The Atlanta Falcons are mourning the loss of Cristina Ulbrich, the wife of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. The team released a statement to their social media accounts on Thursday, July 30 sharing the news that they are "heartbroken" after she passed away from "a courageous battle with cancer."
"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."
The Athletic reported in 2023 that 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 played linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers for 10 years. He returned to the Falcons' coaching staff in January 2025 after four seasons mostly as defensive coordinator with the New York Jets. He propelled Sauce Gardner to winning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022. He also served as interim head coach at the end of the 2024 campaign after Robert Saleh was fired. He previously coached in Atlanta from 2015 to 2020 as linebackers coach, assistant head coach and interim defensive coordinator.
"On behalf of the entire organization, we extend our deepest condolences to Jeff, their children, and all who loved Cristina," the Falcons' statement continued. "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."
In January, the Falcons hired Kevin Stefanski as their head coach. After an 8-9 season in 2025, they fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta Falcons mourn death of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich's wife
