Irrelevant Week XXV Countdown

As the 254th and absolutely dead last pick in the 2000 NFL draft by

the Chicago Bears, Mr. Irrelevant XXV, as the local cliche goes, is

anything but irrelevant.

While Irrelevant Week might be a celebration of the underdog in a zany,

madcap atmosphere with a twist of tradition in Newport Beach, this year’s

honoree, Northwestern State (La.) defensive back Mike Green, often leaves

wide receivers dogged on the football field.

Green’s blazing speed has earned him plenty of accolades in track and

field, including running the anchor leg on the Demons’ conference-winning

1,600-meter relay.

“With my speed and talent, I think I’ll be around (the NFL) a long time,”

Green said prior to arriving in town for today’s Arrival Party at the

Newport Dunes (5:30 p.m.).

Green should be confident. His time in the 40-yard dash (4.41) and

ability to block punts and field goals could land him an immediate spot

on the Bears’ roster.

“I think I can have a big impact on the team,” said Green, who figures to

be next in a series of defensive backs from Northwestern State to play in

the NFL, following Kenny Wright (Vikings), Jermaine Jones (Bears), Keith

Thibodeaux (Vikings), Adrian Hardy (49ers) and Randy Hilliard (Browns).

“That’s a goal of mine, to play on special teams (this year), then work

my way into the starting lineup, so I’m looking forward to that.”

Prominent former pros from Northwestern State include Hall of Fame tight

end Jackie Smith, Mark Duper, Joe Delaney, Bobby Hebert, Gary Reasons,

Charlie Hennigan, Charlie Tolar and John Stephens.

In addition to his speed, Green blocked punts and field-goal attempts for

the Demons, including a blocked punt against Troy State last season that

he recovered for a go-ahead touchdown. In 1999, Green also returned an

interception 37 yards for a score in the Demons’ regionally televised win

over Southwest Texas.

“I know I can (play special teams) right away,” said Green, who also made

several big tackles on kickoffs last year, and finished the campaign with

14 pass break-ups, two interceptions and 99 tackles (third on the team).

Today’s Arrival Party is hosted by the Dunes for the first time. The

facility is located at Jamboree Road and Pacific Coast Highway. Details:

(949) 263-0727.

-- by Richard Dunn