When a Prank Call Stole the Spotlight: The NFL Draft Drama Explained

The NFL draft is supposed to be one of the most exciting moments in a young athlete’s life. For Shedeur Sanders, the star quarterback from Colorado, it was no different. But during the 2025 draft, a prank call briefly stole the spotlight—and turned into a lesson about responsibility, apologies, and growing up. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and how everyone involved is moving forward.

The Prank That Shook Draft Night

Imagine sitting at your draft party, surrounded by family and friends, waiting for the phone to ring. That’s exactly where Shedeur Sanders was on Day 2 of the NFL draft. But instead of a team executive calling to welcome him to the league, Sanders picked up the phone to hear a voice pretending to be New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis.

The caller told Sanders, “We’re going to take you with our next pick, man, but you’re going to have to wait a little bit longer.” Confused, Sanders turned to his crowd and asked, “What does that mean?” The moment quickly went viral, with fans wondering: Who would prank a player on such an important night?

The answer came days later. Jax Ulbrich, the 21-year-old son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, stepped forward to admit he was behind the call. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Jax apologized, calling his actions “selfish, childish, and shameful.” He revealed he’d gotten Sanders’ private number from his father’s open iPad during a visit to his parents’ home. The Falcons confirmed the breach, stressing that Jeff Ulbrich had no idea about the prank until after it happened.

“I’m So Sorry”: The Aftermath of a Mistake

Jax’s apology was raw and direct. “I could never imagine getting ready to celebrate one of the greatest moments of your life and I made a terrible mistake,” he wrote. He thanked Sanders for accepting his personal call to apologize, adding, “I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”

The Falcons organization also issued a statement, calling Jax’s behavior “unacceptable” and apologizing to Sanders and his family. They emphasized that Jeff Ulbrich wasn’t involved and announced plans to review their security protocols to prevent future leaks. The NFL is now investigating how Sanders’ private contact information became accessible in the first place.

But here’s the twist: Shedeur Sanders didn’t seem too bothered. When asked about the prank during his introductory press conference with the Cleveland Browns—who picked him in the fifth round—he shrugged it off. “It didn’t really have an impact on me,” he said. “I don’t feed into negativity.” He did call the act “childish,” but added, “Everybody does childish things here and there.”

Sanders’ calm reaction speaks volumes about his maturity. After all, this is a player who grew up in the spotlight as the son of NFL legend and coach Deion Sanders. Handling pressure—and even pranks—is part of the game.

Not the Only Victim: A Draft Night Trend

Turns out, Sanders wasn’t alone. Other draft picks reported similar prank calls. Buffalo Bills sixth-round selection Chase Lundt admitted he got “four or five” fake calls during the draft. Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren also received a prank call before being picked. While Jax Ulbrich wasn’t linked to those incidents, it highlights a troubling trend: young athletes becoming targets during what should be a joyful milestone.

For teams, the priority is protecting their future players. The Falcons, for instance, are now reevaluating how coaches and staff handle sensitive information. “We will review our processes to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” the team said.

Why This Story Resonates

At its core, this isn’t just about a prank. It’s about accountability. Jax Ulbrich, a young adult himself, owned up to his mistake publicly. The Falcons, while defending their coach, took responsibility for the security lapse. And Sanders, instead of fueling drama, chose grace.

But it also raises questions: How do we balance privacy in an era where information leaks so easily? Should teams enforce stricter rules for staff and their families? And why do people feel the need to disrupt such personal moments?

For Jax, the lesson is clear. In his apology, he wrote, “I took away from your moment.” Those six words sum up the cost of a thoughtless joke. The NFL draft isn’t just a career milestone—it’s a lifelong dream realized. Messing with that, even for a laugh, has consequences.

Moving Forward

The Falcons have stated they won’t punish Jeff Ulbrich, as he wasn’t involved. Meanwhile, Sanders is focused on his fresh start with the Browns. As for Jax, his public apology may not erase the mistake, but it’s a step toward making things right.

In the end, this story is a reminder that everyone—famous athletes, coaches’ kids, and regular people—deserves respect during big moments. Pranks might seem harmless, but timing is everything. As Shedeur Sanders showed, how you handle setbacks matters just as much as how you celebrate wins.

And who knows? Maybe someday, this incident will be a footnote in Sanders’ career—a story about the night he kept his cool, even when someone tried to shake his spotlight. After all, in the NFL, resilience is the ultimate draft pick.