Ex-Browns star Bernie Kosar rips Shedeur Sanders prankster: 'Beyond sadly disgusting'
Cleveland Browns legend Bernie Kosar criticized the actions of Jax Ulbrich, who pranked quarterback Shedeur Sanders during the NFL Draft, causing Sanders to drop from a projected first-round pick to a fifth-round selection. Jax Ulbrich, son of Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, admitted to the prank and issued a public apology, acknowledging the inappropriateness of his actions. The prank involved obtaining Sanders' contact number from an iPad left open at his parents' house, a situation Jeff Ulbrich was unaware of until after the incident. In response, the Atlanta Falcons expressed regret, apologized to the Sanders family, and committed to reviewing their protocols to prevent future incidents. Despite the ordeal, Sanders remained composed, focusing on his career with the Browns, who selected him as the 144th overall pick, and expressed his intent to not let negativity affect him.
Bernie Kosar, a former Cleveland Browns quarterback, condemned the prank call made to Shedeur Sanders, stating it was 'beyond sadly disgusting' and praised Sanders for his demeanor in handling the situation.
Jax Ulbrich, the son of the Atlanta Falcons' defensive coordinator, was identified as the prank caller who impacted Sanders' draft experience, leading to Sanders being picked in the fifth round instead of the first.
Ulbrich apologized publicly via Instagram, expressing regret for the prank that disrupted one of the most significant moments of Sanders' life, and personally asked for Sanders' forgiveness.
The prank was facilitated by Ulbrich accessing Sanders' contact details from an iPad left unsecured at his parents' home, with his father, Jeff Ulbrich, being unaware of the situation until after it occurred.
The Atlanta Falcons organization apologized to Sanders and his family, promising to enhance their internal protocols to prevent similar incidents and assured full cooperation with the NFL's investigation into the matter.
Shedeur Sanders, despite the prank calls, maintained focus on his professional journey with the Browns and shared with the media that he refuses to engage with negativity, viewing the incident as a childish act.
The Browns ultimately selected Sanders as the 144th overall pick, with Sanders expressing resilience and determination to succeed in his NFL career despite the draft day disruptions.