The Atlanta Falcons are grieving alongside their defensive coordinator this week. Cristina Ulbrich, wife of Jeff Ulbrich, passed away Sunday after a long fight with cancer, the team confirming the news in a heartfelt statement Thursday night.

“The Atlanta Falcons are heartbroken by the passing of Cristina Ulbrich, beloved wife of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, after her courageous battle with cancer,” the Falcons posted on Instagram. “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.

“On behalf of the entire organization, we extend our deepest condolences to Jeff, their children, and all who loved Cristina. 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.”

The Ulbrichs’ story goes back to 1997, when Jeff met Cristina on a recruiting trip to the University of Hawaii. Over these years, Cristina stood by Jeff through his NFL playing days and later as he built his coaching career, quietly supporting him every step of the way. Together, the couple raised three children: daughter Samantha and sons Jax and Jace, all of whom grew up around sports just like their dad.

Spending time with the family was always crucial to the defensive coordinator. According to The Athletic, while players used to spend time out on the road, Ulbrich tended to “[retreat] back to the hotel so that he could spend time with his wife and kids.”

“When he got around his family it was like nothing else mattered,” former linebacker Takeo Spikes told The Athletic.

That’s part of why it wasn’t a surprise when Ulbrich was absent from the Falcons at the start of training camp this week. He might have been attending to his ailing wife, as the reason behind his absence was reportedly a personal matter.

As the news broke, support started pouring in almost immediately

NFL community mourns the loss of Jeff Ulbrich’s wife

Reaction from fans has been immediate and heartfelt, with tributes pouring in from across the league.

Dwayne “Diamond K” Williams wrote, “I am very sorry to hear this. Sending love and strength to the family and friends.”

NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco added his own tribute, saying, “My heartfelt condolences go out to the Ulbrich family. Jeff is one of the best in the business.”

Jeff Ulbrich played 10 seasons as a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers before moving into coaching. He spent time as a Falcons assistant under Dan Quinn from 2015 to 2020, then became the New York Jets‘ defensive coordinator, even serving as their interim head coach for the final 12 games of the 2024 season.

He’s now into his second year back with the Falcons as defensive coordinator, and now his team has come to support him during this hard time.

Falcons safety Billy Bowman Jr. paid his own tribute, simply commenting, “🙏❤️.”

Wide receiver Drake London sent his prayers too, leaving a “🙏” emoji, while Falcons guard Matthew Bergeron added “🙏🙏” in the comments.

“She faced every challenge with extraordinary courage, strength, grace, inspiring so many through the way she lived and the way she fought,” Arthur Blank, owner of the Falcons, said in a statement. “My family and I, along with the entire Falcons family, send our love and prayers to everyone mourning her loss.”

The team hasn’t said whether Ulbrich will step away from coaching duties for now. But figures from the NFL world have come forward to support the coach during this trying time.