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Retired NFL Icon Tom Brady is officially returning to the field, this time with flags instead of pads. The seven-time Super Bowl champion announced that he will headline The Fanatics Flag Football Classic, a competitive tournament scheduled for March 21, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The event marks Brady’s first official return to football since retiring after the 2022 NFL season, and he’ll be joined by a star-studded lineup of both active and former NFL players. Among those confirmed are Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, CeeDee Lamb, Tyreek Hill, Sauce Gardner, Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, Brock Bowers, Odell Beckham Jr., and longtime teammate Rob Gronkowski.
Brady, now 48, hasn’t thrown a competitive pass in over three years, but his competitive fire clearly hasn’t dimmed.
“I couldn’t be more excited to return to the field, get the competitive juices flowing alongside some of the game’s brightest stars and iconic legends, and bring a truly unique global sports event to fans everywhere during Riyadh Season,” Brady said. “And I will be bringing home the trophy.”
The tournament will feature three teams coached by current NFL coaches Pete Carroll, Sean Payton, and Kyle Shanahan. Also, FOX Sports will broadcast the competition, which is set to follow the five-on-five format that flag football will use when it debuts at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
For Brady, the move isn’t entirely surprising. Earlier this summer, he admitted he hadn’t completely ruled out the idea of representing Team USA in Olympic flag football in 2028.
About the 2026 Flag Football Event
The Fanatics Flag Football Classic will serve as one of the centerpieces of Riyadh Season, Saudi Arabia’s annual festival of sports and entertainment. The event is co-organized by Fanatics, FOX Sports, OBB Media, and Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, chaired by Turki Alalshikh.
It will be played under international flag football rules: five-on-five on a 50-yard field, with a round-robin format between the three teams. While the NFL is not directly running the tournament, the league has thrown its support behind the initiative as part of its effort to expand the global footprint of flag football.
Importantly, the NFL confirmed that participation is subject to team approval. In a recent memo, the league stated that while players may join at their clubs’ discretion, any injuries sustained will not be classified as “football-related” under existing contracts. To cover that risk, players and teams will be protected by insurance similar to what’s used for the Pro Bowl and the Olympics.
Beyond the competition itself, the event has broader implications. Saudi Arabia has made major pushes into global sports in recent years, from LIV Golf to soccer, and is now positioning itself at the center of football’s international growth. The timing is no accident; flag football is preparing for its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028, and having a global showcase headlined by Tom Brady could give the sport even greater momentum.
Brady himself summed it up best: This may not be the NFL, but it will be serious competition. And, true to form, he’s not showing up just for fun; he’s showing up to win.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When and where will the 2026 Fanatics Flag Football Classic take place?
The 2026 Fanatics Flag Football Classic tournament is scheduled for March 21, 2026. It will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the country’s Riyadh Season festivities.
Which players are confirmed to participate alongside Tom Brady at the 2026 Fanatics Flag Football Classic?
So far, the lineup includes Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, CeeDee Lamb, Tyreek Hill, Sauce Gardner, Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, Brock Bowers, Odell Beckham Jr., and Rob Gronkowski. More stars from sports and entertainment are expected to be announced.
Who will be coaching the teams in the tournament?
The three teams will be coached by Pete Carroll, Sean Payton, and Kyle Shanahan, all of whom are active NFL head coaches.
Is the NFL officially involved in the event?
While the NFL is not organizing the tournament, the league has expressed support for the effort to globalize flag football. It has allowed current players to participate, provided their teams grant approval, and arranged insurance coverage similar to that used in the Pro Bowl.
Why is this 2026 Fanatics Flag Football Classic event significant for the future of flag football?
The tournament serves as a global showcase for flag football ahead of its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. With Tom Brady headlining, it highlights the growing popularity of the sport and its potential to connect fans worldwide.
