MR. IRRELEVANT GERALD CHRISTIAN SELECTED AS LAST PICK …

[Pages:3]CONTACT: Meredith Cagle Executive Director

The Foundation for the Undefeated (949) 463-0505

mcagle@

MR. IRRELEVANT GERALD CHRISTIAN SELECTED AS LAST PICK IN NFL DRAFT BY ARIZONA CARDINALS

Irrelevant Week to Celebrate Gerald Christian's Perseverance and The Foundation for the Undefeated's Partnership with Special Olympics Southern California from July 7-12, 2015 in Newport Beach, California

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (May 5, 2015) ? University of Louisville tight end Gerald Christian got more than he bargained for at this year's NFL Draft. After being selected as the final draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals, Christian soon learned that he was the recipient of another title ? Mr. Irrelevant 2015. As Mr. Irrelevant, Christian will become the center of attention during The Foundation for the Undefeated's 40th Irrelevant Week, an annual celebration in Newport Beach, Calif. that honors the last draft pick of the NFL.

Irrelevant Week is the cornerstone event of The Foundation for the Undefeated, an organization that promotes stories of perseverance and raises funds for organizations such as Special Olympics Southern California. While participating in Irrelevant Week, Christian and his family will be treated to a weeklong celebration including an All-Star Banquet, a trip to Disneyland, a Community Field Day, and other exciting activities.

Christian's story is an inspirational testament of hard work and perseverance, perfectly aligned with The Foundation for the Undefeated's mission to celebrate exceptional athletes on and off the field.

Gerald Christian's journey to the NFL began in Palm Gardens, Fla. where he attended Dwyer High School. Christian was a rare four-year starter for the Panthers Varsity team, recognized as their defensive leader and regarded as one of the best tight end recruits in the country. Christian was a leader both on and off the field ? his 3.8 GPA and extensive knowledge of the game became integral parts of his performance that set him apart from his teammates. After winning the state title in his senior year, Christian signed with the University of Florida.

Gerald Christian believes his senior year of high school football was pivotal in building the foundation for his successful college career. Christian began his college journey at University of Florida and later transferred to the University of Louisville, Kentucky in 2012. During his two seasons with Louisville, Christian caught 60 passes for 810 yards and 10 touchdowns, was selected for third-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference in 2014, and was considered one of the best tight ends in college football.

The Foundation for the Undefeated welcomes Gerald Christian and his inspiring story under

their platform for extraordinary players who have overcome obstacles and continued to achieve success in spite of life's challenges. Gerald Christian fits the bill perfectly and The Foundation for the Undefeated could not be happier with this year's recipient.

"We're so excited to announce Gerald Christian as the 40th Mr. Irrelevant, and to celebrate his well-deserved opportunity with the NFL," says Irrelevant Week founder, Paul Salata. "His hard work, commitment, and determination will encourage aspiring young athletes to relentlessly pursue their own goals."

The Foundation for the Undefeated will honor Gerald Christian at the 40th Annual Irrelevant Week - which has been expanded to reflect the Foundation's growing influence and national reach. Christian and his family will be welcomed to Orange County by fans on Tuesday, July 7, and will be transported in style to the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach, which will host the family for the duration of their stay. Later that evening, the Christian family will enjoy a beach party where cheerleaders, local high school athletes, football enthusiasts and community members will gather to help Christian celebrate his incredible opportunity in the NFL.

Christian and his family will be treated to a sightseeing day in Newport, including a trip to the beach, surfing lessons, and a tour of the harbor and the surrounding area. Mr. Irrelevant also will participate in the Balboa Yacht Club Sailing Regatta.

On Thursday, July 9, after enjoying a bird's eye view of southern California from The Goodyear Tire Airship, Christian will team up with the NFL Network to participate in interviews about his new professional status, his response to the draft, and what the title Mr. Irrelevant means to him.

On the evening of July 10, celebrity athletes, prominent members of the community, and previous Mr. Irrelevants will gather to honor Gerald Christian at the Balboa Bay Resort for the annual All-Star Banquet. The night's festivities will include a toast to Christian, the presentation of the Lowsman Trophy, and a silent and live auction benefitting Special Olympics Southern California.

The incredible week continues on Saturday, July 11 with an exciting afternoon of flag football at the Community Field Day presented by Global Cash Card. The Foundation for the Undefeated hosts the Play 60 Mini-Combine which will feature athletic activities open to the public, followed by a unified flag football game with Special Olympics Southern California. The two teams for the flag football game will each consist of three Special Olympics adult athletes and two former college or NFL athletes.

The wonderful week of fun and community outreach ends on Sunday, July 12, when the Christian family will say their goodbyes and head back to Kentucky with a week full of exceptional memories to carry with them forever. Melanie Salata Fitch, daughter of Irrelevant Week Founder Paul Salata, said "This year, we wanted to celebrate the milestone achievement of Irrelevant Week's 40th Anniversary while also enjoying the week's traditional festivities. This week is a great blend of enjoying Southern California attractions, honoring an incredible athlete, and supporting exceptional non-profit organizations."

The Foundation for the Undefeated welcomes Gerald Christian as he joins the ranks of 39 other

extraordinary athletes and will forever belong to an amazing group and community. For tickets to Irrelevant Week, or for more information on The Foundation for The Undefeated or Irrelevant Week and its events, please visit .

About The Foundation for the Undefeated

The Foundation for the Undefeated () champions stories of perseverance in sports to inspire greatness in others. The Foundation accomplishes its mission of celebrating champions of perseverance by sharing their stories via traditional media, social media, events and other channels. In doing so, the Foundation for the Undefeated is able to fund other charitable partners whose efforts are in line with its mission such as its current recipient, the Special Olympics of Southern California. Initially established by NFL alumnus Paul Salata in 1976 to celebrate the role of the Underdog, The Foundation for the Undefeated represents the evolution of the nationally renowned and beloved celebration of Mr. Irrelevant ? the last player to be selected in the NFL Draft. The traditions of Mr. Irrelevant and Irrelevant Week are the cornerstones within the broader mission and reach of The Foundation for the Undefeated. Throughout its 38-year history, Irrelevant Week has donated more than $1 million to charities including the American Cancer Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Goodwill Industries, YMCA, Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, NFL Alumni, and the American Red Cross.

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