Jax Ulbrich, the son of former San Francisco 49ers linebacker and current Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, posted an apology to Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders on Instagram for a prank call. During Sanders’ slide in the NFL Draft, a video surfaced a prank call from two young folks, including one in an Ole Miss shirt. Jax currently attends Ole Miss.
An NFL official said the league is looking into how Shedeur Sanders’ private number was leaked and then used for this prank call: pic.twitter.com/h5P1CIIQlI
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 27, 2025
When Sanders revealed that the phone number was issued by the NFL and was only shared internally, it sparked speculation that the child of a current coach or executive was responsible. Ulbrich’s son, who was in the video, admitted he was a culprit in a post on his Instagram story.
“On Friday night I made a tremendous mistake. Sheduer, what I did was completely inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful. I’m so sorry I took away from your moment, it was selfish and childish,” Ulbrich wrote. “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.”
Note: Ulbrich spelled Shedeur’s name wrong in his apology. That is not a typo by us.
The Falcons also issued a statement. Claiming that Jax found the number on his father’s iPad without his father knowing. They apologized to Shedeur and said they are exploring ways they can prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Jax Ulbrich, son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, was the one who prank called Shedeur Sanders during the NFL Draft.
Jax’s apology and the Falcons’ statement: pic.twitter.com/jMkQe1OCoa
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 27, 2025
It has been reported that several other prospects received prank calls during the draft. However, it does not appear that Jax has been connected to either of those. If it’s true that multiple parties were making prank calls to prospects, it’s worth wondering if the NFL needs to reconsider their strategy.
Jeff Ulbrich spent his entire NFL playing career with the 49ers, featuring heavily in their linebacker rotation from 2000-2009. While Ulbrich has several coaching tree connections to the Niners current staff, having worked with Kyle Shanahan during his time in Atlanta and working as Robert Saleh’s defensive coordinator with the Jets, he has yet to return to San Francisco as a coach.