Jeff Ulbrich's Wife and Son: Facts About the NFL Coach's Family Amid Cristina Ulbrich's Death

Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is mourning the sudden loss of his wife, Cristina Ulbrich, who died on Thursday, July 30, 2026, following a battle with cancer. 

The Falcons confirmed the news that evening in a statement shared across the team's social media accounts, and owner Arthur Blank followed shortly after with his own tribute to Cristina. 

As tributes pour in from across the NFL, here's what to know about Jeff Ulbrich's wife and children, and how the family is leaning on each other during this difficult time.

Cristina Ulbrich, Jeff's Wife of Nearly Three Decades, Dies After Cancer Battle

Jeff and Cristina Ulbrich's story goes back nearly three decades. The two met in 1997 while Jeff was on a recruiting visit to the University of Hawaii, where he would go on to play linebacker for three seasons before entering the NFL. 

Cristina was a university student at the time. Reports indicate the couple married in 1999 and raised three children together: Samantha, Jax, and Jace.

Cristina's death was announced by the Falcons on Thursday, July 30, with the team saying she had died after "a courageous battle with cancer." 

In its statement, the organization described her as a devoted wife, mother, and friend, adding that her strength and grace touched everyone who knew her.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank also released a separate statement honoring Cristina's memory. He said she faced every challenge with extraordinary courage, according to the team's release, and noted that her greatest legacy is the family she loved so completely. 

Blank extended his condolences directly to Jeff and each of the couple's children by name.

A statement from Arthur M. Blank on Cristina Ulbrich pic.twitter.com/ro8B6kEMsu

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) July 31, 2026

Neither the Falcons nor the Ulbrich family has released details about funeral arrangements. Notably, Jeff reportedly missed the start of Falcons training camp this week due to a personal matter, which aligns with Cristina's declining health timeline. 

The team has asked that the family's privacy be respected as they grieve.

Samantha, Jax and Jace: Jeff Ulbrich's Children Lean on Each Other Amid Loss

Jeff and Cristina's three children, Samantha, Jax, and Jace, are now at the center of the family's support system as they navigate the loss of their mother. 

Samantha, the eldest, has generally kept a low public profile. Jax, the middle child, plays running back at Berry College, while Jace, the youngest, has attended the University of San Diego.

The Ulbrich children briefly drew national attention for a very different reason in April 2025, when Jax admitted to prank-calling draft prospect Shedeur Sanders during that year's NFL Draft. 

Jax had reportedly found Sanders' contact information on an unlocked family iPad and later apologized publicly on Instagram, calling the stunt "selfish and childish." 

The Falcons said at the time that Jeff had no knowledge of the incident until after it happened.

That episode, while embarrassing for the family, was quickly overshadowed by more serious circumstances this week. 

As the Ulbrichs grieve Cristina's passing, both the Falcons organization and the broader NFL community have emphasized the importance of family in Jeff's life throughout his playing and coaching career. 

Arthur Blank's statement specifically pointed to the strength of the Ulbrich family unit, noting that Cristina's influence will continue through her husband and children in the years ahead.

The Falcons have not indicated whether Jeff Ulbrich will take time away from training camp duties, though the team has made clear it will support him and his family through the coming weeks.