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In a stunning admission that has rippled through NFL circles, 21-year-old Jax Ulbrich confessed to prank-calling quarterback prospect Shedeur Sanders during one of the most pivotal moments of the young athlete's career—the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jax, son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, issued a public apology on Sunday, April 27, acknowledging his actions during the second day of the draft. "Shedeur, what I did was completelyinexcusable, embarrassing and shameful," he wrote on Instagram. "I'm so sorry I took away from your moment, it was selfish and childish."
The incident occurred Friday evening when Sanders, son of NFL Hall of Famer and Colorado coach Deion Sanders, received a call from someone impersonating New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis. The moment was captured on video that quickly went viral across social media platforms.
"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," the caller said to a visibly confused Sanders, who responded, "What does that mean?"
According to Fox Sports, Sanders had taken precautions against such pranks, having obtained a new phone with a number exclusively shared with NFL executives. The Falcons' official statement revealed how this security measure was breached.
"Jax Ulbrich unintentionally came across the draft contact phone number for Shedeur Sanders off an open iPad while visiting his parent's home and wrote the number down to later conduct a prank call," the team explained, emphasizing that Jeff Ulbrich "was unaware of the data exposure or any facets of the prank."
The NFL reportedly launched an investigation into the incident given its sensitivity during the high-stakes draft process. Despite the potential disruption, Sanders remained remarkably composed throughout the ordeal.
"It didn't really have an impact on me," Sanders told reporters after being selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round. "I don't feed into negativity or I don't feed into that stuff."
Sanders graciously accepted Jax's apology during a phone call before the public statement. "Thank you for accepting my call earlier today. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me," Jax wrote, concluding his public apology.
The Falcons organization distanced itself from the actions of their coach's son. "The Atlanta Falcons do not condone this behavior and send our sincere apologies to Shedeur Sanders and his family," their statement read.
Nfl insiders note this wasn't the draft's only prank call incident. Fox Sports reported that Penn State tight end Tyler Warren also received a fraudulent call shortly before being selected 14th overall by the Indianapolis Colts.
