Matt LaFleur Explains Why He Missed Jeff Ulbrich's Wife's Funeral

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur revealed this week that he was unable to attend Cristina Ulbrich's funeral.

Cristina Ulbrich, the wife of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, passed away two weeks ago after a battle with cancer. Ulbrich missed the start of training camp to take care of his family.

"Cristina will always be an important part of our Falcons family," team owner Arthur Blank said in a statement on July 31. "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 told The Athletic that he missed Ulbrich's funeral due to a plane mechanical issue in Wisconsin. His wife, BreAnne, traveled separately and arrived in time to support the Ulbrich family.

"All the sudden, I’m back in meetings," LaFleur said. "I’m like, 'It’s out of my control.'"

Operating with a heavy heart.

LaFleur and Ulbrich worked together in Atlanta from 2015-2016. As you'd imagine, his heart breaks for his former colleague.

"It’s different … when it’s somebody your age," LaFleur said. "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."

Our thoughts are with the Ulbrich family.