Introduction to the NFL Draft Day Prank
The NFL draft is a significant event for football players, and for Shedeur Sanders, it was a day he would remember for a long time, but not for the reasons he expected. Sanders, one of the newest Cleveland Browns, was drafted in the fifth round with the 144th overall pick. However, his draft day experience was marred by a prank call that left him confused and disappointed.
The Prank Call
Jax Ulbrich, the 21-year-old son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, made the prank call to Sanders on Day 1 of the draft. Ulbrich identified himself as the general manager of the New Orleans Saints and told Sanders, "We’re going to take you with our next pick." He then added, "You’re going to have to wait a little bit longer, man. Okay? Sorry about that." Sanders was left questioning the meaning of the call, and his father, NFL Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, suspected that they had just been trolled.
Aftermath of the Prank
The Falcons issued a statement explaining that Ulbrich had seen Sanders’ phone number on his father’s open iPad and copied it to make the prank call later. Coach Ulbrich was unaware of the prank until after it happened. The hoax was captured on video and posted online by a production company owned by Shedeur’s brother, Deion Sanders, Jr. The Falcons released a statement saying they don’t condone the behavior.
Apology from Jax Ulbrich
Jax Ulbrich apologized on Instagram, calling the prank "completely inexcusable, embarrassing and shameful." He added, "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."
BOULDER, CO – APRIL 19: Former Colorado Buffaloes player Shedeur Sanders looks on during the Black and Gold Spring Game at Folsom Field on April 19, 2025 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images for ONIT)
Reaction from the Browns
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said multiple players received prank calls as they waited in the green room during the draft. This incident highlights the need for players to be cautious when receiving calls on draft day.
Conclusion
The prank call made by Jax Ulbrich to Shedeur Sanders was a terrible mistake that marred an important moment in Sanders’ career. The apology from Ulbrich is a step in the right direction, but it also serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of such pranks. The NFL and teams should take steps to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure that players have a positive experience on draft day.
FAQs
- Q: Who made the prank call to Shedeur Sanders?
A: Jax Ulbrich, the son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, made the prank call. - Q: What did Jax Ulbrich say to Shedeur Sanders during the prank call?
A: Ulbrich identified himself as the general manager of the New Orleans Saints and told Sanders that they would take him with their next pick, but then said he would have to wait a little longer. - Q: How did the Falcons respond to the prank?
A: The Falcons released a statement saying they don’t condone the behavior and that Coach Ulbrich was unaware of the prank until after it happened. - Q: Did Jax Ulbrich apologize for the prank?
A: Yes, Jax Ulbrich apologized on Instagram, calling the prank "completely inexcusable, embarrassing and shameful."
