Mr. Irrelevant 2014, Lonnie Ballentine, to Be Honored in Newport Beach, California, July 8-12

Lonnie Ballentine had plenty to juggle in his life while playing football at University of Memphis and also raising two daughters.

Now, he’ll do a different type of juggling act when he becomes the center of attention as Mr. Irrelevant XXXIX during The Foundation for the Undefeated’s 39th Annual Irrelevant Week, held from July 8-12 in Newport Beach, California. Ballentine became Mr. Irrelevant upon his selection as the final pick of the NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, the same team that began the draft with the first pick Jadeveon Clowney.

Founded in 1976, Irrelevant Week is the cornerstone event of The Foundation for the Undefeated, a nonprofit organization that promotes stories of perseverance - including that of Mr. Irrelevant - to inspire greatness in others. Events held during Irrelevant Week and those sponsored by The Foundation all year long raise funds for organizations such as Special Olympics Southern California, this year’s charity partner. Throughout its history, Irrelevant Week has raised more than $1 million for its charitable partners.

THE STORY OF LONNIE BALLENTINE - MR. IRRELEVANT 2014

Born and raised in Memphis, Tenn., Lonnie Ballentine showed incredible promise even during his high school football career. The safety attended Hamilton High School for two years before transferring to Southwind High School before his junior season. Ballentine was recognized for his leadership and immediately elected team captain, beginning a record-breaking year for the Jaguars.

Following his junior season, Lonnie Ballentine and his girlfriend (now wife) Brittany Berkly had their first child. Rather than dropping out of school, Ballentine graduated Southwind a year early and - despite other offers - chose to attend the University of Memphis to remain close to, and responsible for, his family. While there, he continued to command attention on the field and during his senior year, was a preseason 4th team All CUSA selection and finished the year with 58 tackles and five pass breakups while starting all 12 games. Ballentine’s road to the NFL draft is an inspirational testament of the power of perseverance and commitment, perfectly aligned with The Foundation for the Undefeated’s mission.

“Ballentine is the ideal Mr. Irrelevant,” says Irrelevant Week Founder, Paul Salata, a former NFL player turned philanthropist. “He incorporates all of the characteristics we admire on and off the field, and his success is a product of both hard work and sacrifice.”

Ballentine will be feted at an expanded Irrelevant Week that reflects The Foundation for the Undefeated's growing reach. On July 8, Ballentine and his family will be welcomed to Orange County by local fans and the community. Over the course of the week, Ballentine and his family will watch the Los Angeles Angels take on the Toronto Blue Jays at Angel Stadium, enjoy a day of sightseeing in Newport, and celebrate at the annual All-Star Banquet with other athletes, prominent members of the community, and previous Mr. Irrelevants. The All-Star banquet will include a toast to Ballentine, the presentation of the Lowsman Trophy, and a silent and live auction benefitting Special Olympics Southern California. Then, on Saturday, July 12, the public will join Ballentine at the NFL’s Play 60 “Punt, Pass, and Kick” program, which will be full of athletic activities, followed by a unified flag football game with Ballentine and other NFL players teaming up with athletes from Special Olympics Southern California.

Melanie Salata, daughter of founder Paul Salata, said “This year, we wanted to incorporate events that support The Foundation for the Undefeated’s new platform while also enjoying the week’s traditional festivities. Now more than ever, Irrelevant Week is a great blend of enjoying Southern California attractions, honoring an incredible athlete, and supporting exceptional organizations.”

For tickets to Irrelevant Week, or for more information on The Foundation for The Undefeated or Irrelevant Week and its events, please visit www.TheUndefeated.org.

About The Foundation for the Undefeated

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 history, the organization has donated more than $1 million to charities including American Cancer Society, Special Olympics, and YMCA.