The Atlanta Falcons have been fined $250,000 following a data breach that resulted in a prank call to Shedeur Sanders during the 2025 NFL Draft. Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network confirmed with the league that the fine is imposed for the club’s failure to prevent the disclosure of confidential information distributed ahead of the draft.
The Falcons issued a statement explaining that Jax Ulbrich, son of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, obtained Sanders’ contact information from an open iPad at his parent’s home and used it to make the prank call. Defensive Coordinator Ulbrich only learned about his son’s actions afterward and has also been fined $100,000.
The Falcons acknowledged the situation in a statement, saying, “We were proactive in addressing the situation internally and cooperated fully with the league throughout the process, and accept the discipline levied to Coach Jeff Ulbrich and the organization.” They further stated that they remain confident in their security policies.
During a media address, Jeff Ulbrich apologized to the Sanders family and the Falcons organization, saying, “My actions — of not protecting confidential data were inexcusable. My son’s actions were absolutely inexcusable, and for that, we are both deeply sorry.” He emphasized full responsibility and promised not to appeal the fine.
Ulbrich explained he only learned about the incident post-draft and promptly informed the Falcons organization and the Sanders family, who were “amazingly gracious” in accepting the apology. He expressed regret that the breach distracted from a successful draft weekend, where the Falcons strengthened their roster with four defensive player selections.
Ulbrich maintained that the incident was a matter of personal responsibility and vowed improvement, saying, “We have to take this on the chin. And we absolutely are doing that, taking full responsibility and I am hopeful we will grow and be better because of it.”
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