Falcons coordinator’s son apologizes after prank call to Shedeur Sanders during NFL Draft
ATLANTA (KYMA, KECY) - The son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, Jax Ulbrich, publicly apologized after admitting to making a prank call to Shedeur Sanders during the NFL draft.
The call, which occurred on Day 2 of the draft, quickly gained attention after a video surfaced on social media.
Ulbrich, 21, confessed in an Instagram post Sunday, acknowledging that the call was "completely inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful."
The prank involved Ulbrich impersonating New Orleans Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis and telling Sanders, "We're going to take you with our next pick, man, but you're going to have to wait a little bit longer, man. Sorry about that."
Sanders, who was anxiously waiting for his name to be called on Friday, appeared confused and asked his draft party, "What does that mean?"
In his Instagram post, Jax Ulbrich expressed deep regret, writing, "I'm so sorry I took away from your moment, it was selfish and childish. I could never imagine getting ready to celebrate one of the greatest moments of your life and I made a terrible mistake and messed with that moment."
He went on to apologize directly to Sanders, thanking him for accepting the call and expressing hope for forgiveness.
The NFL is currently investigating the situation, especially the unauthorized release of Sanders' private phone number.
According to sources, Ulbrich had written down the number from an open iPad while visiting his parents' home and later used it for the prank.
The Falcons have stated that Jeff Ulbrich was unaware of the breach until after it occurred. The team also issued an apology, stating that they had contacted the Sanders family and would review their protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
While the incident could have been more disruptive, Sanders took the prank in stride.
During a conference call after he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round on Saturday, Sanders stated, "It didn't really have an impact on me...it is what it is. I think, of course, it is childish. Of course, I feel like it was a childish act, but everybody does childish things here and there."
Other draft picks also reported receiving prank calls. Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren, who was selected in the first round, and Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Chase Lundt, who was drafted in the sixth round, both shared their experiences with similar pranks. Lundt said he received several prank calls during the draft process but managed to remain levelheaded throughout.
The Falcons clarified that Jax Ulbrich was not behind any of the other prank calls and had only Sanders' number.
The team reiterated that Jeff Ulbrich was unaware of the situation until it was brought to light and has since ensured the matter is being reviewed thoroughly.
As the investigation into the breach continues, the Falcons have assured fans and the Sanders family that they do not condone such behavior and are taking steps to ensure it doesn't happen again.
