The NFL is currently investigating a shocking incident involving the Shedeur prank call during the 2025 NFL Draft, with Jeff Ulbrich and his family at the center of the controversy. The prank targeted highly-anticipated draft prospect Shedeur Sanders and raised serious concerns about privacy violations within NFL operations.
How the Shedeur Prank Call Unfolded
On the second day of the NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders, who was eagerly awaiting his selection, received a call that appeared to be from New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis. In a video that quickly circulated on social media, the caller teased Sanders, saying, “We’re going to take you with our next pick, but you’re going to have to wait a little bit longer.” The caller then abruptly hung up, leaving Sanders and his family and friends who were with him confused and disappointed.
The Browns eventually selected Sanders in the fifth round with the 144th overall pick, ending the stressful wait. Despite the prank, Sanders displayed remarkable maturity, saying, “It didn’t affect me in any way… Of course, it was a childish act, but everybody does childish things here and there.”
Jeff Ulbrich’s Son’s Role in the Incident
The prank was later revealed to Jeff Ulbrich’s son, Jacques Ulbrich, who admitted to making the call. According to a statement from the Atlanta Falcons, Jacques, 21, discovered Sanders’ personal draft phone number through an open iPad at his father’s home. Without telling anyone, he wrote down the number and later used it to perform the ill-advised prank.
The Falcons clarified that Jeff Ulbrich was not aware of the incident until after it occurred. They issued a formal apology to Sanders and his family, emphasizing that the organization does not tolerate such behavior. “We are thoroughly reviewing all protocols to prevent an incident like this from ever happening again,” the Falcons said in their statement.
Apologies and Reactions from the NFL Community
Jacques Ulbricht personally apologized via a heartfelt post on social media, in which he wrote, “On Friday night, I made a huge mistake. What I did was completely inexcusable, shameful, and embarrassing. I am so sorry I took away your moment, it was selfish and childish.”
The Falcons are reportedly in direct contact with the Sanders family to ensure an apology is properly expressed on behalf of both the organization and Jacques. Meanwhile, the NFL confirmed it is reviewing the situation, investigating possible additional prank calls made to other draft prospects.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski responded to the Shedeur prank call without hesitation, saying, “People are stupid. It’s sad that these young men have to deal with this.”
Broader Implications for NFL Draft Protocols
The Shedeur prank call incident has shed light on the NFL’s security measures during the draft process. The fact that only NFL personnel should have access to players’ private draft phone numbers raises serious concerns. The league is now working closely with the Falcons to understand how Sanders’ number was compromised and to ensure tighter controls in the future.
Interestingly, Sanders wasn’t the only player who was targeted. Other prospects, including Tyler Warren of the Indianapolis Colts and Kyle McCord of the Philadelphia Eagles, reported receiving prank calls during the draft, which suggests a widespread problem that the league must address.
Conclusion: What next after the Shedeur prank call?
While Shedeur Sanders may have pulled the prank, the NFL is taking the matter just as seriously. The involvement of Jeff Ulbrich’s son and the breach of a player’s private information has triggered an immediate review of team and league-wide draft protocols.
As Sanders begins his professional journey with the Browns, the pressure is mounting on the NFL to ensure that no future draftee’s big moment is marred by such irresponsible behavior. Meanwhile, Jeff Ulbrich and his son will remain under scrutiny as the league continues to investigate the Shedeur prank call scandal.
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