Shedeur Sanders and Jax Ulbrich: A Draft Night Prank That Captured Attention
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Shedeur Sanders #QB13 of Colorado speaks to the media during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
During the 2025 NFL Draft, one of the most talked-about moments wasn’t about a player’s performance on the field but an off-field incident involving Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Jax Ulbrich, the son of Atlanta Falcons Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Journey
Shedeur Sanders entered the draft with high expectations. Having transferred from Jackson State to Colorado, he set new records, including breaking the school’s single-season passing record with 3,926 yards and 35 touchdowns. His performance earned him the prestigious Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. Despite these accomplishments, Sanders experienced a surprising slide in the draft, falling to the Cleveland Browns as the 144th overall pick in the fifth round.
The Prank Call Incident
On draft night, Sanders received a prank call from someone pretending to be New Orleans Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis, falsely claiming the team would select him shortly. The caller was later identified as Jax Ulbrich. Ulbrich publicly apologized, describing his actions as “selfish and childish” and acknowledging the harm caused to Sanders during a significant moment in his life.
Ulbrich’s Background
Jax Ulbrich is a student-athlete at Berry College in Georgia, where he plays football as a running back. A New Jersey native, he is the son of Jeff Ulbrich and Cristina Ulbrich, and has a brother named Jace and a sister named Sammy. Off the field, Jax is a business major with interests in golf and fitness.
The prank call raised concerns about privacy and security, as Sanders had shared his phone number with only a select group of NFL executives. The Atlanta Falcons confirmed the incident but stated that no disciplinary action would be taken against Jeff Ulbrich. However, they pledged to review their protocols to understand how Jax had accessed Sanders’ number.
While the prank added an unexpected twist to draft night, it also highlighted the pressures and challenges that athletes and their families face during such high-stakes events.
