Jeff Ulbrich’s Son at the Center of Shedeur Sanders Prank Call Controversy

Jeff Ulbrich
NFL Draft
Shedeur Sanders
prank call
Atlanta Falcons

Jeff Ulbrich son at the center of NFL draft prank controversy

The 2025 NFL Draft wasn’t just about new talent joining the league. It also showcased an unexpected controversy involving Jeff Ulbrich’s son, Jax Ulbrich, which raised questions about privacy and player respect during pivotal career moments. Here’s what happened and why it matters.

The Prank Call Heard Around the NFL

During the second night of the NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders—the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders—waited patiently to see where he’d land. Suddenly, he received a call that seemed to be from New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis. The room filled with hope, but the excitement vanished almost immediately. The call was, in fact, a prank orchestrated by Jeff Ulbrich’s son, Jax Ulbrich. The incident was caught on video and quickly went viral across social media platforms.

Jax later admitted to placing the call and publicly apologized. He explained that he found Sanders' draft contact number on an open iPad at his parents’ house and decided to use it for the prank. The Atlanta Falcons, where Jeff Ulbrich serves as defensive coordinator, responded with their own statement. They clarified that Jeff Ulbrich was unaware of the situation until after it had taken place, and they issued a direct apology to the Sanders family. For a detailed breakdown, visit the in-depth CNN coverage of the incident.

Reactions from Shedeur Sanders and the NFL Community

Shedeur Sanders remained composed after the prank. He told reporters the incident didn’t have much effect on him, choosing not to let negativity overshadow his big weekend. Sanders described the call as childish but noted everyone makes mistakes from time to time. Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was less forgiving, sharply criticizing those responsible for disrupting rookie players’ important moments.

The NFL quickly began looking into how Sanders’ private draft phone number was leaked and used. ESPN’s report highlights the growing concern regarding player privacy and the need for tighter protocols. Similar incidents involving other draft hopefuls suggest a broader issue that the league is working to address.

How the Falcons and Jax Ulbrich Responded

After public outcry, Jax Ulbrich took responsibility for his actions. He posted an apology on Instagram, expressing remorse for overshadowing what should have been one of the happiest days in Shedeur’s life. The Falcons organization communicated directly with the Sanders family and pledged to review internal processes, aiming to prevent a similar event in future drafts.

For a thorough play-by-play of the call, the motivations behind it, and next steps for all involved, check out Today.com’s detailed explanation.

What Happens Next?

The NFL continues to investigate the breach. The Falcons have cooperated fully and say they are overhauling their procedures to safeguard private player information in the future. This incident with Jeff Ulbrich’s son serves as a cautionary tale for all teams about the importance of confidentiality and respect during high-stakes events like the NFL Draft.

Conclusion

The ordeal surrounding Jeff Ulbrich’s son and the Shedeur Sanders prank call will not soon be forgotten. It has put a spotlight on player privacy, team accountability, and the personal integrity expected in professional sports. As the NFL tightens its protocols and players move forward, this story stands as a reminder: every draft moment counts, and respect is paramount.

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