The Atlanta Falcons are mourning alongside defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich this week, following the death of his wife, Cristina Ulbrich. The mother of three died after battling cancer at the age of 48.
Cristina Ulbrich, Jeff Ulbrich’s family, and the Falcons’ response
The team announced Cristina’s death in a statement on Friday, July 31, describing her as “a devoted wife, mother, and friend whose strength, grace, and resilience touched all who knew her.”
The organization added that she had remained “a constant source of love and support to Jeff, their family, and the broader Falcons community,” throughout her life, according to PEOPLE.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank also shared a personal tribute, reflecting on the depth of Cristina’s devotion to her family.
“It was always evident how deeply Cristina loved her family and how fiercely she supported them,” Blank said. “She faced every challenge with extraordinary courage, strength and grace, inspiring so many through the way she lived and the way she fought.”
Head coach Kevin Stefanski also addressed the loss, acknowledging the weight it’s placed on the organization as a whole. “It’s a difficult time for the Ulbrich family. It’s a difficult time for the Falcons family,” he said, adding that the team plans to fully support Jeff and his children moving forward.
Jeff Ulbrich was absent from the Falcons at the start of training camp in Flowery Branch this week as he remained with his family. The defensive coordinator joined Atlanta before the 2025 NFL season, following a four-year stint with the New York Jets.
Cristina met Jeff during his recruiting visit to the University of Hawaii in 1997. At the time, Jeff was playing linebacker at Gavilan College before later transferring to Hawaii. He became a standout player. The couple went on to build a family together and shared three children: Samantha, Jax and Jace.
The Falcons have asked that the family’s privacy be respected as they grieve. No details on memorial services have been released at this time.
TELL US – DO GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS AND CONDOLENCES FOR THE ULBRICH FAMILY IN THE COMMENTS?
