In a surprising and controversial moment during the 2025 NFL Draft, Jax Ulbrich — son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich — has come under fire for making a prank phone call to highly regarded quarterback prospect Shedeur Sanders. The incident, which unfolded during a tense period as Sanders slipped further down the draft board than many analysts had predicted, has sparked widespread backlash and raised concerns about privacy and professionalism within the league.
According to multiple league and media sources, Jax somehow obtained Sanders’ private phone number and used it to place an unsolicited call, reportedly pretending to be a representative of an NFL team. The call, which took place while Sanders was surrounded by friends, family, and cameras awaiting his name to be called, was initially brushed off as a minor prank — but quickly escalated into a serious discussion point within league circles once the true nature and timing of the call came to light.
Jax Ulbrich, who is not affiliated with any NFL team or organization in an official capacity, issued a public apology shortly after the incident gained traction online. “It was an immature prank made in poor judgment,” he said in a statement released via social media. “I deeply regret my actions and sincerely apologize to Shedeur Sanders and his family.”
Despite early reports that the Falcons organization or Jeff Ulbrich might face disciplinary action, the NFL later clarified that no fines or sanctions would be levied. A spokesperson for the league confirmed that Jeff Ulbrich was not involved and had no knowledge of his son’s actions, absolving him of any wrongdoing. Nonetheless, the incident has cast a shadow over the Falcons’ draft weekend and drawn unwanted attention to the team’s inner circle.
The prank has reignited a broader debate over how securely personal information is stored and shared during the NFL Draft process. Player phone numbers, email addresses, and private details are typically closely guarded, but this breach has exposed potential weaknesses in the system. Several front-office executives, speaking anonymously, admitted the incident was a wake-up call. “When something like this happens, it makes everyone reevaluate how tightly we’re protecting our players, especially at such a high-stress and highly publicized event,” one AFC general manager said.
Shedeur Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and current Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders, has not yet spoken publicly about the prank. However, those close to the quarterback say he was “caught off guard” and “annoyed” by the call, especially given the intense scrutiny he was already under. The prank has been widely criticized by fans and media figures alike, with many calling it insensitive and disruptive.
Sports ethics experts argue that incidents like this highlight the blurred lines between personal relationships and professional boundaries in high-stakes sports environments. “Just because someone is connected to a team or the league through family doesn’t mean they should have access to private information or the platform to interfere with the professional process,” said Dr. Rebekah Moore, a sports psychologist and ethics consultant.
In response to the backlash, the NFL is reportedly reviewing its protocols surrounding the protection of player information, especially during marquee events like the draft. While no official policy changes have been announced yet, insiders believe the league may introduce updated guidelines ahead of next season to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
Ultimately, what began as an ill-conceived prank has turned into a serious conversation about accountability, professionalism, and digital security in the modern era of sports. For Jax Ulbrich, the consequences may extend beyond public criticism — serving as a lasting reminder of the importance of discretion, especially when the world is watching.
