During this year’s NFL draft, New York Giants rookie pass rusher Abdul Carter was the target of a prank call, as his agent Drew Rosenhaus revealed to ESPN. The incident unfolded on draft night while the Jacksonville Jaguars were on the clock after striking a major trade to acquire the No. 2 pick from the Cleveland Browns.
The prank caller, claiming to represent the Jaguars, told Carter that he would be selected second overall. However, it was all smoke and mirrors. Rosenhaus stated, “It’s unfortunate that these private numbers are getting to the people making the prank calls.” He added with a touch of humor, “Abdul and I knew it was B.S. and didn’t even tell his family about the call,” showcasing the camaraderie and professionalism that exists even in light-hearted situations in the high-stakes world of the NFL draft.
As it turned out, the Jaguars opted for highly-touted cornerback Travis Hunter with that second pick, leaving Carter to be selected by the Giants at No. 3. It’s a classic illustration of how the draft can be a whirlwind of emotions, with the decisions and events unfolding rapidly.
In a related matter, the NFL handed down significant fines to the Atlanta Falcons this week, penalizing them $250,000 for their part in another prank call that caught considerable attention. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich was fined an additional $100,000 due to an incident involving his son, who made a prank call to now-Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders during the draft.
The league is actively investigating other prank calls made to players during the draft, citing these incidents as separate from the call regarding Sanders. Several players, including Mason Graham from the Browns, Tyler Warren of the Indianapolis Colts, Kyle McCord from the Philadelphia Eagles, and Chase Lundt of the Buffalo Bills, have reported similar experiences during this chaotic but exhilarating time.
As players navigate the emotional rollercoaster of the draft, it’s clear that while excitement fills the air, so too does the potential for unexpected distractions. The NFL continues to evaluate these situations, reminding us all that in the world of professional football, there’s never a dull moment.
