Falcons and Jeff Ulbrich Hit With $350,000 Fine for Shedeur Sanders Prank Call

Newsweek

30-04-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Shedeur Sanders waited until the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft for his name to be called, but he was fooled into thinking that call was done during the second. Sanders' number was found, and it was revealed that the son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich called Sanders to prank him into thinking he was getting a draft call from a GM.
More news: Browns HC Responds to Shedeur Sanders Prank Call Incident
After the league discovered that the prank call was enacted by Ulbrich's son, an investigation was launched. It was revealed that Jax Ulbrich saw the number on his father's iPad and used it to prank Sanders.
Now, the league has come down with a massive punishment. The Falcons have been fined $250,000, and Ulbrich has been fined $100,000.
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
The statement for the fine that Ian Rapoport shared states the fines were for "failing to prevent the disclosure of confidential information distributed to the club in advance of the NFL Draft."
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Shedeur Sanders #QB13 of Colorado speaks at the podium during the 2025 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Shedeur Sanders #QB13 of Colorado speaks at the podium during the 2025 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.Read more: Falcons DC's Son Publicly Apologizes For Shedeur Sanders Prank Draft Call
Following the revelation that Jax used the number to prank Sanders, he released a statement apologizing.
Jax Ulbrich, Jeff Ulbrich's son, released an apology for his role in the Shedeur Sanders prank call.
I'm told he also reached out to the Sanders family directly to apologize.
By all accounts, Jax is a good kid who made a mistake and he's doing what he can to hold himself… pic.twitter.com/9rIwE5vdoU — Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) April 27, 2025
The statement reads:
"On Friday night I made a tremendous mistake," Jax wrote in his apology.
"Shedeur, what I did was completely inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful. I'm so sorry I took away from your moment, it was selfish and childish. 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."
The Falcons have now released a statement regarding the matter be closed with a fine.
Falcons statement on the $250,000 fine that the NFL levied against them: pic.twitter.com/2FczFEZDZF — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 30, 2025
The Falcons statement reads:
"We appreciate the NFL's swift and thorough review of last week's data exposure and the event that transpired due to it. We were proactive in addressing the situation internally and cooperated fully with the league throughout the process, and accept the discipline levied to Coach Jeff Ulbrich and the organization. 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. Additionally, the Ulbrich family is working with the organization to participate in community service initiatives in relation to last week's matter."
The fact that the Falcons will retain Ulbrich is a win here, despite him being fined $100,000. A data breach like this is something that teams will take very seriously, as the Falcons organization has.
For Jax, this is a lesson not to prank athletes and during the time when they are waiting for a call to change their lives.
More NFL:
Steelers Release Draft Pick Due to Major Medical Issue
For more on the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.