In a stunning turn of events at the 2025 NFL Draft, Jax Ulbrich, the 21-year-old son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, made a public apology after a prank that went chaotic ruined quarterback prospect Shedeur Sanders' night out.

The prank, in which Ulbrich posed as a New Orleans Saints executive, not only infuriated fans and players but also prompted an official NFL investigation. It's even worse when we know that Sanders wasn't immediately drafted, a far cry from a high-level prospect of the draft class.

Jax Ulbrich's Apology for NFL Draft Prank

Shedeur Sanders Prank Call Shedeur Sanders Prank Call
Dustin Bradford/Getty Images for ONIT

Under increasing fire, Jax Ulbrich turned to social media to convey his profound regret for the situation. As NFL reporter Ian Rapoport reported, the 21-year-old admitted that what he did was a "tremendous mistake." He added that it was "inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful," before saying that it was also "selfish and childish" at the same time.

Having the importance of the NFL Draft acknowledged by him for young players, Ulbrich confessed to interrupting a one-time event in Sanders' life. He went on to say, "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."

His public apology also included gratitude toward Sanders for taking his call afterward. Ulbrich expressed hope that Sanders could find it in his heart to forgive him.

Ulbrich's Prank Call Only Worsens Sanders' Draft Journey

The prank call created undue emotional distress on what was otherwise likely to be one of the happiest nights of Shedeur Sanders' life. Already under the NFL Draft spotlight, Sanders was taken by surprise by what he presumed was a real call from a top NFL franchise, only to find out it was a heartless prank.

Sanders did not get drafted in the first round, failing the fans' expectations of him landing a top 3 spot.

Some fans called out Ulbrich for being insensitive to Sanders, who was recently drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round.

The NFL instituted an investigation, indicating the severity of the lapse in professionalism and respect at a pivotal time for young athletes.

A Hard Lesson for Jax Ulbrich

Though Ulbrich's sincere apology reveals that he is aware of the seriousness of his error, the stunt is a cruel reminder of the stresses and vulnerabilities of prospects going through the draft, according to Athlon Sports. There should be times of celebration, not undermined by callous behavior.

The backlash from the prank will probably haunt Ulbrich for a while, but it also teaches a valuable lesson in empathy, maturity, and the duties that accompany being part of the NFL family.