The Ulbrich Family Firestorm: Everything To Know About Jax Ulbrich And The NFL Draft Prank Controversy
Jeff Ulbrich’s son, Jax Ulbrich, has recently become a central figure in a significant NFL controversy, catapulting the family into the national spotlight far beyond the usual realm of coaching news. As of late 2025, the most current and compelling story surrounding the defensive coordinator's family involves a high-profile incident during the 2025 NFL Draft that resulted in a public apology, an NFL investigation, and a substantial fine for the veteran coach. This article dives into the full biography of Jax Ulbrich and the details of the scandal that has defined his recent public presence.
The Ulbrich family, led by Atlanta Falcons Defensive Coordinator Jeffery Wade Ulbrich, has always maintained a relatively private life despite their deep ties to professional football. However, the actions of his son, Jax, have forced a rare public statement from the family and the Atlanta Falcons organization, underscoring the intense scrutiny that comes with being connected to the National Football League.
The Ulbrich Family: A Complete Biography and Profile
Jeff Ulbrich, a former NFL linebacker who spent his entire playing career with the San Francisco 49ers, transitioned into coaching and has held high-profile roles with several teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, and the New York Jets, where he briefly served as interim head coach in 2024.
- Father: Jeffery Wade Ulbrich (Jeff Ulbrich)
- Current Role: Defensive Coordinator, Atlanta Falcons (appointed Jan. 18, 2021)
- Wife: Cristina Ulbrich
- Children: The couple has three children: a daughter, Samantha, and two sons, Jax and Jace.
Jax Ulbrich: The Son at the Center of the Storm
Jax Ulbrich, the oldest son, is the individual most recently in the news. His life has been shaped by his father's nomadic coaching career, moving from the East Coast to the West Coast and back.
- Full Name: Jax Ulbrich
- Year of Birth: 2004 (making him approximately 21 years old as of late 2025)
- Hometown/Upbringing: Born in Georgia, he spent his early years there before relocating to Chatham Township, New Jersey, during his high school years while his father coached the New York Jets.
- Education/Career: Details about his current educational or professional path are not widely public, as his main public mention is tied to the recent controversy.
The Other Ulbrich Children: Samantha and Jace
The Ulbrich family includes two other children, who have maintained a lower profile than Jax.
- Samantha Ulbrich: The oldest child, Samantha, was mentioned in earlier reports as a young child, often seen on the sidelines with her father during his playing days.
- Jace Ulbrich: The younger son, Jace, completes the family unit. Like his sister, he is not frequently mentioned in public news.
The 2025 NFL Draft Prank Call Scandal Explained
The controversy that brought Jax Ulbrich to national attention unfolded around the 2025 NFL Draft. The incident involved a highly inappropriate and disruptive prank call made to a top college football star, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the son of legendary Deion Sanders.
How the Prank Was Executed
The root of the scandal was a breach of confidential information. According to reports, Jax Ulbrich obtained Shedeur Sanders’ private phone number from his father’s work-related electronic device. The device, an unsecured iPad or computer, contained information provided by the NFL to coaches for draft preparation.
Jax admitted to using the number to make a prank call to Sanders during one of the most significant moments of the young athlete's life. The nature of the call, which was reportedly disruptive and intended to tease or harass the quarterback, quickly drew condemnation from fans, the media, and the NFL itself.
The Fallout: Apology, Fine, and NFL Investigation
The reaction to the prank was immediate and severe, highlighting the league's zero-tolerance policy for compromising the integrity of the draft process and the privacy of players.
- Jax Ulbrich’s Apology: Following the public outcry, Jax Ulbrich released a statement on social media, admitting responsibility and asking for forgiveness from Shedeur Sanders and the public. He acknowledged the seriousness of his actions and the distraction they caused.
- Jeff Ulbrich’s Fine: The NFL determined that Jeff Ulbrich was responsible for the security lapse that allowed his son access to the confidential information. The league issued a significant fine against the Falcons Defensive Coordinator. Ulbrich publicly addressed the incident, stating, "My actions and my son's actions were unacceptable," and accepted full responsibility for the security breach.
- Falcons’ Statement: The Atlanta Falcons organization also released a statement regarding the involvement of their defensive coordinator's son, confirming the incident and emphasizing their commitment to upholding the standards of the league.
Jeff Ulbrich's Coaching Career and Family Balance
The incident involving Jax Ulbrich provided a rare glimpse into the chaotic, high-pressure life of an NFL coach and the challenges of balancing a demanding professional career with family life. Jeff Ulbrich’s career has been one of steady ascent, marked by a reputation as a fierce competitor and a respected defensive mind.
From Linebacker to Defensive Coordinator
Ulbrich’s journey began as a standout linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers from 2000 to 2009. His transition to coaching saw him take on various roles, including special teams coordinator and linebackers coach, before landing the coveted Defensive Coordinator position with the Atlanta Falcons.
His tenure with the Falcons has been characterized by a focus on aggressive, turnover-forcing defense. The recent controversy, however, served as a stark reminder that the professional and personal lives of high-profile NFL figures are inextricably linked, and a security lapse at home can have major professional consequences. The Atlanta Falcons Defensive Coordinator position is one of immense responsibility, and the actions of his family members are often scrutinized through that lens.
The Impact on the Family
The Ulbrich family is known for its close-knit nature, often moving together to accommodate Jeff’s career moves, from Georgia to New Jersey and back. The public nature of the Shedeur Sanders prank call placed a significant strain on the family's privacy. Jeff Ulbrich’s public acknowledgment and acceptance of the fine and responsibility were seen as a move to quickly put the matter to rest and protect his family from further media intrusion. The incident is a cautionary tale about the need for extreme digital security when working with sensitive, league-provided information, especially in a household with young adults.
As the 2025 NFL season progresses, the focus for Jeff Ulbrich will return to the Falcons' defense. However, the story of Jax Ulbrich and the infamous draft prank will remain a footnote in the family's public history, a memorable event that briefly overshadowed the coach's distinguished career.
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