Overview
- The Atlanta Falcons announced on Thursday that Cristina Ulbrich died after a battle with cancer and asked that the family’s privacy be respected as they grieve.
- Owner Arthur Blank and head coach Kevin Stefanski issued tributes praising Cristina’s courage and her role in the Falcons community.
- Jeff Ulbrich has not been present at the start of training camp in Flowery Branch and the team has not formally announced any leave or a timetable for his return.
- Reports disagree on the exact date of death: multiple outlets quote the team’s Thursday announcement while at least one high-profile report said she died earlier that weekend, and public records cited by some outlets give a late-July date.
- Cristina and Jeff met in 1997 and have three children; Jeff’s long NFL coaching history and the Falcons’ public pledge of support make the immediate focus the family’s privacy and the coach’s availability in the short term.