The Atlanta Falcons are mourning the loss of Cristina Ulbrich, the wife of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.
The team released a statement on their social media accounts on Thursday, July 30, expressing their heartbreak at the news. "Cristina was a devoted wife, mother, and friend whose strength, grace, and resilience touched all who knew her," the team said. "She was a constant source of love and support to Jeff, their family, and the broader Falcons community."
Jeff and Cristina met in 1997 while he was on a recruiting trip at the University of Hawaii, where he decided to play college football. The couple have three children, Samantha, Jax, and Jace.
Jeff's coaching career has taken him to various teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, where he played linebacker for 10 years. He returned to the Falcons' coaching staff in January 2025 after four seasons as defensive coordinator with the New York Jets. He propelled Sauce Gardner to winning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022.
The Falcons' statement continued, "On behalf of the entire organization, we extend our deepest condolences to Jeff, their children, and all who loved Cristina. During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Ulbrich family. We ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve this profound loss, and we stand with them in support and remembrance of Cristina's life."
The team has recently undergone changes, hiring Kevin Stefanski as their head coach in January. The Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after an 8-9 season in 2025.
As the Falcons community comes together to support Jeff and his family, they ask that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.
Source: Yahoo Sports