Cleveland, Ohio – A prank call targeting Shedeur Sanders during the NFL draft is distinct from a series of similar calls received by other players, according to a source familiar with the ongoing investigation. The individual, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the inquiry, confirmed the details on Tuesday.
Sanders, drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round, was among several players who reported receiving unsolicited calls during the event. The Atlanta Falcons acknowledged that the call to Sanders was made by Jax Ulbrich, the son of their defensive coordinator, Jeff Ulbrich. The incident occurred on Friday evening, coinciding with Sanders’ anticipation of being selected in the first round.
The Falcons clarified that Jax Ulbrich unintentionally obtained Sanders’ contact number from an open iPad while visiting family, which he later noted for the purpose of a prank. Although Jax provided the number, the actual call was made by a friend who was present at the time. The Falcons stated that Jeff Ulbrich was unaware of the situation until after the prank took place.
In their statement, the Falcons extended apologies to Sanders and his family, acknowledging the inappropriateness of the call. Jax Ulbrich also expressed his regrets via social media.
In this environment of excitement and high stakes, the prank call added an unusual twist to the draft proceedings. Other players, such as Tyler Warren and Kyle McCord, also reported receiving similar calls, further highlighting the chaotic nature of the draft weekend.
Lundt, an offensive lineman from the University of Connecticut drafted by the Buffalo Bills, shared his experience with multiple prank calls but indicated that the buzz helped him navigate the emotional ups and downs of the day. “It was nice to see that the Buffalo Bills were really interested in me,” he reflected, expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
McCord, previously a quarterback at Syracuse and now an Eagle, recounted his own unsettling experience during the draft. He noted that he was subject to a prank while the selections were ongoing. Similarly, Mason Graham’s father revealed that someone had called his son during the event, broadcasting his number in an online video.
The NFL had restricted access to player contact information, offering draft-related phone numbers only to the 15 players who were present in Green Bay and those participating in virtual interviews. Despite these precautions, the events of the draft weekend underscored unexpected vulnerabilities in player privacy, blending the celebration of new beginnings with a dose of chaos.