The 2025 NFL Draft was marred by a cruel prank that targeted quarterback Shedeur Sanders, leading to widespread outrage and speculation.
Among the swirling rumors is an unverified claim that Jax Ulbrich, son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, was behind the prank call that duped Sanders into believing he was being drafted. This allegation has ignited debates about privacy breaches and the ethics of such pranks during pivotal career moments.
Rumors Point To Jax Ulbrich In Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Night Prank Call Drama
A tweet that gained traction stated:
“Rumor has it that Jax Ulbrich, son of Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich, was behind the Shedeur Sanders prank call. This would explain how Sanders’ private number, meant only for NFL execs, got out.”
Rumor has it that Jax Ulbrich, son of Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich, was behind the Shedeur Sanders prank call.
This would explain how Sanders’ private number, meant only for NFL execs, got out. pic.twitter.com/pbkLfHoVLU
— College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) April 27, 2025
This speculation arises because Sanders’ draft-specific phone number was intended solely for NFL team communications. The breach of this confidentiality has led to questions about how the number was accessed by individuals outside the league’s official channels.
However, there is no concrete evidence linking Jax Ulbrich to the prank. The individuals responsible have not been officially identified, and the rumor remains unsubstantiated. It’s essential to approach such claims cautiously until verified information is available.
The Prank and Its Fallout
During the second draft day, Sanders received a call from someone impersonating New Orleans Saints GM Mickey Loomis, informing him that he was about to be drafted. The call ended with the statement:
“But you’re gonna have to wait a little longer, man. Sorry about that,” followed by laughter from the pranksters.
Someone prank called Shedeur Sanders pretending to be apart of a team on stream telling him he would “ have to wait a little longer “ in the NFL draft 😬 pic.twitter.com/G21HWpHNDQ
— Jayden (@Jayden77x) April 26, 2025
The incident was recorded on Sanders’ live stream video, resulting in universal condemnation. Later reports indicated the pranksters were a group of Ole Miss students, one of whom was even wearing an Ole Miss sweatshirt in an online video.
The video showed the group laughing and celebrating after orchestrating the call, corresponding with prior footage of Sanders’ reaction.
Sanders addressed the incident, stating, “Nobody got that number but coaches, strictly for that reason.” He added, “Why get mad? They want you to have a certain type of reaction to it.”
This prank activity had two major effects: publicly defaming Sanders and exposing weaknesses within the NFL’s official communication systems. This event also raises significant concerns about data security measures for player privacy because someone unlawfully obtained confidential NFL contact information.
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The unproven Jax Ulbrich rumor demonstrates that crucial information security remains critical at important events, including the NFL Draft. The league must fully investigate this matter while simultaneously developing safeguards that will protect the draft’s integrity and ensure participant dignity.
How Much Will Shedeur Sanders Make as a Day 3 Pick?
For rookies drafted in the fourth round (picks 103 to 138), total contract values range between $5.2 million and $4.8 million. First-year salaries in this range typically land around $950,000 to $1 million. If Sanders slides into the fifth round, the numbers dip slightly, with total contract values between $4.6 million and $4.4 million.
The rookie salary then plateaus for the later rounds, but even as the final pick of the draft, nicknamed “Mr. Irrelevant”, Sanders would still command a total value around $4.3 million, with a first-year salary of approximately $865,000.
For a full breakdown: Shedeur Sanders Projected Contract
That means, even if Sanders signs a standard Day 3 rookie contract, he might actually earn less over the next few years than he did as a college star.
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