A bizarre incident that unfolded during the emotional moments of the 2024 NFL Draft saw quarterback Shedeur Sanders become the target of a prank call, leading to an apology from the son of an Atlanta Falcons coach and prompting an NFL investigation into a potential data leak.

Jax Ulbrich, the 21-year-old son of Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, has publicly admitted and apologized for making a disruptive prank call to Shedeur Sanders as the former Colorado star anxiously awaited his name to be called during Day 2 of the draft on Friday.

The incident gained traction after a video surfaced on social media showing Sanders receiving a call from someone impersonating New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis. The caller told Sanders, “We’re going to take you with our next pick, man, but you’re going to have to wait a little bit longer, man. Sorry about that,” leaving a visibly confused Sanders asking his draft party crowd, “What does that mean?”

In an Instagram post on Sunday, Jax Ulbrich took full responsibility for the act, calling it “completely inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful.” He revealed that he had accepted a call from Sanders earlier that day and expressed deep remorse for interfering with a significant life moment.

“I’m so sorry I took away from your moment, it was selfish and childish,” Jax Ulbrich wrote. “I could never imagine getting ready to celebrate one of the greatest moments of your life and I made a terrible mistake and messed with that moment. Thank you for accepting my call earlier today, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.”

The Atlanta Falcons confirmed the source of the prank call and the method by which Sanders’ private phone number was obtained. According to a team statement, Jax Ulbrich wrote down the number from his father’s open iPad while visiting their home “to later conduct a prank call.” The team stated that Jeff Ulbrich was unaware of both the data exposure and the prank until after it occurred and will not face any action from the Falcons.

The incident has raised questions about the security of prospects’ private information during the draft process. Sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the NFL is looking into the situation, specifically investigating how Sanders’ private number was leaked and obtained. The Falcons have stated they are cooperating fully with the league and are reviewing their protocols to prevent similar incidents.

Despite the untimely distraction, Shedeur Sanders, who was eventually selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round on Saturday, stated the prank didn’t significantly impact him.

Speaking to Cleveland-area reporters after being drafted, Sanders said, “It didn’t really have an impact on me, because it was just like, I mean, OK, like I don’t feed into negativity, or I don’t feed into that stuff… I think, of course, it is childish. Of course, I feel like it was a childish act, but everybody does childish things here and there.”

While other prospects, including Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren and Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Chase Lundt, also reported receiving prank calls during the draft, a Falcons official confirmed that Jax Ulbrich was only responsible for the call made to Shedeur Sanders.

The Falcons released a statement condemning the behavior and offering a sincere apology to Shedeur Sanders and his family, confirming they facilitated the direct apology from Jax Ulbrich. “The Atlanta Falcons do not condone this behavior,” the statement read.

As the NFL continues its review, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the intense scrutiny and potential for disruption surrounding the league’s marquee annual event.