NFL Investigates Prank Phone Calls Targeting Draft Prospects, Raises Questions About Confidentiality

In a bizarre turn of events during the 2025 NFL Draft, quarterback Shedeur Sanders and other prospects received prank phone calls, prompting an investigation by the NFL. Sanders received a call while at his draft party, where an individual falsely claimed to be New Orleans Saints GM Mickey Loomis, stating he had been selected by the team but would need to wait. The call was made to a number that Sanders believed was private, used strictly for communications with NFL teams. The prank seemed to undermine the confidentiality of the draft process. This incident is particularly alarming as it calls into question how someone gained access to Sanders' private number, a concern the NFL is treating seriously. A spokesperson for the league confirmed that they are looking into the breach of privacy. The situation escalated when it was reported that other rookies, including Tyler Warren, also received similar prank calls, intensifying worries regarding the security of private communications among NFL personnel and draft prospects. As the investigation unfolds, the identities of the pranksters, who filmed their call and shared it on social media, are likely to be revealed. The Atlanta Falcons acknowledged that one of the pranksters is the son of their defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and apologized to Sanders for the incident. This revelation raises significant ethical concerns about the behavior of individuals connected to NFL teams. Moreover, the fact that this kind of prank appears to have occurred previously with other players suggests a greater systemic issue regarding privacy during the draft process. The implications of these events could resonate beyond just the current draft class. If phone numbers can be misappropriated and used for such pranks, it might deter future prospects from feeling safe in their communications with teams. The NFL's response will be crucial in ensuring that draft scenarios remain professional and that the integrity of communication between teams and players is preserved. This incident highlights the need for more stringent measures to protect sensitive information, especially during significant events like the NFL Draft.