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Commanders pick reveals he was pranked called on draft day

Draft night was unforgettable for Washington Commanders offensive lineman Josh Conerly, but not just because he got the call from an NFL team.

Joanne Coley

Oregon offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. speaks during Oregon football’s media day Monday, July 29, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.
Oregon offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. speaks during Oregon football’s media day Monday, July 29, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Washington Commanders first round pick Josh Conerly Jr. was chosen with the No. 29 overall pick in the NFL Draft, but it wasn't the first time he picked up his phone during the first round.

Conerly recently appeared on Grant & Danny and revealed he was the target of a prank call. Fortunately, his experience wasn't as malicious as others.

Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr.
Jan 1, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. (76) against the Liberty Flames during the 2024 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

"I got one prank call. It was somebody in Colorado acting like they were the Broncos," Conerly said. "Mine wasn't as bad and as cruel as some of the other ones."

That comment seemed to nod toward Shedeur Sanders, son of Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders. Already feeling the pressure from falling out of the first round, Sanders received a fake call from someone pretending to be New Orleans Saints GM Mickey Loomis.

It was later revealed that Jax Ulbrich, son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, pulled the prank. Both Jax and the Falcons organization issued apologies, but they were widely criticized as insincere, given how it took away the moment for some NFL hopefuls.

While Conerly seemed to shake his prank off, many fans haven't. The pranks have sparked backlash, with some calling them tasteless and unfair to players already under pressure from the draft.

Though the draft may be over, stories of prank calls from that night continue to make headlines

READ MORE: Commanders make NFL history signing $4 million Super Bowl-winning kicker

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 offseason.

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Joane Coley
JOANNE COLEY

Joanne Coley, from Prince George’s County, MD, is a communications professional passionate about storytelling and sports. She holds a bachelor’s in Communications from Kent State University and a Master’s in Communications/Public Relations from Southern New Hampshire University. Since 2018, she has served as Communications Manager at the Council of the Great City Schools. A foodie and traveler, Joanne is also a former state champion in high school shotput and standout athlete in softball.

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