“Mr. Irrelevant” is an award that started in 1976. It is given to the very last player selected in the NFL Draft. The 2009 “Mr. Irrelevant” award went to kicker Ryan Succop from the University of South Carolina. He was pick number 256 in the last round by the Kansas City Chiefs. He will even be given a trophy—the Lowsman Trophy, which is a spoof off of the Heisman Trophy. This trophy actually depicts a player fumbling the ball! At the draft, he was even given an official NFL jersey with the number 256 and “Mr. Irrelevant” on the back.
   
Can you imagine getting tagged with the title “Mr. Irrelevant”? Basically, people are saying you are not important. I’ve been called many names over the years, but I would struggle with this one. As an athlete, you can call me anything you want, but don’t say that I don’t count or that I’m not significant!

As a Christian competitor and an active member of FCA on his college campus, Succop has a very different outlook on his title. “I don't really mind it. I don't plan on being irrelevant. I've been very blessed, and I plan on making an impact right away. I've been blessed with the ability to do it, and I'm looking forward to doing it." What a stud! I love it. You can throw a “we are making fun of you” award and a spoof trophy at him, but he is not going to get off track. He is grounded. As a young man, he has depth and wisdom. FCA staff member Frank Hester says this about Succop’s impact on his school: “Ryan is steady and consistent on and off the field. He loves the Lord and gives Him all the credit for his talent and success. Ryan really tries to give back by speaking at local FCA Huddles and churches and by visiting sick children in the hospital.”

Ryan Succop can’t wait to have an impact in the NFL. God has already been preparing him for this so that he can respond with power and might, not weakness. He has already plowed ministry ground in college, and he will do the same in Kansas City, which also happens to be the site of our FCA Home Office. I can’t wait to have him come to KC.

The great thing about Succop is that he is not letting others define him. They can give them the title “Mr. Irrelevant,” but in God’s eyes, he is “Mr. Impact.” To replace the jersey he received from the NFL, we have an official FCA jersey waiting for him with number 1 and “Mr. Impact” on the back.

What about you? Are you planning for impact like Ryan Succop? Do you want the world to define who you are, or do you want the Lord Jesus Christ to define you? In sports, we often allow coaches, teammates, fans, family and friends to define who we are. What I love about Succop is that he is intentional and proactive. Like he said, he plans on making an impact right away. There is urgency when you do Kingdom work.

Maybe you don’t have the Lowsman Trophy on your shelf, but I’m sure you have felt irrelevant. Maybe the coach benched you or you didn’t get the playing time you deserve. Teammates don’t hang out with you anymore. Well, it’s time to stop trying to defend yourself. Instead, go on the offensive and impact others for Christ. Shower them with unexpected love. Do the unthinkable and have the attitude of Jesus. God has already anointed you for this time. If you have joined God’s team by believing and accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, then you are set apart for a great work on your team, campus, community and in your family! You are set up for impact. You are not fighting for victory. Christ is already victorious, so we are fighting from victory not for it. Remember that when you feel like you have to win. As a disciple, you have already won!

Ryan, you are victorious. Thank you, Mr. Impact, for reminding me that God has put greatness in me, regardless of what others say. I know you will give God glory for many years to come. When you get to Kansas City, let’s connect so I can learn more from you, young man. God has a special plan for you, and FCA has a new jersey for you. People may laugh, but God is smiling. He already knows the impact you will have!