Paramount has released the first trailer for “Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story,” a new sports drama starring Superman actor David Corenswet as the NFL player whose unlikely professional journey was cut short after a cancer diagnosis.
Corenswet plays John Tuggle, who was selected by the New York Giants as the final pick of the 1983 NFL Draft. That last selection became known as “Mr. Irrelevant,” but Tuggle went on to make the Giants roster and earn the respect of his teammates.
Fast Facts
- Movie: Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story
- Star: David Corenswet
- Real-life player: John Tuggle
- NFL team: New York Giants
- Draft: 1983, final selection
- Director: Jonathan Levine
- Writer: Nick Santora
- Theatrical release: Dec. 25, 2026
- Also starring: Isabel May, Michael Shannon and David Krumholtz
David Corenswet Plays John Tuggle
Tuggle entered the NFL under a label that could easily have defined his career: he was the last player chosen in the 1983 draft.
Instead, he made the Giants roster and played the following season primarily on special teams. After starting fullback Rob Carpenter suffered an injury, Tuggle moved into the starting role.
His performance changed how his teammates viewed him. The Giants players ultimately voted Tuggle their special teams player of the year.
The film follows that rise while focusing on the personal story behind the player who refused to let his draft position determine his worth.
The Cancer Diagnosis Changed Everything
Tuggle’s football career was interrupted by a series of difficult events.
During the offseason, he underwent minor surgery for a knee injury and was later involved in a car accident. After experiencing shoulder pain following the crash, Tuggle went to a doctor and was diagnosed with cancer.
The Giants eventually did not retain him after the 1985 season. Even after his playing career with the team ended, however, the organization continued supporting him by paying for his health insurance until his death.
Tuggle died in 1986 at the age of 25.
The Giants later honored him by placing his No. 38 on their helmets during the 1986-87 season. That season ended with New York winning the Super Bowl.
What Is “Mr. Irrelevant” About?
“Mr. Irrelevant” is the nickname traditionally associated with the final player selected in the NFL Draft.
The title carries an intentionally ironic meaning in Tuggle’s story. Although he entered the league as the draft’s final selection, he earned a roster spot, became a starter and won recognition from his teammates.
That contrast forms the emotional center of the new movie.
Rather than simply telling the story of an NFL draft pick, the film focuses on the lasting impact Tuggle had on the Giants and the people around him.
Who Stars in the John Tuggle Movie?
Corenswet leads the cast as Tuggle.
He is joined by Isabel May, who plays Katie, while Michael Shannon portrays Giants head coach Bill Parcells. David Krumholtz plays Julius “Whitey” Horai.
The cast brings together NFL history and a character-driven sports story, with Corenswet taking on a role far removed from his superhero performance as Superman.
Who Directed “Mr. Irrelevant”?
The film was directed by Jonathan Levine from a screenplay by Nick Santora.
Levine and Santora also produced the movie alongside Gillian Bohrer.
The production is being released by Paramount, with the film scheduled to arrive in theaters on Dec. 25, 2026.
When Does “Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story” Come Out?
Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story is scheduled for a theatrical release on Dec. 25, 2026.
The newly released trailer introduces Corenswet as Tuggle and sets up the film’s combination of football, family and the player’s battle after his cancer diagnosis.
FAQs
Who plays John Tuggle in “Mr. Irrelevant”?
David Corenswet, who stars as Superman, plays NFL player John Tuggle.
Who was John Tuggle?
John Tuggle was a New York Giants fullback selected with the final pick of the 1983 NFL Draft. He died in 1986 at age 25 after being diagnosed with cancer.
Why was John Tuggle called “Mr. Irrelevant”?
Tuggle was the final player selected in the 1983 NFL Draft. The final draft selection is traditionally nicknamed “Mr. Irrelevant.”
When is the “Mr. Irrelevant” movie released?
The film is scheduled for theatrical release on Dec. 25, 2026.
