New York Giants rookie Abdul Carter recently became the latest victim of a lighthearted yet disruptive prank during the NFL Draft. According to Carter’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, Carter received a misleading phone call that falsely informed him he was about to be selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who held the No. 2 pick. Such pranks can create confusion and stress for young athletes on the brink of their professional careers, highlighting the need for better security around their personal information during this crucial time.

“It’s unfortunate that these private numbers are getting to the people making the prank calls,” stated Drew Rosenhaus, expressing concern about the implications of such calls. “Abdul and I knew it was nonsense and didn’t even tell his family about the call.” This response indicates a level of professionalism and resilience in the face of distractions that can often accompany the excitement of the draft.

In a related incident, the NFL imposed a fine of $250,000 on the Atlanta Falcons and an additional $100,000 fine on defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. This came after a prank call was made to now-Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders by Ulbrich’s son, Jax, during the NFL Draft. Such actions not only bring to light the challenges young players face during this critical period but also raise questions about the responsibility and behavior expected from individuals associated with professional teams.

Several other players, including Mason Graham from the Browns, Tyler Warren from the Indianapolis Colts, Kyle McCord from the Philadelphia Eagles, and Chase Lundt of the Buffalo Bills, have also reported receiving similar prank calls during the draft process. This trend is not only disruptive but also serves as an unfortunate distraction for athletes who should be focused on their future in the sport.

The NFL is actively pursuing its investigation into the series of prank calls made to various players beyond just Shedeur Sanders. The league aims to maintain a professional environment for its athletes, ensuring that their draft experience is both positive and respectful. The outcome of this investigation could lead to further measures being taken to protect players during such high-stakes moments in their careers.