated writer known for his work on action-packed series like Reacher and FUBAR, as well as films such as Punisher: War Zone. Santora also produces, ensuring the script balances gritty realism with uplifting storytelling.
Stellar Cast Assembles for the Gridiron Drama
David Corenswet leads as John Tuggle, stepping from the cape of Superman into the cleats of an underdog fullback. Joining him is a strong supporting cast:
• Michael Shannon as Bill Parcells, the iconic Giants coach who played a key role in Tuggle’s brief but meaningful tenure.
• David Krumholtz
• Isabel May
The ensemble suggests a focus on the interpersonal dynamics and mentorship that defined Tuggle’s experience.
Corenswet’s Busy Horizon
This NFL biopic marks Corenswet’s major follow-up to Superman, capitalizing on the momentum from his DC Universe debut. Fans won’t have long to wait for more from the actor: he’ll reprise the Man of Steel in the Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow, scheduled for July 9, 2027.
With its holiday release slot, Mr. Irrelevant (or its official untitled counterpart) is poised to offer a counterpoint to blockbuster competition, delivering an emotional, true-story drama amid the season’s family gatherings. Paramount’s confidence in the project—backed by positive early buzz—positions it as a potential awards contender and a touching reminder of the power of underdogs in sports.
