Cristina Ulbrich was the wife of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and a devoted mother to their three children. She passed away on July 26, 2026, at the age of 48 after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a family that she loved fiercely and supported unconditionally.
The Ulbrich family has deep roots that stretch across decades, from a chance meeting at the University of Hawaii in 1997 to a life built together through Jeff’s NFL playing career and his rise as one of the league’s respected defensive minds. Here’s a closer look at the family Cristina leaves behind.
Cristina and Jeff Ulbrich: A Love Story Spanning Nearly Three Decades
Cristina and Jeff first met in 1997 when Jeff was on a recruiting trip to the University of Hawaii. At the time, Jeff was a standout linebacker for the Rainbow Warriors before being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2000.
The couple’s relationship was built on mutual support and shared sacrifice. When Jeff first pursued a career in coaching after retiring from the NFL in 2009, Cristina was pragmatic about the uncertainty that lay ahead. “We’re not taking any vacations or going anywhere until he has something down,” she told the Morgan Hill Times in 2010. “We know Jeff’s coaching can take us anywhere, just like with playing. I’m on board and so are the kids”.
That willingness to embrace the unknown defined their partnership. Cristina followed Jeff through coaching stops with the Seattle Seahawks, UCLA, the Atlanta Falcons, and the New York Jets—moving the family five times since Jeff’s playing career ended.
Jeff’s former 49ers teammate, Takeo Spikes, captured the essence of their bond. “When he got around his family it was like nothing else mattered,” Spikes told The Athletic in 2023. “He didn’t care what type of day he had at the office. It was like, ‘I just want to make sure I’m around for them’”.
Cristina Ulbrich’s Children: Samantha, Jax, and Jace
Cristina and Jeff raised three children together, each of whom she supported with the same devotion she showed her husband.
Samantha “Sammy” Ulbrich
Samantha, affectionately known as Sammy, is the couple’s daughter. She was frequently seen alongside her parents at football events, including a memorable photo taken at MetLife Stadium with her mother and father during Jeff’s time with the Jets.
Jax Ulbrich
Jax is the couple’s eldest son, born in 2004. He played football at Berry College and studied business. Jax found himself in the national spotlight in April 2025 after a prank call to NFL draft prospect Shedeur Sanders, an incident that resulted in fines for both Jeff and the Falcons organization. Through that difficult chapter, Cristina remained a steady presence in her son’s life.
Jace Ulbrich
Jace is the couple’s youngest son. He and Jax were close in age and grew up navigating the unique challenges of being NFL coach’s kids. According to reports, Cristina was initially cautious about letting her sons play football given Jeff’s history with concussions, but she supported their choices as they grew older.
The Strength of the Ulbrich Family Bond
What emerges from every tribute and statement about Cristina Ulbrich is a portrait of a woman who made her family the center of her world.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank captured this beautifully in his statement following her passing: “It was always evident how deeply Cristina loved her family and how fiercely she supported them. She faced every challenge with extraordinary courage, strength and grace, inspiring so many through the way she lived and the way she fought”.
“The greatest legacy Cristina leaves behind is the family she loved so completely, and her strength and spirit will continue to shine through them”.
When Jeff was promoted to interim head coach of the New York Jets in 2024, Cristina was right there on the sideline, sharing a kiss with her husband before his first game in charge—a moment that perfectly illustrated their partnership.
How the Football Community Embraced the Ulbrich Family
The news of Cristina’s death prompted an outpouring of support from across the NFL. The Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, and San Francisco 49ers all released statements honoring her memory and expressing condolences to Jeff and the children.
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski spoke emotionally about the loss. “It’s a difficult time for the Ulbrich family. It’s a difficult time for the Falcons family,” he said. “We, like any family, will support Jeff and the kids, and we’ll put our arms around him and the kids—literally and as an organization”.
Falcons players echoed that sentiment when Jeff returned to training camp just days after Cristina’s passing. “I love Brick,” one player said, using Ulbrich’s nickname. “He’s like a father figure, older brother for me. I was glad to have him back out here”.
Cristina Ulbrich’s Enduring Legacy
Cristina Ulbrich’s family was her greatest pride and her most important work. She raised three children while supporting a husband through the relentless demands of an NFL career, and she did it with a grace that inspired everyone who witnessed it.
As the Ulbrich family navigates this unimaginable loss, they do so knowing that Cristina’s love, strength, and spirit live on in Samantha, Jax, and Jace—the family she loved so completely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Cristina Ulbrich’s children?
Cristina Ulbrich had three children with her husband Jeff Ulbrich: a daughter named Samantha and two sons named Jax and Jace.
How long were Cristina and Jeff Ulbrich together?
They met in 1997 at the University of Hawaii and were together for nearly three decades before Cristina’s passing in July 2026.
What did Cristina Ulbrich do for a living?
Cristina was primarily a devoted wife and mother who supported Jeff’s football career through his playing days and coaching journey. She maintained a private life away from the public eye.
How did Cristina Ulbrich die?
Cristina passed away on July 26, 2026, following a battle with cancer. She was 48 years old. The specific form of cancer was not publicly disclosed.
Where did Cristina and Jeff Ulbrich meet?
They met in 1997 when Jeff was on a recruiting trip to the University of Hawaii, where he played college football before being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers.
Did Cristina Ulbrich have any grandchildren?
There is no public information indicating that Cristina Ulbrich had grandchildren at the time of her passing.
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