“Defense wins championships,” they say. But for Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, parenting three kids might just be his toughest defensive scheme yet. Picture this: It’s the 2025 NFL Draft, and Shedeur Sanders — college football’s golden-armed QB — is live on ESPN, tears welling as he answers a call from ‘Mickey Loomis,’ the New Orleans Saints’ GM. ‘We’re drafting you, kid!‘ the voice declares. Cue confetti… except it’s not Loomis.

It’s 21-year-old Jax Ulbrich, Jeff’s eldest son, who’d swiped Sanders’s digits off an iPad like he was intercepting a Hail Mary. The Falcons later confirmed the prank, clarifying Jeff was “out of the blitzing zone” when it went down. Jax owned up on Instagram: “On Friday night, I made a tremendous mistake… It was selfish and childish.” Cue the collective gasp of NFL Twitter.

The Ulbrich family playbook: Chaos, charm, and clipboard diplomacy

Jeff Ulbrich’s life isn’t just X’s and O’s — it’s a Full House reboot with more audibles. Married to Cristina since their meet-cute at the University of Hawaii in 1997 (she was a student; he was a linebacker recruit), the duo’s raised three kids: Samantha, the low-key sis; Jace, a University of San Diego student flying under the radar; and Jax, the prankster RB at Berry College who’s now infamous for trolling Sanders.

“Affecting the quarterback is my top priority,” Jeff once said about his coaching philosophy. Little did he know that his son took it literally. But here’s the twist: The Ulbrichs aren’t your typical NFL family. They’re more ‘Ted Lasso’ meets ‘Home Alone’. When Jax’s stunt went viral, Jeff — a man who racked up 501 tackles and 5.5 sacks over 10 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers — handled it like a seasoned coach: accountability first.

The Falcons issued a statement faster than a DB on a slant route, stressing Jeff’s “zero awareness” of the prank. Meanwhile, Cristina, the family’s “steady safety,” likely rolled her eyes harder than a botched flea-flicker.Jax’s apology? Pure rookie remorse. “I’m so sorry I took away from your moment,” he posted, channeling the humility of a fifth-round pick who just fumbled his debut.

But let’s be real: In a league where Rob Gronkowski once party-bused his way through draft night, Jax’s mischief is almost… endearing. As ‘Ted Lasso’ quipped, “Taking on a challenge is a lot like riding a horse. If you’re comfortable while you’re doing it, you’re probably doing it wrong.” Jax? He’s definitely not comfortable anymore.

From Linebacker to dad-mode: Ulbrich’s two-minute drill

Jeff’s career stats read like a Hall of Fame primer: 120 games, 169 tackles in his senior year at Hawaii (still a school record), and a Super Bowl LI appearance as Falcons LB coach. But off-field, his MVP trophies are Samantha, Jax, and Jace. “The best part of being a dad?” he mused in 2007. “Coming home to my kids. They don’t care if I got sacked or saved the game — they just want me there.” Cue the awws.

Parenting, for Jeff, is less playbook, more improv. When he took over as New York Jets interim HC in 2024 (leading them to a gritty win over the Houston Texans), he ditched post-game parties for family movie nights. Cristina, his “OG ride-or-die,” kept the kids grounded — even when Jax’s antics trended on TikTok. And Jace? He’s the quiet storm, repping San Diego’s colors while big bro’s drama unfolds.

But let’s not romanticize it: Balancing NFL pressure and parenthood is like calling a Cover 2 blindfolded. “Attitude reflects leadership,” growled ‘Remember the Titans‘ Coach Yoast. Jeff’s leadership? It’s in the messy, glorious juggle — apologizing for his kid’s prank one day, then scheming to sack Aaron Rodgers the next.

So, what’s next for the Ulbrichs? Maybe Samantha drops a diss track about Jax’s antics. Maybe Jace will start a TikTok roasting of NFL quarterbacks. Or maybe Jeff, now 47 and worth $3 million, finally gets that head coaching gig… and hires Jax as a ball boy. Whatever happens, this family’s saga is a reminder: In football and life, the best plays are the ones you never see coming.