The NFL has issued fines totaling $350,000 to the Atlanta Falcons and their defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbrich, over an incident involving a prank phone call made to draft prospect Shedeur Sanders during the league’s 2025 Draft, as reported by The Blaze.

On Wednesday, the league confirmed that Ulbrich was personally fined $100,000, while the Falcons organization was fined $250,000.

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The penalties stem from a video that circulated on social media showing college students prank-calling Sanders, falsely claiming he was being selected by the New Orleans Saints.

Sanders, the son of former NFL star and current University of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, had been widely projected as a top prospect.

The prank occurred during the second day of the draft, leading Sanders to believe he had been selected, only to learn moments later it was a hoax. He was ultimately drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the 144th overall pick on Day 3.

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The Falcons confirmed that the prank originated from Jeff Ulbrich’s 21-year-old son, Jax Ulbrich, who obtained Sanders’ phone number after viewing his father’s iPad.

Jax then shared the number with a friend, who placed the call and recorded the interaction. Jax was reportedly seen in the background of the prank video.

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The Falcons addressed the league’s disciplinary action in a public statement.

“We appreciate the NFL’s swift and thorough review of last week’s data exposure and the event that transpired due to it,” the team said. “We were proactive in addressing the situation internally and cooperated fully with the league throughout the process, and accept the discipline levied to Coach Jeff Ulbrich and the organization.”

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Jax Ulbrich also issued a public apology on Instagram, writing:

“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.”

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Sanders’ draft experience was further complicated by online criticism over a lavish celebration, including a luxury party and a diamond-studded necklace, based on expectations that he would be drafted much earlier.

President Donald Trump also weighed in on the situation, criticizing NFL owners for passing on Sanders. “They’re stupid,” Trump said. “PHENOMENAL GENES.”

The incident has raised broader questions about draft-day privacy, conduct surrounding high-profile athletes, and accountability within NFL franchises.

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