NFL clubs Atlanta Falcons and Jeff Ulbrich handed six-figure fines for making a prank call involving Shedeur Sanders, quarterback prospect's high school coach
Audacious Atlanta Antics:
The Atlanta Falcons made some jaw-dropping moves during the 2025 NFL Draft. They pulled off a daring trade, moving up to snag James Pearce Jr. The Falcons didn't stop there, as defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich's son, Jax, made heads turn with a prank call to rising star Shedeur Sanders. This call came amidst Sanders' sudden slide down the draft boards. Now, the NFL has issued its verdict on this sensational saga.
The NFL has slapped the Falcons and DC Jeff Ulbrich with fines totaling $350,000 for the leaking of Shedeur Sanders' phone number, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Jax Ulbrich, the mastermind behind the prank call, found Sanders' number on his father's iPad.
Jax Ulbrich has since issued a grovelling apology on Instagram. His post reads, "On Friday night, I pulled a boneheaded move. Shedeur, I know I messed with your moment. It was selfish and childish. I'm truly sorry."
The prank call took place during the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Sanders had to wait until the fifth round before the Browns finally picked him, with the 144th overall pick.
Sanders wasn't the only prospect to experience a prank call during the draft. Colts tight end Tyler Warren also received a call, which he believes originated from Jax Ulbrich.
Falcons Stand Firm: Jeff Ulbrich Skates After Son's Shedeur Sanders Prank Call
In a surprising turn of events, the Falcons seem unwilling to mete out additional punishment to Jeff Ulbrich despite his son's prank call debacle.
ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed the Falcons will not punish Ulbrich beyond the NFL's sanctions. The team is, however, focusing on refining their protocols to prevent future incidents.
The Falcons welcomed Jeff Ulbrich in January, replacing former DC Jimmy Lake. Ulbrich had a stint as the defensive coordinator in New York before stepping up as interim head coach following the Robert Saleh firing. With 2025 looming, Ulbrich will have to make a memorable impact, or he may find himself out of a job after just one season in Atlanta.
[1] NFL.com: "NFL Fines Falcons and Jeff Ulbrich over Shedeur Sanders Prank Call"[3] ESPN.com: "Jeff Ulbrich Apologizes for Prank Call to Shedeur Sanders"[4] Sports Illustrated: "Falcons Stick by Jeff Ulbrich after Son's Shedeur Sanders Prank Call"
[1] Thankfully, the NFL's sanctions against the Atlanta Falcons and Jeff Ulbrich are the only punishments the team has decided to impose after the prank call debacle involving Shedeur Sanders.
[2] Even amidst the ongoing fallout from the prank call, ESPN has confirmed that the Falcons do not plan to mete out any additional punishment to defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich beyond the NFL's sanctions.
[3] In a surprising twist, the Falcons are reportedly focusing on refining their protocols to prevent future incidents, rather than punishing the head coach further in the wake of his son's prank call.
[4] With the 2025 NFL season fast approaching, Jeff Ulbrich will have to make a significant impact to avoid finding himself out of a job after just one season in Atlanta.
[5] Rumors have persisted that the Falcons' lenient stance towards Jeff Ulbrich could be indicative of their confidence in his coaching abilities, despite the controversy surrounding his son's prank call to Shedeur Sanders during the NFL Draft.
