April 21, 2002
LAS VEGAS - Former UNLV defensive tackle Ahmad Miller became the 27th annual Mr. Irrelevant when he was taken with the 261st and final pick of the 2002 NFL Draft Sunday in New York City.
Miller, who became the fourth Rebel taken this weekend, was chosen with the 50th pick in the seventh round by the Houston Texans as one of the expansion team's supplemental choices. An honorable mention All-MWC honoree the last two seasons, Miller is a native of Bradenton, Fla., who started 33 games on the defensive line for the Rebels, including 29 straight.
Miller finished his UNLV career with five quarterback sacks, three forced fumbles and 96 tackles, including 13 for a loss. He played one season at Southwest Mississippi Community College before returning to his home state to attend but not play for Manatee Junior College in 1998. Coming to UNLV in 1999, he started 10 of 11 games as a sophomore, all 13 as a junior and all 11 this past season.
Because of his celebrated draft position, Miller will be honored during Irrelevant Week. Founded by Paul Salata, the week-long, nationally chronicled celebration in Newport Beach, Calif., includes a celebrity banquet, golf tournament, a regatta and a spot for Miller in a Disneyland parade alongside Mickey Mouse. Also, Miller will be showered with gifts from sponsors and every NFL team.
"The whole community gets involved and we are excited to celebrate with Ahmad for being Mr. Irrelevant," organizer Melanie Salata Fitch said. "The whole week is a lot of fun and we will treat him like a king."
Miller joined teammates Anton Palepoi (second round), Sam Brandon (fourth round) and Kevin Thomas (sixth round) in being selected this weekend.
"It's exciting going to an expansion team because everyone there will be new," Miller said. "The head coach called and congratulated me and I am looking forward to going out (to Houston)."
Miller, who received numerous congratulatory calls and media requests from around the nation Sunday, said he is just now learning about the relevance of being Mr. Irrelevant.
"It's has been crazy here all day. I heard it was started a long time ago to do something nice for the last guy in the draft because he probably wasn't going to ever play in the NFL. But now that the draft is much shorter, I think it will be fun and then I can still play football. I am planning on putting up a good fight for a spot."
