The 2025 NFL Draft took an unexpected turn when a prank call involving Jeff Ulbrich and his son targeted quarterback Shedeur Sanders, causing confusion during one of the most important moments of his career. The prank involving Jeff Ulbrich’s son immediately sparked outrage and prompted an investigation by the NFL. Here’s everything you need to know about the incident, how it unfolded and the reactions that followed.
What Happened During The Draft ?
On the second day of the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders received a phone call from someone pretending to be New Orleans Saints general manager, Mickey Loomis. The caller lied to Sanders that the Saints would select him soon but that he would have to “wait a little longer.”
This confusing moment was captured on video during Sanders’ draft party. A shocked Sanders asked, “What does this mean?” as the call ended abruptly. Unfortunately, Sanders’ excitement quickly turned to panic.
Later, it was revealed that Jeff Ulbrich’s son, Jacques Ulbrich, was responsible for the Shedeur prank call.
How Did Jacques Ulbrich get Shedeur Sanders’ Number ?
According to an official statement from the Falcons, Jacques Ulbrich, the 21-year-old son of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, discovered Sanders’ personal draft contact number on an open iPad while visiting his parents’ house. Jacques wrote down the number and used it to make Shedeur prank calls during the draft.
The Falcons emphasized that Jeff Ulbrich had no knowledge of the incident or the privacy violation until after it happened. They said, “The Atlanta Falcons do not tolerate this behavior and have apologized to Shedeur Sanders and his family.”
Apology and Reactions
After the truth came out, both the Falcons organization and Jeff Ulbrich’s son issued formal apologies. Jacques Ulbricht posted on Instagram calling his actions “totally inexcusable, shameful and embarrassing.” He expressed deep regret, saying, “I’m so sorry I took away your moment. It was selfish and childish.”
The Falcons promised to review their protocols to ensure a similar incident does not occur in the future. They are also cooperating with the NFL’s ongoing investigation into the Shedeur prank call.
Shedeur Sanders demonstrated maturity, saying the prank “really had no effect” on him, adding, “I don’t promote negativity.” He acknowledged the act was childish, but acknowledged that mistakes happen.
NFL’s Response and Wider Implications
The NFL has confirmed that they are reviewing the matter and investigating other possible prank calls that occurred during draft weekend. Other players, including new Colts tight end Tyler Warren and Eagles quarterback Kyle McCord, also reported receiving prank calls during the event.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski commented candidly about the situation, saying, “People are stupid,” and calling the incident “tragic.” Despite the disruption, Sanders was ultimately selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round as the 144th overall pick.
Why The Incident Matters
The Shedur prank call highlights serious concerns about player privacy and professionalism during high-stakes events like the NFL Draft. It raised questions about how sensitive information is handled and who has access to it. The fact that the prank originated from the home of an NFL coach, even without Jeff Ulbrich’s direct involvement, has only intensified the investigation.
Moreover, the incident briefly dampened what was supposed to be a celebratory moment for Shedeur Sanders, who was already under intense media attention due to his college career at Colorado and the illustrious NFL legacy of his father Deion Sanders.
Conclusion
While Shedeur Sanders took the incident in stride, Shedeur’s prank call serves as a cautionary tale for the NFL and its teams. The league’s investigation continues, and the Falcons have vowed to tighten their internal procedures. As for Sanders, he now moves on to his professional career with the Browns, carrying forward the composure and resilience he showed during a difficult draft weekend.
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