The NFL Draft is supposed to be a moment of celebration for young athletes and their families. This year, however, an unexpected twist put the spotlights on Jeff Ulbrich's son, drawing national attention and stirring discussions across the football community.

The Prank That Shook the Draft Room

On the second night of the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders—son of football legend Deion Sanders—waited to hear his name called. During this anxious period, he received a phone call, supposedly from the New Orleans Saints’ general manager. The call promised he’d be picked in the next round, only for the voice on the other end to reveal the opposite: he’d have to wait longer. The prank left Sanders, his family, and those watching the event confused and disappointed.

It was soon revealed that the caller behind this ill-timed joke was Jax Ulbrich, son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. The repercussions were immediate. Multiple media outlets reported on the incident, sharing how quickly Jax offered a public apology. In his Instagram statement, Jax acknowledged the impact of his prank, stating, "what I did was completely inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful" CNN.

How Did Shedeur Sanders and the NFL React?

Shedeur Sanders handled the prank with composure. When asked by reporters, he explained that the call did not have a significant impact on him, noting that "everybody does childish things here and there." Ultimately, he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round, but the episode overshadowed part of the evening. Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was less forgiving, calling the incident "sad" for young men waiting for their draft moment ESPN.

The NFL quickly began looking into how the private draft phone numbers were accessed and used for prank calls. Reports later confirmed that other draft prospects were also targeted, adding to concerns about privacy and security at future drafts.

Jeff Ulbrich’s Family and the Falcons Address the Incident

The Atlanta Falcons immediately distanced themselves from the actions of Jeff Ulbrich's son. According to a team statement, Jax stumbled upon the confidential contact number for Sanders on an open iPad at home and chose to use it as part of the prank. The statement emphasized that Jeff Ulbrich had no knowledge of what had happened until after the fact. The Falcons expressed deep regret and promised to review security protocols moving forward TODAY.

Jax made a direct apology to Shedeur Sanders, which the Sanders family reportedly received. The Falcons also coordinated with the NFL to handle the aftermath and prevent similar breaches in future events.

Lessons Learned and What’s Next

This incident has prompted NFL teams and league officials to tighten procedures around sensitive player information. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of privacy and integrity during one of the most pivotal moments in a young athlete's life. The focus on Jeff Ulbrich's son reveals how quickly personal choices, even if intended as a harmless joke, can escalate on a national stage.

For more on how the prank call unfolded and the full statements from those involved, read the detailed coverage on CNN and TODAY.

Final Thoughts

The story of Jeff Ulbrich's son and the 2025 NFL Draft prank is a cautionary tale for everyone in the spotlight. It highlights the need for empathy, responsibility, and better technology safeguards. Although Jax Ulbrich has accepted responsibility, the incident serves as a valuable lesson for all who follow football and sportsmanship.