That is one costly prank.
The NFL has fined the Falcons $250,000 and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich a separate $100,000 for the Shedeur Sanders NFL draft prank committed by Ulbrich’s son, Jax.
Jax and a friend recorded themselves calling Sanders over the weekend claiming to be Saints GM Mickey Loomis, telling the former Colorado star the franchise was ready to draft him.
“We appreciate the NFL’s swift and thorough review of last week’s data exposure and the event that transpired due to it,” the Falcons said in a statement released Wednesday. “We were proactive in addressing the situation internally and cooperated fully with the league throughout the process, and accept the discipline levied to Coach Jeff Ulbrich and the organization. We are confident in our security policies and practices and will continue to emphasize adherence to them with our staff whether on or off premises. Additionally, the Ulbrich family is working with the organization to participate in community service initiatives in relation to last week’s matter.”
Sanders was on a LiveStream at the time and the call quickly went viral, adding to the embarrassment that came with dropping from a top prospect down to the fifth round, where the Browns selected him with pick No. 144.
Video ultimately emerged of Jax and his friend, who actually made the call, perpetrating the cruel prank.
Jax had pulled Sanders’ number off an open iPad while visiting his parents’ home.
And while the Falcons claim Jeff had no knowledge of the call, the NFL has sent a clear message to coaches and personnel around the league — as well as their mischievous offspring — with the hefty punishment that the league confirmed.
Jax, 21, and a student at Berry College in Georgia, apologized Sunday after admitting to being the guilty party.
“On Friday night I made a tremendous mistake,” Jax wrote in a statement on Instagram. “Shedeur, what | did was completely inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful. I’m so sorry | took away from your moment, it was selfish and childish. I could never imagine getting ready to celebrate one of the greatest moments of your life and I made a terrible mistake and messed with that moment. Thank you for accepting my call earlier today, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”
Jeff Ulrbich is a longtime NFL assistant and served as the Jets interim head coach last season after Robert Saleh was fired.
Sanders was one of several 2025 NFL Draft prospects to get pranked over the weekend, including star Penn State tight end Tyler Warren.
