Virgen: Mr. Irrelevant loves his gifts
The 40th annual Irrelevant Week’s kick-off event featured the usual showering of gifts for Mr. Irrelevant, but one stood out for Gerald Christian and made him smile.
Christian, the final pick of the NFL Draft selected by the Arizona Cardinals, adored a mini rocking chair that had the name of his three-month-old daughter painted on it: Gia.
During the Arrival Party on Tuesday at Balboa Bay Resort, it was supposed to be all about Mr. Irrelevant XL. But little Gia stole the show and had the spotlight on her.
Christian, a 6-foot-4, 243-pound tight end, didn’t mind one bit. Gia, and his family motivate him in his quest to perform well in the NFL.
They were there to support him, cheer him on and enjoy his gifts, especially the mini rocking chair, which was donated and painted by Don Fitch, the brother-in-law of Melanie Salata Fitch, the president of the Foundation for the Undefeated that conducts Irrelevant Week.
“I loved that a lot,” Christian said of the chair. “I saw the rocking chair and I saw that it had Gia’s name on it. I’m happy for it. That’s a great gift and to know they are thinking about her too is great. She’s going to tear it up when she gets bigger. We’ll have it around for a long time.”
Christian arrived in Orange County at John Wayne Airport on Tuesday morning. He was welcomed with his entourage, including Gia, and her mother, Veronica White, Christian’s girlfriend. Christian’s mother, Mary Ann Brown, White’s mother, Diretheia Nichols, and White’s daughter, Chloe, 4, are also in town for Irrelevant Week, a weeklong party of events for the final pick of the draft, founded by Paul Salata.
Perhaps in keeping with the spirit of Irrelevant Week, United Airlines misplaced Christian’s travel bags and the luggage did not arrive until later in the day.
Salata couldn’t have planned it any better. He was cheerful during the Arrival Party.
“Hey, what’s the No. 1 overall pick in the draft doing today,” he said to everyone sitting close to him.
Jameis Winston, the top pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, would have most likely enjoyed all the crabs in Newport Beach.
“I don’t know what he’s doing, but I’m happy to be out here with people coming out and having a good time with me and showering me with gifts,” Christian said. “I’m appreciative of it.”
Christian received several gifts, some meaningful, and others fun, such as a Margarita drink maker.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also wrote a letter to Christian, that was read by Salata Fitch, that came with a gaudy watch.
In the letter, Goodell said: “If you can survive Irrelevant Week it means you probably have what it takes to endure everything that Coach Arians and the Arizona Cardinals will throw at you during training camp.”
Christian took it all in with a big smile and posed for a photos with everyone who asked. He held a small puppy close to him, “the Underdog,” and just laughed when Newport Beach Mayor Ed Selich presented him a key to the city.
Jon Lewis, the Newport Beach Police Department deputy chief, presented a get-of-jail-free card, in case Christian got into any trouble during Irrelevant Week, but it had already expired.
“It’s the thought that counts, right?” Lewis said.
Christian simply nodded and smiled.
“He’s great,” Salata Fitch said. “It’s so nice that for the 40th we have a super guy … Gerald is just a really nice, appreciative person. It makes it all worthwhile to have Irrelevant Week for someone who appreciates it. We just hope he does well.”
Christian’s first day during Irrelevant Week also included a visit to the NFL Network studios in Culver City, where he was interviewed for the show, Total Access. NFL Films is also developing a special segment for the 40th Irrelevant Week, said Meredith Cagle, executive director of the Foundation for the Undefeated.
Christian made a big entrance at the Arrival Party coming into the dock on a boat, while an NFL Films crew taped the action. Scuba divers, Tony Lopez and John Flentz, swam to shore, to add to the theatrics. They stood near the walkway and stretched a big welcome sign for Christian amid cheers from the Newport Harbor High cheerleaders and several fans.
Christian was overwhelmed with the party and all the gifts.
“I knew I was going to be receiving some gifts but I didn’t imagine all that,” he said. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with all that stuff. My apartment is going to be all filled up. It’s a lot of nice stuff. I’m appreciative of everyone who gave gifts today.”
Christian’s big week in Orange County also includes a charity spin ride at GRIT Cycle in Costa Mesa on Wednesday morning. Then it’s off to Disneyland.
Thursday, he’s being interviewed on TV again, this time with FOX sports. He’ll also be featured at the Balboa Yacht Club’s beer-can regatta, and will most likely be a surprise guest bartender at the Wild Goose Tavern in Costa Mesa on Thursday night.
On Friday morning, he’ll take on some waves during a beach day in Newport Beach. He’s also supposed to take a ride in the Goodyear Blimp.
He’ll be the newest Lowsman Trophy winner Friday night for the annual All-Star Banquet at the Balboa Bay Resort. He’ll receive the trophy that has a figurine player fumbling a football.
The week ends with the Community Field Day at Jim Scott Stadium in Costa Mesa Saturday at 10 a.m.
The event features a flag football game with charitable partner Special Olympics Southern California. The NFL’s Punt, Pass and Kick program and Play 60 Experience is also included in the event.