April 30, 2025
The NFL team was fined $250,000, and their defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbrich, was fined $100,000
The National Football League has fined the Atlanta Falcons and its defensive coordinator after the coach’s son made a prank call to Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders during the recent NFL Draft.
The Falcons were fined $250,000. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was fined $100,000 for “failing to prevent the disclosure of confidential information distributed to the club in advance of the 2025 NFL Draft.”
The NFL has confirmed that the #Falcons have been fined $250,000 and DC Jeff Ulbrich $100,000 for failing to prevent the disclosure of confidential information distributed to the club in advance of the NFL Draft.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 30, 2025
“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 written statement.
The team said it cooperated with the league and accepted the penalty.
“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,” the Falcons added. “Additionally, the Ulbrich family is working with the organization to participate in community service initiatives in relation to last week’s matter.”
Ulbrich’s son, Jax, called Sanders after stealing the phone number from his father’s iPad during a visit to his parents’ home. Jax Ulbrich then called Sanders and told him he was Mickey Loomis, the New Orleans Saints general manager.
“We’re going to take you with our next pick, man, but you’re going to have to wait a little bit longer, man,” Jax Ulbrich said. “Sorry about that.”
After word got out about the prank, the younger Ulbrich admitted to his father what he had done. Jeff Ulbrich informed the team, and the Falcons released a statement taking responsibility for Jax Ulbrich’s actions.
The defensive coordinator spoke to the media after learning about the fine. He apologized to Shedeur Sanders and his family and the Falcons organization before turning the focus to himself.
“My actions—my actions—of not protecting confidential data were inexcusable,” Jeff Ulbrich said. “My son’s actions were absolutely inexcusable, and for that, we are both deeply sorry. The NFL has taken action, and I fully respect the punishment. We take full responsibility, both my son and myself, and we will not be appearing the fine in any way. Going forward, I promise my son and I will work hard to demonstrate that we are better than this. Again, I am deeply sorry for our actions.”
Shedeur Sanders accepted Jax Ulbrich’s apology, which he had offered privately before making it public.
RELATED CONTENT: Pro Soccer Player Hides As Loved Ones Kidnapped Amid Increasing Crime In Ecuador, Family Safely Returned
