NFL Fines Falcons After Prank Call Incident During Draft

Atlanta, GA – The NFL has imposed a $250,000 fine on the Atlanta Falcons and a $100,000 fine on defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich following a prank call incident involving Ulbrich’s son during the NFL draft.

Jax Ulbrich, 21, admitted to making the prank call, which targeted quarterback Shedeur Sanders. He had obtained Sanders’ private phone number by writing it down from his father’s open iPad while visiting home. In an apology posted on Instagram, Jax Ulbrich described his actions as “completely inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful.”

The NFL’s fines were issued for “failing to prevent the disclosure of confidential information distributed to the club in advance of the NFL Draft.” The Falcons released a statement expressing their gratitude for the league’s thorough review of the incident, emphasizing their commitment to security policies and practices, both on and off premises.

The statement also noted that the Ulbrich family is collaborating with the organization to engage in community service initiatives related to the issue.

During the draft, while waiting for his name to be called, Sanders received the prank call from someone impersonating New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis. The caller misled Sanders by saying they would select him with the next pick but that he would have to wait a little longer.

A confused Sanders questioned the crowd at his draft party about the meaning of the call. Jax Ulbrich later expressed remorse for disrupting what was supposed to be a significant moment in Sanders’ life, stating, “I could never imagine getting ready to celebrate one of the greatest moments of your life and I made a terrible mistake.”

Despite the prank, Sanders remained unshaken by the incident. Following his selection in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns, he stated, “It didn’t really have an impact on me.” He added, “I don’t feed into negativity, or I don’t feed into that stuff.”