Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur recently shared the profound impact of personal loss, recounting how the death of a close friend's wife placed his own professional life into a new perspective. Cristina Ulbrich, wife of Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, died on July 31 at the age of 48 after a battle with cancer. LaFleur, who has known the Ulbrichs for years, was unable to attend Cristina's funeral due to a mechanical issue with his private plane and subsequent work obligations.
"All the sudden, I’m back in meetings," LaFleur explained in an interview with The Athletic. "It’s out of my control."
LaFleur returned to the Packers' training camp while his wife, BreAnne, traveled separately to support Jeff Ulbrich and his family. The Packers coach, 46, spoke of the difficulty of losing someone their age, describing Cristina as a "rock star" and expressing his concern for Jeff. He noted that the experience has altered his outlook, stating, "It puts all of this stuff a little bit more in perspective."
LaFleur and Jeff Ulbrich's friendship dates back to their time with the Atlanta Falcons, where LaFleur served as a quarterbacks coach and Ulbrich as a linebackers coach from 2015-16. LaFleur, his brother Mike (Arizona Cardinals head coach), Ulbrich, and Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh, along with their families, have maintained close ties for years.
Jeff Ulbrich was absent from the Falcons' first three days of training camp following his wife's passing. Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank issued a statement expressing condolences, acknowledging Cristina as an "important part of our Falcons family" and highlighting her deep love and support for her family.