Shedeur Sanders‘ stunning fall during the 2025 NFL Draft has become the biggest headline in sports – and now it’s under formal investigation.
The former Jackson State and Colorado quarterback experienced a gut-wrenching moment on Friday night when he received a fake call claiming he would be drafted, only for the cruel hoax to be revealed later. Sanders ultimately slid past the fourth round, adding insult to injury after the emotional incident.
On Sunday morning, the NFL confirmed it had opened an investigation into the prank.
“We will look into the matter,” a league spokesperson said, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
Sanders had gone to great lengths to protect his privacy during the draft. He bought a second phone specifically for communications with NFL teams, and only shared the number with verified personnel such as general managers, coaches, and scouts.
Despite this, an unknown caller pretending to be New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis reached Sanders and falsely promised he would be picked next. After briefly celebrating, Sanders was told he would have to “wait a little longer,” and the caller abruptly hung up.
Suspects emerge as investigation gains momentum
Two leading theories have emerged about the prank’s origins, though neither has been confirmed. Both theories stem from a viral video that allegedly shows individuals involved on the other end of the call. The most prominent theory points to a young man wearing a grey hoodie who bears a resemblance to Jax Ulbrich, the son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Adding fuel to the speculation, Jax’s Instagram account disappeared shortly after the incident.
Sanders has maintained his composure despite the ordeal, emphasizing that the phone number was tightly guarded. His reaction raised further questions about how the prankster gained access and whether it points to someone within the professional circle.
Since the initial speculation, it has been confirmed that Jax Ulbrich was the culprit and the Atlanta Falcons have released an official statement, as has the person in question.
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