Jax Ulbrich is the son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and his late wife, Cristina Ulbrich. The 21-year-old made headlines in April 2025 after prank-calling NFL draft prospect Shedeur Sanders, an incident that brought his family into the national spotlight and ultimately led to significant fines for his father and the Falcons organization.
Here’s everything you need to know about Jax’s parents and the family behind one of the NFL’s most talked-about stories of 2025.
Who Is Jax Ulbrich’s Father? Meet Jeff Ulbrich
Jeff Ulbrich is a well-respected NFL coach who currently serves as the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons.Before transitioning to coaching, he spent ten seasons as a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers (2000–2009) after being drafted in the third round out of the University of Hawaii.
His coaching journey has taken him through UCLA, the Falcons (as linebackers coach and interim defensive coordinator), and the New York Jets, where he served as defensive coordinator from 2021 to 2024 and even stepped in as interim head coach for the final 12 games of the 2024 season.
In 2025, Jeff returned to Atlanta as the Falcons’ defensive coordinator, signing a contract that made him one of the higher-paid coordinators in the league.
Who Is Jax Ulbrich’s Mother? Remembering Cristina Ulbrich
Cristina Ulbrich was Jeff’s wife and the mother of their three children.She and Jeff met in 1997 during a recruiting visit to the University of Hawaii, and their relationship spanned nearly three decades.
According to those who knew her, Cristina was a devoted mother who supported Jeff through every stage of his football career—from his playing days to his rise through the coaching ranks.When Jeff first pursued coaching opportunities, Cristina was famously pragmatic, telling a reporter in 2010: “We’re not taking any vacations or going anywhere until he has something down.”
Tragically, Cristina Ulbrich passed away on July 30, 2026, at the age of 48 after a battle with cancer.The Atlanta Falcons released a statement expressing their heartbreak over her passing, and the entire organization rallied around Jeff and the Ulbrich family during that difficult time.
Jax’s Siblings: Samantha and Jace Ulbrich
Jax is one of three children born to Jeff and Cristina Ulbrich:
- Samantha (sometimes called “Sammy”), the couple’s daughter
- Jax, born in 2004
- Jace, Jax’s younger brother
The family moved frequently due to Jeff’s football career, with Jax spending his early years in Georgia before the family relocated to New Jersey while he was in high school.According to reports, Jax and his brother Jace didn’t start playing football until late in their teenage years because their mother was concerned about their safety—a decision that, given Jeff’s own history with concussions, makes perfect sense.
The 2025 NFL Draft Prank: What Happened?
In April 2025, Jax Ulbrich found himself at the center of a national controversy when he prank-called Shedeur Sanders, a highly touted quarterback prospect, during the NFL Draft weekend.
How It Happened
According to statements from the Falcons organization, Jax “unintentionally came across the draft contact phone number for Shedeur Sanders off an open iPad” while visiting his parents’ home.He wrote the number down and later conducted a prank call, impersonating New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis.
Jax was 21 years old at the time and was sitting beside an unidentified friend who actually made the call to Sanders.
The Fallout
The prank had serious consequences.The NFL investigated the incident, and the league ultimately fined:
- The Atlanta Falcons: $250,000
- Jeff Ulbrich: $100,000
The fines were levied for failing to prevent the disclosure of confidential information distributed to the club ahead of the draft.
Jax issued a public apology on social media, writing: “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.”
Shedeur Sanders himself downplayed the incident, telling reporters it was “childish” but adding that it “didn’t really have an impact” on him.
Jax Ulbrich Today: Life Beyond the Headlines
Away from the controversy, Jax Ulbrich is a college student and football player.He attended Berry College, where he studied business and played on the football team.
His player bio at Berry College described him as “the son of Cristina and Jeff and brother to Jace and Sammy”.
The Ulbrich family resides in New Jersey, though Jeff’s coaching duties with the Falcons keep him in Atlanta during the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Jax Ulbrich’s parents?
Jax Ulbrich’s parents are Jeff Ulbrich, the Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator and former San Francisco 49ers linebacker, and Cristina Ulbrich, who passed away in July 2026 after a battle with cancer.
How old is Jax Ulbrich?
Jax Ulbrich was 21 years old at the time of the Shedeur Sanders prank call in April 2025.
What did Jax Ulbrich do?
Jax Ulbrich prank-called Shedeur Sanders during the 2025 NFL Draft, impersonating Saints GM Mickey Loomis.He obtained Sanders’ phone number from an open iPad at his parents’ home.
Does Jax Ulbrich play football?
Yes, Jax Ulbrich played football at Berry College, where he was also studying business.
How did Jeff Ulbrich respond to the prank?
Jeff Ulbrich issued a statement saying he was unaware of the prank until after the fact.He apologized to the Sanders family and accepted the NFL’s $100,000 fine without appeal, stating: “My actions of not protecting confidential data were inexcusable. My son’s actions were absolutely inexcusable, and for that we are both deeply sorry.”
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