The source behind the prank call that disrupted Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft experience has been identified. Jax Ulbrich, the son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, admitted Sunday to making the call and issued a public apology, as reported [1] by TMZ.

In a statement posted to social media, the 21-year-old college sophomore expressed regret for his actions.
“On Friday night I made a tremendous mistake. Shedeur, what I did was completely inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful. I’m so sorry I took away from your moment, it was selfish and childish. I could never imagine getting ready to celebrate one of the greatest moments of your life and 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.”
Finally! Jax Ulbrich, the boy who pranked Shedeur Sanders, has finally issued an apology
Read More👉 https://t.co/w285Fvu44U [2] pic.twitter.com/AzrXSUAUbt [3]
— The SportsRush (@TheSportsRushUS) April 28, 2025 [4]
The prank call occurred Friday night as the second and third rounds of the NFL Draft were underway.
Sanders, who had anticipated being selected in the first round the night before, and his family initially believed the call was from an NFL team. The moment quickly turned to disappointment when it became clear it was a hoax.

Given that Sanders had a new phone specifically for draft night communications with NFL teams, suspicions quickly rose that the prankster had ties to the football community.
Video footage from the call surfaced online, and viewers began identifying Jax Ulbrich, a running back at Division III Berry College, as the person responsible.
Heartbreaking: Both angles of Shedeur Sanders getting pranked by Ole Miss students pretending to be the GM of the New Orleans Saints.
There’s no place for this ever 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/j3ujcTfsGb [5]
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 27, 2025 [6]
The Atlanta Falcons, who hired Jeff Ulbrich as their defensive coordinator this offseason after his previous tenure with the New York Jets, confirmed they are aware of the incident. The organization stated it is in communication with the NFL about the matter.
Falcons’ statement on the involvement of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s son, Jax, in the draft weekend prank call to Shedeur Sanders: pic.twitter.com/PgSxURroaY [7]
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 27, 2025 [8]
Sanders was later selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round of the draft. As of Sunday evening, Sanders had not publicly commented on Ulbrich’s apology.

The incident has drawn widespread criticism, with many calling for accountability within NFL families for their conduct during critical moments such as the draft.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith had some choice words about the situation.
“I sincerely hope he whipped his kid’s ass. That’s an ass whipping. That is a required ass whipping.”
Wild: Stephen A. Smith says Jeff Ulbrich’s son Jax deserves an “ASS WHIPPING” for prank calling Shedeur Sanders:
“I sincerely hope he whipped his kid’s ass. That’s an ass whipping. That is a required ass whipping.”
😭😭😭 https://t.co/oyyV9V3RSA [9] pic.twitter.com/sSgVAF2r2A [10]
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 28, 2025 [11]