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Everyone Is Praying For Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich After Devastating Family Tragedy

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Jeff Ulbrich on sideline
Jeff Ulbrich (Photo via Imagn Images)

The Atlanta Falcons shared some heartbreaking news on Thursday, announcing that defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich’s wife, Cristina, has died following a battle with cancer.

The Falcons remembered Cristina as a devoted wife, mother and friend whose strength, grace and resilience touched everyone around her.

The team also extended its condolences to Jeff, their children and the entire Ulbrich family. They also asked that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.

Ulbrich joined the Falcons before the 2025 season after serving as the New York Jets’ interim head coach. 

He previously spent six seasons on Atlanta’s coaching staff. The 49-year-old has long been regarded as one of the NFL’s most respected defensive coaches.

NFL Community Offers Support During Difficult Time For Ulbrich Family

Jeff Ulbrich speaking to reporters
Jeff Ulbrich (Photo via Twitter)

The announcement prompted an outpouring of condolences online.

“Sending love to the family, may her memory soar higher than any falcon. 💯,” one person wrote.

Another added, “Cancer takes far too much from too many families 💔. Wishing Jeff Ulbrich, their children, and everyone who loved Cristina strength and peace during this heartbreaking time. Rest in peace.”

“My heart goes out to Jeff and his family, wishing you strength and peace in this painful time,” one comment read.

Someone else wrote, “Cancer is such a cruel disease. The entire football community stands behind Coach Ulbrich and his loved ones right now as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”

The devastating news comes just over a year after Ulbrich and his family found themselves under the national spotlight for a very different reason. 

Last April, Ulbrich’s son, Jax, admitted to obtaining Shedeur Sanders’ private phone number from his father’s unsecured team-issued iPad and making a prank call while the quarterback waited to be drafted. 

The Falcons said Jeff Ulbrich had no knowledge of the prank, but the NFL fined the organization $250,000 and Ulbrich $100,000 for failing to safeguard confidential information. Ulbrich publicly accepted responsibility, apologized to the Sanders family and declined to appeal the discipline.

Now, football has understandably taken a back seat as the Falcons organization and the NFL community rally around Jeff and his family during an unimaginably difficult time.

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