Updated: October 19, 2026, 8:40 AM IST
Jeff Ulbrich Children: Jeff Ulbrich has built a solid reputation as a tough, smart defensive mind in the NFL. From his playing days as a linebacker with the San Francisco 49ers to his current role as defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons (after time with the Jets, including a stint as interim head coach), he has always stood out for his intensity on the field. Off the field, though, the real story centers on his three children and the family life he has carefully protected amid the demands of professional football.
Ulbrich and his late wife, Cristina, raised a daughter and two sons. Their names appear consistently in team biographies and public records: Samantha, Jax, and Jace. In July 2026 the Falcons announced that Cristina had passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. The organization and owner Arthur Blank publicly supported Jeff and the children during that difficult period, and the team later honored her memory with a pregame tribute.
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Who Are Jeff Ulbrich’s Three Children?
Jeff and Cristina Ulbrich have one daughter and two sons. Samantha is the daughter (sometimes called Sammy in earlier family mentions). Jax and Jace are the sons. Jax, the older of the two boys, was born around 2004 and was 21 at the time of the 2025 NFL Draft. He has played running back at Berry College while studying business. Jace has kept a lower profile; he has been linked to high school football in New Jersey and later studies at the University of San Diego.
The family spent significant time in New Jersey while Jeff coached with the Jets. Earlier, during his 49ers years, media guides tracked the growing household—from Samantha listed in the early 2000s to all three children appearing by the late 2000s.
Spotlight on Jax Ulbrich and a Notable 2025 Moment
Jax drew national attention in April 2025 when he made a prank call during the NFL Draft. He admitted to finding Shedeur Sanders’ private number on an open iPad at his parents’ home and calling while impersonating New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis. The Falcons issued a clear statement: Jeff Ulbrich had no knowledge of the data exposure or the call until after it happened. Jax later apologized publicly.
Beyond that moment, Jax is known as a student-athlete who enjoys golfing, weightlifting, and lists Iron Man as his favorite superhero. His Berry College bio also notes his New Jersey roots and siblings Jace and Sammy.
Samantha and Jace: The Quieter Members of the Family
Samantha has largely stayed out of the spotlight. Public mentions treat her as the low-key sister who remains a steady presence in family life. Jace similarly prefers privacy. Earlier reports placed him playing high school football (cornerback and wide receiver) in the Chatham, New Jersey area while Jax was a senior, and later noted him as a University of San Diego student.
Together the three siblings represent the core of what Ulbrich has repeatedly described as his greatest priority. Even during demanding seasons, he has spoken about retreating to the hotel on road trips to stay connected with Cristina and the kids rather than joining team social events.
Quick Facts About Jeff Ulbrich’s Family
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of children | 3 (1 daughter, 2 sons) |
| Daughter | Samantha (Sammy) |
| Sons | Jax and Jace |
| Mother | Cristina Ulbrich (passed away July 2026) |
| Father’s current role | Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator |
| Notable recent event | Jax’s 2025 Draft prank call |
| Family base (recent) | New Jersey (earlier years varied with coaching) |
- Jax: Berry College running back, business major, golf and lifting enthusiast
- Jace: Former high school football player, University of San Diego connection
- Samantha: Keeps a private profile
- Parents met in 1997 during Jeff’s University of Hawaii recruiting visit
Jeff Ulbrich’s career has taken him from San Jose, California, through a decade as a 49ers linebacker, coaching stops that included Super Bowl LI with the Falcons, and high-pressure roles in New York and Atlanta. Through it all he has consistently framed fatherhood as his most important role. The public glimpses we get—team bios, the occasional family mention, and the organization’s support after Cristina’s passing—paint a picture of a coach who values privacy while remaining deeply committed to Samantha, Jax, and Jace.
In a league full of bright lights and constant movement, Ulbrich’s children remain the steady foundation. As the Falcons continue their season and Jeff works through personal loss with the backing of his team, the focus stays where he has always placed it: on family first.