It’s nearly Succop Time

There they were last year, the pride of Hickory, North Carolina: the popular comedian nailing the punch lines, a retired race-car driver laughing with a sense of bittersweetness along with an up-and-coming kicker who would somehow become irrelevant.

The scene unfolded, as Jon Reep, who likes to joke about his hometown, tried to give his best set for his buddy Dale Jarrett of NASCAR fame and his friend Ryan Succop, now known as Mr. Irrelevant XXXIV.

Reep delivered the goods that night last year at Jarrett’s retirement party.

“He was absolutely hilarious,” Succop said.

Succop, the kicker who was drafted dead last to the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL Draft in April, knows Jarrett because they play golf together. Everyone knows Reep, Jarrett and Succop in Hickory.

Many in Orange County are about get to know Succop — yes, his last name is pronounced suck-up — when Irrelevant Week starts Monday in Newport Beach.

As the last man picked in the draft, No. 256, Succop became Mr. Irrelevant XXXIV and soon found out that he would be celebrated as a lovable underdog, a concept created by Paul Salata.

Succop finished the final session of organized team activities with the Chiefs Tuesday, a perfect time to rekindle thoughts about his getaway to Southern California and a weeklong party.

“I’m really excited,” Succop said during a telephone interview Tuesday. “It’s been hyped up and I’m pumped about it. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Succop is also thrilled that he gets to bring along a friend. He’s bringing, Trey Crabill, “a good buddy.”

Succop’s family is also coming. His dad, David, mom, Kathy, and two sisters, Kelsey and Ali, all the Succops in Newport Beach. Paige Cooper, who’s been dating Succop for a little over two years, is also making the trip to Orange County to watch her boyfriend get dissed. But he’ll also be treated like a king.

It all begins with the annual Arrival Beach Party Monday at 5 p.m. at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort.

Tuesday, the kicker out of the University of South Carolina, will be a guest at Disneyland. He’s not a Super Bowl MVP, so no DisneyWorld. It’s off to Anaheim to take a picture with Goofy.

At night he’ll be featured at a Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim game at Angels Stadium. He’s not throwing out the first pitch. He’ll be raking the infield with the grounds crew.