In recent developments surrounding the NFL draft, an ongoing investigation has revealed that a prank call made to Shedeur Sanders did not originate from the same source as several others that targeted players. This clarification comes from an individual with insider knowledge, who requested anonymity due to the ongoing nature of the inquiry. This particular prank incident caught widespread attention when it was discovered that Jax Ulbrich, the son of Atlanta Falcons’ defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, was involved. On the draft’s second day, Sanders received a misleading call while anticipating a first-round selection but was ultimately drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round.
According to a statement by the Falcons, Jax Ulbrich unintentionally accessed Sanders’ contact information via an open iPad during a visit to his parent’s home. He documented the number with the intention of executing a prank call at a later time. Although he facilitated the prank, it was another friend who accompanied him that executed the call to Sanders. Jeff Ulbrich, unaware of both the access to sensitive data and the prank itself until after the incident, alongside the Falcons organization, extended a heartfelt apology to Sanders and his family. Additionally, Jax disseminated a public apology through social media platforms.
Shedeur Sanders, an illustrious quarterback from Colorado, is notably the son of Deion Sanders, a prominent NFL Hall of Famer and former Atlanta Falcons player. Unfortunately, Sanders was not the solitary player to experience a prank related to the draft. Other players reported similar disturbances, including Tyler Warren, Mason Graham, Chase Lundt, and Kyle McCord.
Chase Lundt, who was chosen by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round, reported receiving multiple prank calls himself. Reflecting on the experience, Lundt highlighted the disorienting effect of the prank calls, which made the genuine call from the Bills feel especially reassuring. Meanwhile, Kyle McCord, recently picked by the Philadelphia Eagles, shared with local media that he too had been targeted while the draft unfolded.
Adding to this, Mason Graham, the Cleveland Browns’ top choice and former University of Michigan defensive tackle, faced a deluge of calls after a TikTok video showing his number went viral. According to his father, Allen Graham, this unwelcome publicity resulted in dozens of unauthorized calls to his phone.
These incidents underline the intrusive and distressing nature of the prank calls that have disrupted pivotal moments in these athletes’ careers, sparking broader discussions on privacy and security during such high-profile events.