The 2025 NFL Draft took an unexpected turn for quarterback Shedeur Sanders when he became the target of a prank call orchestrated by Jax Ulbrich, son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. The incident, which occurred as Sanders anxiously awaited his name to be called, has since prompted public apologies and an official investigation by the NFL.
How the Prank Unfolded
Sanders, once considered one of the top prospects in this year’s draft, received a phone call on Friday evening that he believed was from New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis. Surrounded by friends and family, Sanders listened as the caller claimed the Saints would select him with their next pick.
The excitement quickly faded when the caller added, “But you’re going to have to wait a little bit longer. Sorry about that,” before abruptly ending the call. A visibly confused Sanders could only ask, “What does that mean?”
The prank was captured on video and posted online by Well Off Media, a production company run by Shedeur’s brother, Deion Sanders Jr. The video quickly circulated on social media, drawing widespread attention and criticism.
How the Number Was Obtained
According to a statement from the Atlanta Falcons, Jax Ulbrich, 21, discovered Sanders’ draft contact number on an open iPad while visiting his parents’ home. He wrote down the number with the intention of making a prank call. The Falcons emphasized that Jeff Ulbrich was unaware of both the data exposure and the prank until after it had already happened.
Public Apology and Team Response
On Sunday, Jax Ulbrich posted a public apology on Instagram, expressing deep regret for his actions:
“On Friday night, I made a significant error. Shedeur, my actions were entirely inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful. I deeply regret taking away from your moment; it was selfish and immature. I can’t imagine preparing to celebrate one of the most important moments of your life and then ruining it. Thank you for taking my call earlier today, and I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me.”
The Atlanta Falcons also issued a statement, clarifying the situation and offering their “sincere apologies” to Shedeur Sanders and his family. The organization stated it does not condone such behavior and is reviewing its protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The team is cooperating fully with the NFL’s ongoing investigation.
Sanders’ and Browns’ Reaction
Shedeur Sanders, who was eventually selected by the Cleveland Browns as the 144th overall pick in the fifth round, has not commented publicly on the prank. However, he addressed the situation during a media call, stating:
“It didn’t really affect me because I don’t let negativity get to me. As you saw in Deion Junior’s YouTube video, my reaction was what it was. Yes, it was childish. I believe it was a childish act, but everyone does immature things from time to time.”
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was more blunt, telling reporters, “People are morons would be my response to that. It’s unfortunate these young men have to deal with this kind of thing. Players were receiving calls, so it’s ridiculous, but we move forward.”
NFL Investigation and Next Steps
The NFL has confirmed it is investigating the incident, including how Sanders’ private draft contact number was accessed and whether other players may have been targeted by similar prank calls. The Falcons have pledged to work with the league and update their procedures to ensure such breaches do not happen again.
This incident serves as a reminder of the pressures and vulnerabilities faced by young athletes during high-stakes events like the NFL Draft, and highlights the importance of safeguarding personal information and maintaining professionalism at all levels of the sport.
