Cristina Ulbrich, wife of Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich, dies after cancer battle

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich on the sideline against the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images The Atlanta Falcons announced Thursday the death of Cristina Ulbrich, wife of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who was fighting cancer. The Falcons confirmed her passing in a pair of statements. The team called Cristina Ulbrich "a constant source of love and support to Jeff, their family, and the broader Falcons community." The team also released a statement from owner Arthur Blank. "Cristina will always be an important part of our Falcons family," Blank said. "My heart is with Jeff, Samantha, Jax, Jace and the entire Ulbrich family during this unimaginable time. "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. My family and I, along with the entire Falcons family, send our love and prayers for strength to everyone mourning her loss. "The greatest legacy Cristina leaves behind is the family she loved so completely, and her strength and spirit will continue to shine through them." Funeral arrangements were not mentioned in either statement. Jeff Ulbrich had not yet joined the Falcons at the outset of training camp due to a personal matter. Ulbrich has spent the bulk of his coaching career with Atlanta. He was on the defensive staff from 2015-20, including as interim defensive coordinator for part of 2020, before the New York Jets named him their defensive coordinator in 2021. He spent four seasons with the Jets and served as their interim head coach for the final 12 games of 2024 following the firing of Robert Saleh. After that, Ulbrich returned to Atlanta as its defensive coordinator. The Falcons retained him this offseason despite the head coaching change from Raheem Morris to Kevin Stefanski. --Field Level Media