NFL Star John Tuggle's Tragic Life Inspires 'Mr. Irrelevant' Film

David Corenswet to portray Tuggle, the last pick in the 1983 NFL Draft who overcame the odds before a devastating cancer battle.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The heartbreaking story of John Tuggle, an NFL running back whose professional career lasted just one season, is being adapted into the upcoming film 'Mr. Irrelevant.' Tuggle, who earned the nickname 'Mr. Irrelevant' as the final pick in the 1983 NFL Draft, fought his way onto the New York Giants roster, became a special teams standout, and was named the team's Special Teams Player of the Year. However, his life took a tragic turn when he was diagnosed with cancer, and he passed away at just 25 years old. The film, starring David Corenswet as Tuggle, is set to be released by Paramount Pictures on Christmas 2026, positioning it as prestige fare and aiming for emotional resonance.

Why it matters

Tuggle's story highlights the challenges and resilience of professional athletes, as well as the broader issues of health, mortality, and the fleeting nature of fame and success. The film's release during the competitive holiday season suggests Paramount's faith that audiences still crave sincere, human stories even amidst the noise of blockbuster franchises.

The details

Tuggle's football journey began at Independence High School in San Jose, continued through four demanding seasons with the California Golden Bears, and reached its emotional peak in New York with the Giants. Despite injuries, personal struggles, and unexplained pain, Tuggle showed up, trained, and refused pity, even getting stronger during his chemotherapy treatments. Giants conditioning coach Johnny Parker praised Tuggle's determination, saying 'In the weight room, John Tuggle was not sick, John Tuggle was a standard.'

  • Tuggle was born on January 13, 1961.
  • Tuggle was selected last in the 1983 NFL Draft by the New York Giants.
  • Tuggle was named the Giants' Special Teams Player of the Year.
  • Tuggle died on August 30, 1986, at the age of 25.
  • The film 'Mr. Irrelevant' is set to be released on December 25, 2026.

The players

John Tuggle

An NFL running back whose professional career lasted just one season, but who earned the nickname 'Mr. Irrelevant' as the final pick in the 1983 NFL Draft and became a special teams standout for the New York Giants before his tragic battle with cancer.

David Corenswet

The actor who will portray John Tuggle in the upcoming film 'Mr. Irrelevant.'

Johnny Parker

The New York Giants' conditioning coach who praised Tuggle's determination and refusal to show pity during his cancer treatment.

Rob Carpenter

The New York Giants player whose injury led to Tuggle stepping in as the team's starting fullback for part of the season.

Jonathan Levine

The director of the film 'Mr. Irrelevant.'

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What they’re saying

“You could tell what a terrible thing his chemotherapy was, but John actually got stronger, and although it broke your heart to do it, he wanted to be pushed, he didn't want sympathy. In the weight room, John Tuggle was not sick, John Tuggle was a standard.”

— Johnny Parker, New York Giants Conditioning Coach (New York Times)

What’s next

Paramount Pictures has positioned 'Mr. Irrelevant' as prestige fare, aiming for emotional resonance rather than spectacle. The film will face stiff competition during the crowded 2026 holiday season, including the release of 'Avengers: Doomsday,' 'Dune: Part III,' and Robert Eggers' 'Werewulf.' However, early test screenings have reportedly generated positive reactions, suggesting the film could find its place despite the formidable competition.

The takeaway

John Tuggle's story is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring power of human resilience, dignity, and loyalty in the face of adversity. The adaptation of his life into the film 'Mr. Irrelevant' offers a chance to celebrate the legacy of a man whose impact stretched far beyond the stat sheet, inspiring audiences to confront the harsh realities of mortality while finding hope in the human spirit.