What Happened to John Davis Tuggle?
John Tuggle was an American professional football running back for the New York Giants, famously known as "Mr. Irrelevant" as the last pick of the 1983 NFL Draft. He defied expectations by making the team and earning Special Teams Player of the Year honors in his rookie season. His promising career was tragically cut short by a cancer diagnosis in 1984, leading to his death in 1986 at the age of 25. His inspiring story of determination continues to be recognized, notably through an upcoming biopic in 2026.
Quick Answer
John Tuggle was a New York Giants running back who, despite being the last pick of the 1983 NFL Draft ("Mr. Irrelevant"), made the team and was named Special Teams Player of the Year in his rookie season. His career was tragically cut short when he was diagnosed with angiosarcoma in 1984, and he passed away in August 1986 at the age of 25. His legacy of determination is being honored with a biopic, "Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story," starring David Corenswet, scheduled for release on December 25, 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii
John Davis Tuggle was born in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Starts College Football at Cal
Tuggle began his four-season college football career as a starting fullback for the California Golden Bears, helping them reach the 1979 Garden State Bowl.
Drafted by New York Giants as 'Mr. Irrelevant'
John Tuggle was selected by the New York Giants as the 335th and final pick of the 1983 NFL Draft, earning him the traditional title of 'Mr. Irrelevant'.
Makes Giants Roster and Named Special Teams Player of the Year
Defying expectations, Tuggle made the Giants' roster, played in all 16 games, primarily on special teams, and was voted Special Teams Player of the Year by his teammates.
Divorce and Knee Injury
Tuggle experienced personal challenges, including a divorce from his wife and undergoing minor knee surgery after a workout injury.
Diagnosed with Angiosarcoma
Following persistent shoulder pain after a minor car accident, Tuggle was diagnosed with angiosarcoma, a rare form of cancer that had also spread to his lung.
Undergoes Cancer Treatment
Tuggle underwent extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments, continuing to work out and stay connected to the Giants organization despite his illness.
Released by Giants; Medical Expenses Covered
The Giants released Tuggle but continued to cover his medical expenses, demonstrating their ongoing support.
Passes Away at Age 25
John Tuggle died of cancer in Tijuana, Mexico, at the age of 25, after a two-year battle with the disease.
Giants Honor Tuggle During Super Bowl Season
The New York Giants wore Tuggle's No. 38 on their helmets throughout their 1986 Super Bowl-winning season as a tribute to their fallen teammate.
Subject of ESPN 30 for 30 Short 'The Irrelevant Giant'
Tuggle's story was highlighted in the ESPN 30 for 30 short documentary, 'The Irrelevant Giant,' bringing his inspiring journey to a wider audience.
Biopic 'Mr. Irrelevant' Announced
It was reported that John Tuggle would be the subject of a biopic titled 'Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story,' with David Corenswet cast in the lead role.
First Trailer for 'Mr. Irrelevant' Released
Paramount Pictures released the first trailer for 'Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story,' showcasing David Corenswet as Tuggle and Michael Shannon as Bill Parcells.
Biopic 'Mr. Irrelevant' Scheduled for Release
The biographical film 'Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story' is scheduled to be released in theaters on Christmas Day, bringing his story to a global audience.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
John Davis Tuggle (1961-1986) was an American professional football player whose brief but impactful career with the New York Giants and subsequent battle with cancer left a lasting legacy of determination and resilience. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Tuggle played college football for the California Golden Bears, where he was a starting fullback for four seasons. He rushed for 1,813 yards and 16 touchdowns, and caught 108 passes for 914 yards and 3 scores, notably helping Cal reach the 1979 Garden State Bowl, their first bowl appearance since 1959.
In 1983, Tuggle was selected by the New York Giants as the 335th and final pick of the NFL Draft, earning him the moniker "Mr. Irrelevant." Defying expectations, he not only made the Giants' roster but also played in all 16 games of his rookie season. Primarily contributing on special teams, he was voted the team's Special Teams Player of the Year by his teammates. He also saw action at starting fullback in Week 12 due to an injury to Rob Carpenter, finishing the season with 17 carries for 49 yards and a touchdown, and three receptions for 50 yards.
However, Tuggle's promising NFL career was tragically cut short. In 1984, after a knee injury and a minor car crash, he experienced persistent shoulder pain that led to a diagnosis of angiosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, which had also spread to his lung. Despite undergoing extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Tuggle remained determined, often working out in the weight room on the same day as his treatments. The Giants continued to support him, even covering his medical expenses after his contract ended.
His condition declined, and he passed away on August 30, 1986, at the age of 25, in Tijuana, Mexico, where he had sought alternative treatments. His death came just months before the New York Giants went on to win Super Bowl XXI. In a poignant tribute, the Giants wore his No. 38 on their helmets throughout their championship season, honoring his spirit and impact on the team.
Tuggle's story has continued to resonate, being featured in ESPN's 30 for 30 short documentary, "The Irrelevant Giant." More recently, his life and legacy are gaining renewed attention with the upcoming biographical film, "Mr. Irrelevant: The John Tuggle Story," starring David Corenswet as Tuggle and Michael Shannon as Coach Bill Parcells. The film is scheduled for release on December 25, 2026, ensuring that Tuggle's inspiring journey of overcoming odds and facing adversity with courage remains a powerful narrative in sports history.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if John Davis Tuggle made different choices?