Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was back in training camp this week following the death of his wife, Cristina, of cancer at the end of July.
"Great to see Falcons' defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich back at training camp — heavy hearts during practice for sure," WSB-TV's Zach Klein said in a post on X.
Ulbrich was absent from the field for a period of time following Cristina's death.
"The Atlanta Falcons are heartbroken by the passing of Cristina Ulbrich ... after her courageous battle with cancer," the organization said July 30. "Cristina was a devoted wife, mother, and friend whose strength, grace and resilience touched all who knew her. She was a constant source of love and support to Jeff, their family, and the broader Falcons community."
Ulbrich firstjoined the Falcons as a linebacker coach in 2015. He spent six seasons in Atlanta before coaching with the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024. He returned to Atlanta at the beginning of the year as the defensive coordinator.
Cristina was 48, and the Ulbrich's share three children together.
Falcons organization supports Ulbrich family
Along with the Atlanta Falcons, team owner Arthur M. Blank said Cristina would "always be an important part of (the) Falcons family."
"It was always evident how deeply Cristina loved her family and how fiercely she supported them. She faced every challenge with extraordinary courage, strength and grace, inspiring so many through the way she lived and the way she fought," Blank said in a statement. "The greatest legacy Cristina leaves behind is the family she loved so completely, and her strength and spirit will continue to shine through them."-
Kevin Stefanski, the Falcons head coach, said it was a "difficult time" for both the Ulbrich family and the Falcons.
"We, like any family, we will support Jeff and the kids, and we'll put our arms around him and the kids literally and as an organization, and I'll let Jeff address (the press) when the time is appropriate and he can share his thoughts," but just so you know" Stefanski said in a press conference.
Sports community rallies for Ulbrich
The New York Jets organization said the community was "heartbroken" over Cristina's death, and she "will be remembered for her warmth, strength and unwavering devotion to her family."
Marc Raimondi, an Atlanta Falcons reporter with ESPN, called the news "heartbreaking."
"We all love and obsess over football, but this is a reminder that some things are bigger," Raimondi said in a post on X.
Rob DeMello, a sports director in Hawaii where Ulbrich played college football, said Cristina was "always his #1 fan," and shared clip from 1999 when Ulbrich set a tackle record for his team.
Ulbrich and Cristina met in 1997 while he was on a recruiting trip at the University of Hawaii, according to The Athletic.
The San Francisco 49ers said "the Ulbrichs will always be part of the 49s family," and that the team sends their "deepest condolences" to the family and "all who loved Cristina." Ulbrich was drafted to the 49ers in 2000.
Irene Wright covers Atlanta sports teams as the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Falcons' defensive coordinator back at camp following wife's death
