Son of Falcons coordinator admits to prank-calling Shedeur Sanders during NFL Draft

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Falcons Apologize for Prank Call to NFL Draft Prospect Shedeur Sanders"

Son of Falcons coordinator admits to prank-calling Shedeur Sanders during NFL Draft analysis cover image The Guardian 8.3
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/apr/27/son-of-falcons-coordinator-admits-to-prank-calling-shedeur-sanders-during-nfl-draft
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TruthLens AI Summary

The Atlanta Falcons faced backlash after Jax Ulbrich, the 21-year-old son of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, prank-called quarterback prospect Shedeur Sanders during the NFL Draft. This incident occurred as Sanders experienced a notable drop in his draft stock. The prank involved a call where the impersonator, claiming to be New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis, informed Sanders that he would be selected by the Saints, only to suggest that he would have to wait longer than expected. Following the call, Sanders appeared confused about the situation, which ultimately contributed to the scrutiny surrounding the event. The Falcons issued a public apology on Sunday, acknowledging the prank and the ensuing investigation by the NFL. They clarified that Jeff Ulbrich was unaware of the prank and the circumstances surrounding the exposure of Sanders' private contact information. The team's statement expressed regret for the incident and emphasized their commitment to addressing the matter appropriately.

The prank call incident raised questions about how Sanders' phone number was accessed, as it had been provided to him by Boost Mobile specifically for NFL-related communications. The Falcons confirmed that only NFL personnel should have had access to Sanders' contact details, which added to the seriousness of the situation. Despite the prank, Sanders downplayed its impact on him, referring to it as a childish act but noting that such behavior is not uncommon. Additionally, it was revealed that Sanders is the son of Deion Sanders, a former Falcons player and Hall of Famer, which further ties the family to the organization. The Falcons have pledged to cooperate fully with the NFL's investigation into the prank, while also facilitating a direct apology from Jax Ulbrich to the Sanders family, demonstrating their commitment to rectifying the situation and maintaining professionalism within the league's operations.

TruthLens AI Analysis

This incident involving a prank call made by Jax Ulbrich, the son of Atlanta Falcons' defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, presents a unique blend of humor and controversy, especially as it relates to the NFL Draft. The actions of a young individual in a prominent football family have sparked a significant response from both the Falcons organization and the NFL itself.

Public Perception and Accountability

The Falcons’ response highlights an effort to maintain accountability and uphold a professional image. By swiftly addressing the situation and issuing an apology, the organization aims to mitigate any potential backlash. This reflects a broader understanding within sports organizations about the importance of public relations and the need to distance themselves from unprofessional behavior, especially during a critical time like the NFL Draft.

The Impact on Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders, as a high-profile quarterback prospect, finds himself at the center of this situation, which may affect his public perception. His calm reaction to the prank indicates resilience, but the incident could lead to a narrative around his vulnerability during a pivotal moment in his career. The fact that Sanders received his contact number in a confidential manner adds a layer of seriousness to the breach of privacy, raising questions about the security measures surrounding draft-related communications.

Potential Concealment

While the prank itself may seem lighthearted, it raises concerns about how Sanders' number was accessed. The Falcons’ statement suggests that the exposure was unintentional, but it also prompts speculation about whether there were lapses in protocol within the league regarding the confidentiality of player information. This could lead to further investigation and scrutiny of NFL policies.

Manipulative Aspects of the Narrative

The framing of the prank as a significant issue may serve to distract from other pressing matters within the NFL, such as ongoing discussions about player safety, contract negotiations, or other controversies related to team management. This could indicate a deliberate effort to shift public focus away from systemic issues within the league.

Connection to Broader Issues

In the context of sports culture, this incident could resonate with younger audiences who appreciate the humor in prank culture. However, it also underscores the serious implications of such actions within professional sports. The juxtaposition of a lighthearted prank against the backdrop of the NFL Draft illustrates the duality of sports as both entertainment and a serious business.

Conclusion on Reliability

Assessing the reliability of this news article, it appears to be grounded in factual reporting and includes direct statements from involved parties. However, the potential for manipulation lies in how the story is framed and the broader implications it may have within the NFL. Ultimately, while the basic facts are sound, the narrative may be shaped to serve specific agendas within the sports community.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/apr/27/son-of-falcons-coordinator-admits-to-prank-calling-shedeur-sanders-during-nfl-draft

The son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich orchestrated Friday’s prank call to Shedeur Sanders amid the quarterback prospect’s fall in theNFLdraft.

The Falcons released a statement Sunday apologizing for 21-year-old Jax Ulbrich’s hoax after it was reported that the NFL was investigating the prank, in which the caller purported to be New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis.

A brief video posted on social media showed Sanders taking the call.

“How you doing, man?” the caller asked.

“Good,” Sanders responded. “Been waiting on you.“

The caller claimed the Saints will take him with their next pick, then suggested Sanders is “gonna have to wait a little bit longer.” After the call ended, Sanders appeared uncertain about what just transpired.

The second-team All-American wound up waiting until the fifth round, when theCleveland Browns drafted himwith the 144th pick overall.

“Earlier in the week, Jax Ulbrich, the 21-year-old son of defensive coordinator Jeff 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 Falcons said in their statement. “Jeff Ulbrich was unaware of the data exposure or any facets of the prank and was made aware of the above only after the fact.

“The Atlanta Falcons do not condone this behavior and send our sincere apologies to Shedeur Sanders and his family, who we have been in contact with to apologize to, as well as facilitate an apology directly from Jax to the Sanders family.“

The team also said it will continue to cooperate with the NFL as it completes its investigation.

It was previously unknown how Sanders’ private number got out. He had just received the phone from Boost Mobile on behalf of the league – and only NFL personnel were supposed to have his number.

Not that Sanders seemed too concerned.

“It didn’t really have an impact on me,” Sanders told reporters Saturday. “ … I think of course it was childish. Of course, I feel like it was a childish act, but everybody does childish things here and there.“

Shedeur Sanders’ son, Colorado coach Deion Sanders, spent the first five seasons of his Hall of Fame playing career with the Falcons.

Ulbrich, 48, returned to Atlanta this offseason after working on their defensive coaching staff from 2015-20. He spent 2021-24 with the New York Jets and served as their interim head coach for the final 12 games of last season.

Sanders was not the only 2025 NFL Draft prospect who received a prank call. Fox Sports reported that Penn State tight end Tyler Warren received a call several picks before he was selected 14th overall by the Indianapolis Colts.

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Source: The Guardian