The 2025 NFL Draft was a significant moment for Shedeur Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Deion Sanders. Expected to be a first-round pick, Shedeur faced an unexpected twist that baffled fans and analysts alike. After a long wait, he was ultimately selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round, but not without a controversial incident that overshadowed his moment.
Shedeur Sanders was a highly-touted quarterback leading up to the draft, with many experts predicting he would be a first-round pick. However, as the draft progressed, he slipped down the ranks, eventually being picked at No. 144. This unexpected fall raised eyebrows. It sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the reasons behind it.
On the second day of the draft, Shedeur received a phone call that he believed was from the New Orleans Saints’ general manager, Mickey Loomis. However, the call was a prank orchestrated by Jax Ulbrich, the son of Atlanta Falcons’ defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Jax pretended to be Loomis, leading to a confusing and disheartening moment for Shedeur, who was told he would have to wait longer for his selection.
During the call, which was recorded and later shared online, Shedeur expressed confusion about what the call meant. This incident quickly gained traction on social media, with fans expressing outrage over the prank. Many criticized Jax Ulbrich for his actions, labeling them childish and disrespectful.
The backlash against Jax Ulbrich was swift. Fans took to social media to voice their anger, with some calling for consequences for his actions. One user remarked, “I don’t want to hear any ‘He’s just a kid’ takes with Jax Ulbrich. That he used his dad’s job to do something so childish is just…” Another user condemned him as a “white privileged, entitled, racist piece of garbage,” highlighting the racial dynamics at play in the situation.
In response to the backlash, Jax Ulbrich apologized on Instagram, acknowledging that he had taken away a significant moment from Shedeur. He expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “I could never imagine getting ready to celebrate one of the greatest moments of your life, and I made a terrible mistake.”
The Atlanta Falcons also released a statement condemning the prank, apologizing to Shedeur and his family, and promising to review their protocols to prevent similar incidents. Despite the apology, many fans felt it was insufficient, with calls for Jeff Ulbrich’s dismissal from the team.
Despite the controversy surrounding the prank call, Shedeur Sanders focused on his goals. He stated that the incident did not significantly affect him, emphasizing his ability to rise above negativity. “I don’t feed into negativity or that stuff … I think it is childish,” he remarked, showcasing his maturity in handling the situation.
Ultimately, the Cleveland Browns selected Shedeur as the sixth pick in the fifth round, a moment he celebrated with his family during a Twitch livestream. His father, Deion Sanders, remained supportive and positive, sharing a simple message on social media: “God is Good.” Shedeur echoed this sentiment with a heartfelt post, thanking God for the opportunity.
Shedeur Sanders’ journey through the 2025 NFL Draft was exciting and controversial. While the prank call incident drew significant attention and criticism, it highlighted Shedeur’s resilience and focus on his future. As he embarks on his professional football career, fans are eager to see how he will navigate the challenges ahead and continue to make a name for himself in the NFL.
