Paul Salata

Paul Thomas Salata (October 17, 1926 – October 16, 2021) was an American professional football wide receiver and actor. He was born in Los Angeles, California. He played for the San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Colts, Calgary Stampeders and Ottawa Rough Riders. His playing career lasted from 1949 until 1953.

Salata was also an actor and he appeared in Angels in the Outfield (1951), The Kid from Left Field (1953) and Stalag 17 (1953). He also created the NFL award known as the Mr. Irrelevant Award.

Salata died on October 16, 2021 in Newport Beach, California one day before his 95th birthday.