Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has finally addressed why he was absent from the funeral of Cristina Ulbrich, the wife of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who passed away two weeks ago after a courageous battle with cancer.
In a candid conversation with The Athletic, LaFleur explained that a mechanical problem with his aircraft in Wisconsin grounded him at the last moment. His wife, BreAnne, however, managed to travel separately and was able to be there for the Ulbrich family during the service.
“All of a sudden, I’m back in meetings,” LaFleur said, reflecting on the frustrating turn of events. “It’s out of my control.”
The loss has clearly weighed on LaFleur, who worked alongside Ulbrich during their time together with the Falcons from 2015 to 2016. The bond they forged on the sidelines has made this tragedy hit particularly close to home.
“It’s different … when it’s somebody your age,” LaFleur admitted. “She was a rock star. I think about it every day. I worry about ‘Brich. It puts all of this stuff a little bit more in perspective. You can’t take it for granted, that’s for sure.”
Ulbrich, who stepped away from the start of training camp to be with his family, has received an outpouring of support from across the NFL community. Falcons owner Arthur Blank released a heartfelt statement on July 31, saying, “Cristina will always be an important part of our Falcons family. My heart is with Jeff, Samantha, Jax, Jace and the entire Ulbrich family during this unimaginable time. It was always evident how deeply Cristina loved her family and how fiercely she supported them.”
LaFleur’s absence from the funeral, while unavoidable, underscores the unpredictability of life even in the midst of a demanding NFL season. He acknowledged that the experience has reshaped his perspective, both on and off the field.
The Packers coach’s comments come as the NFL world continues to rally around Ulbrich and his children. For more on the initial announcement of Cristina’s passing, you can read the full story here.
As the season progresses, LaFleur’s empathy for his former colleague remains a poignant reminder of the human side of the game. He hopes to honor Cristina’s memory by supporting Ulbrich however he can from afar.
Our thoughts remain with the Ulbrich family during this difficult time.
