Falcons Scramble After Coach’s Son Prank Calls Draft Prospect Shedeur Sanders

The Atlanta Falcons are facing uncomfortable questions just days before the NFL Draft, after it was revealed that the son of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich prank called draft prospect Shedeur Sanders using private contact information obtained without authorization.

According to multiple sources, Jax Ulbrich, 21, discovered Sanders’ draft-related phone number left open on an iPad while visiting his parents’ home earlier this week. Without Jeff Ulbrich’s knowledge, Jax copied the number and later made a prank call to Sanders — a move that blindsided both the Falcons organization and the Ulbrich family once it came to light.

Ulbrich,  joined the Falcons after four seasons as the Jets’ defensive coordinator — and serving as interim head coach for the final 13 weeks of the 2024 season — was reportedly unaware of his son’s actions until after the incident occurred. During his tenure in New York, Ulbrich’s defense had been the only unit to rank in the top five in total defense each of the last three seasons, finishing third in 2023 and 2024. His Jets units were consistently elite, leading the NFL over that span in total defense (305.7 yards per game), passing defense (183.5 yards per game), and posting top-10 marks in sacks and scoring defense.

The Falcons hoped Ulbrich’s defensive acumen would help turn around a struggling unit in Atlanta. Instead, they now find themselves answering difficult questions about internal security lapses and organizational oversight.

In a statement, the Falcons said they “do not condone this behavior” and confirmed they have apologized directly to Sanders and his family. The team also said it is facilitating a personal apology from Jax Ulbrich to Sanders. The Falcons added they are in communication with the NFL and are cooperating with any inquiries from the league office.

The incident has triggered an internal review of the Falcons’ information security practices. Officials said protocols are being “thoroughly reviewed” and changes will be made to prevent future breaches of private player information.

Though Jeff Ulbrich was reportedly unaware of his son’s actions, the incident raises questions about how sensitive draft information is handled within NFL households — particularly in the final days leading up to the draft, when tensions run high and privacy is paramount.

As of Saturday evening, neither the NFL nor Sanders’ representatives had issued a public response regarding the prank call.

For a team already navigating a crucial offseason, the Falcons now find themselves managing a crisis that could have easily been avoided — and one that risks drawing the attention of a league office known for taking player privacy seriously.