NFL Team Apologizes for Prank Call Controversy: Quarterback Receives Unexpected Apology

Ultimately selected by the Cleveland Browns as the 144th pick overall, Sanders was misinformed by the call that the Saints were planning to draft him.

The Falcons organization has disapproved of the prank and extended their apologies to both Sanders and his family.

The Atlanta Falcons have issued an apology to quarterback Shedeur Sanders after he received a deceptive call during the NFL Draft from the defensive coordinator’s son.

Video evidence on social media captured Sanders answering a call from someone claiming to be Mickey Loomis.

The impostor informed Sanders that the Saints were about to select him next, before advising him that he would “need to wait a bit longer.”

According to the Falcons, Jax Ulbrich accidentally stumbled upon Shedeur Sanders’ draft contact number on an unsecured iPad while visiting his parents’ house.

He noted the number down with the intention of making the prank call later.

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.@ShedeurSanders is a Cleveland Brown@Browns | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/RSgFvyd3zU

— NFL (@NFL) April 26, 2025

Jeff Ulbrich was reportedly oblivious to the data breach and the prank until after the events had unfolded.

In an official statement, the Falcons said: “The Atlanta Falcons do not support this conduct and extend our heartfelt apologies to Shedeur Sanders and his family, with whom we have communicated to express our regret.”

The organization also stated they would arrange for Jax to personally apologize to the Sanders family.

The Falcons are also reevaluating their protocols following this incident.

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“We are thoroughly assessing all protocols, and will update them as needed, to prevent a similar incident in the future,” concluded the statement.

Jax Ulbrich personally expressed remorse on social media, labeling his actions as a “huge mistake” that was “utterly inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful.”

He added: “I am deeply sorry for overshadowing your moment, it was selfish and immature.”

Sanders seemed to handle the situation calmly.

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“It really didn’t affect me,” Sanders remarked when asked about the prank call.

“Of course, it was a childish act, but everyone engages in juvenile behavior occasionally.”

Despite being forecasted as one of the top picks, Sanders was the sixth quarterback selected in the draft and the second by the Browns.

NFL news: Shedeur Sanders officially joined the Cleveland Browns as their sixth selection of the fifth round and 144th overall.

His father, Deion Sanders, who had a distinguished NFL career starting with the Falcons, coached his son at Colorado. Deion Sanders was renowned not just as a cornerback but also as a kick returner and wide receiver on offense. He also competed in the 1992 World Series with the Atlanta Braves.