ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons issued a formal statement on Sunday acknowledging a recent incident involving 21-year-old Jax Ulbrich, son of Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. According to the team, Jax copied Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ phone number from his father’s open iPad during a visit home and later used the information to make a prank call. The situation has sparked both amusement and concern within NFL and college football circles, raising questions about privacy and accountability.
The team’s statement emphasized that Jax Ulbrich is not employed by or affiliated with the Atlanta Falcons organization in any official capacity. “We are aware of the incident involving Jax Ulbrich and have spoken with Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to address the matter,” the statement read. “This behavior does not reflect the values of the Atlanta Falcons organization. While no harm was intended, the inappropriate use of private information is a serious concern.” The team added that Jeff Ulbrich voluntarily disclosed the situation to team officials as soon as he became aware of it.
The prank reportedly took place last week when Jax was visiting his parents’ home. According to sources close to the family, he saw Sanders’ contact information while scrolling through his father’s iPad and decided to send a series of playful text messages and place a prank call. The messages, while not malicious, were enough to cause confusion on Sanders’ end. Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, initially believed he was being harassed but later learned of the prank’s origin.
Neither Shedeur Sanders nor Deion Sanders has issued a public statement, but sources familiar with the family say they were “surprised but not outraged” by the situation. “Coach Prime is all about discipline and respect, but he also knows young people make mistakes,” said one person close to the program. “What matters is that the kid learns from it.” Nevertheless, the incident has raised concerns about the potential misuse of sensitive information accessible within NFL circles, even informally through family members.
Jeff Ulbrich, in a brief comment shared through the Falcons, apologized to the Sanders family and emphasized that his son acted independently and without malice. “As a parent, I’m disappointed and have had serious conversations with Jax about respecting other people’s privacy,” Ulbrich said. “He understands the gravity of the situation and is taking full responsibility.” Sources also indicated that Jax Ulbrich has reached out to Shedeur Sanders privately to apologize.
While no disciplinary action is expected from the NFL or NCAA, the situation has sparked dialogue among coaching staffs and team officials about the importance of information security — even in family settings. Some have called for stricter controls on device access, particularly when personal or professional data is involved. “This is a reminder that even casual exposure to sensitive material can lead to unintended consequences,” said an anonymous NFC executive. “We all need to be more mindful about who has access to what — and when.”
As of now, the Falcons consider the matter closed but have reiterated the importance of professionalism, privacy, and respect. Jax Ulbrich, a college student with no direct ties to football beyond his father, has expressed regret over what he called a “stupid joke” gone too far. Whether the incident fades quietly or remains a topic of locker room chatter, it serves as a cautionary tale in an era where a moment of poor judgment can ripple across sports headlines — even when it starts with a prank.