Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has rejoined the team following the death of his wife, Cristina Ulbrich.
According to a video shared via X on Monday, August 3, Jeff, 49, was spotted at the Falcon’s practice camp. The coach can be seen working with players as they gear up for the upcoming NFL season.
Jeff’s return comes three days after news broke that Cristina died following a battle with cancer. She was 49.
“Cristina was a devoted wife, mother, and friend whose strength, grace, and resilience touched all who knew her,” the Falcons said in a statement on Thursday, July 30. “She was a constant source of love and support to Jeff, their family, and the broader Falcons community.”
The statement continued, “On behalf of the entire organization, we extend our deepest condolences to Jeff, their children, and all who loved Cristina. During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Ulbrich family. We ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve this profound loss, and we stand with them in support and remembrance of Cristina’s life.”
In addition to Jeff, Cristina is survived by the couple’s three children: daughter Samantha as well as sons Jax and Jace.
Jeff briefly stepped away from the team’s training camp, which began on July 29, to focus on his family amid the tragic loss.
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski also spoke out about Cristina’s death, saying it was “a difficult time” for the entire organization.
“Like any family, we will support Jeff and the kids and we’ll put our arms around him and the kids, literally and as an organization,” Stefanski, 44, told reporters on Friday, July 31. “I’ll let Jeff address you guys when the time is appropriate and he can share his thoughts. But just so you guys know, we are obviously with him and the kids in the short-term and in the long-term. It’s heartbreaking, and we’ll make sure we are a family through all of this.”
Falcons players rallied around Jeff as they all mourned Cristina.
“First, just want to send our prayers out to the Ulbrich family. Very unfortunate,” tight end Kyle Pitts told reporters on Friday. “We’re tighter than ever. We’re here for him. We’re for him and the family as well. This is a brotherhood. When one hurts, we’re all hurt.”
Linebacker Bralen Trice added that Jeff is “one of the best coaches” he’s had during his career and his thoughts were with him.
“Just love him up as a unit, as a team,” he said. “That guy is a huge part of what we got going right now. Without him, we’ve got nothing. He brings the heart, mind, [and] fist. He lives by that and drives us to live by that.”
