Tom Brady Announces Return to the Field for 2026 Flag Football Classic in Saudi Arabia
September 16, 2025 — Las Vegas, NV
NFL legend Tom Brady has officially announced his return to competitive football—this time in a new format and on a global stage. During a live broadcast at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Monday night, Brady revealed that he will participate in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, a high-profile tournament set to take place on March 21, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This marks Brady’s first on-field appearance since his retirement from the NFL in February 2023, and it’s already being hailed as one of the most ambitious sports events of the decade.
What Is the Fanatics Flag Football Classic?
The Fanatics Flag Football Classic is a round-robin tournament featuring three teams composed of current and former NFL stars, elite athletes from other sports, and entertainment personalities. The event will be held at Kingdom Arena as part of Saudi Arabia’s annual Riyadh Season, a cultural festival that blends sports, music, and global entertainment.
Brady will not only play in the tournament but also serve as a producer, helping shape the event’s format and media presentation. The tournament will be broadcast live on FOX Sports and Tubi, with Kevin Hart hosting the festivities.
Who’s Joining Brady on the Field?
The roster is stacked with talent. Confirmed participants include:
Rob Gronkowski (Brady’s longtime teammate)
Saquon Barkley
CeeDee Lamb
Christian McCaffrey
Tyreek Hill
Odell Beckham Jr.
Myles Garrett
Maxx Crosby
Sauce Gardner
Brock Bowers
Coaching duties will be handled by NFL icons:
Pete Carroll (Las Vegas Raiders)
Sean Payton (Denver Broncos)
Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco 49ers)
The format includes three teams of eight players each, with the top two advancing to a championship game.
Brady’s Statement: “I’m Ready to Compete Again”
Brady expressed excitement about returning to the field, saying:
“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”.
He also emphasized the importance of flag football as a growing sport, noting its upcoming debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“I’ve always admired the power of flag football and how it connects fans of all ages. It’s awesome to showcase the sport on such a global stage,” Brady added.
Why Saudi Arabia?
The choice of Riyadh as the host city reflects the Middle East’s growing investment in global sports. The event is backed by Turki Alalshikh, a senior adviser to the Saudi royal family and head of Riyadh Season. Saudi Arabia has recently hosted major boxing matches, Formula 1 races, and international soccer friendlies, positioning itself as a rising hub for elite competition.
Brady’s involvement adds prestige and visibility to the event, potentially paving the way for future NFL collaborations in the region.
Olympic Implications: Will Brady Play in LA 2028?
When asked whether he would consider competing in the 2028 Olympics, Brady responded with a cryptic:
“We’ll see. Let’s see how this game goes”.
While he stopped short of confirming Olympic ambitions, his participation in the Saudi event is widely seen as a test run for what could become a Team USA “Dream Team” in flag football’s Olympic debut.
Brady’s Post-Retirement Journey
Since retiring, Brady has remained active in the football world:
Joined FOX Sports as a lead analyst
Became a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders
Launched multiple business ventures, including TB12 and Brady Brand
His return to the field—albeit in a non-contact format—signals that his competitive fire is far from extinguished.
Final Thoughts
Tom Brady’s announcement isn’t just about one game—it’s about redefining what retirement looks like for elite athletes. By stepping into the global spotlight through flag football, Brady is helping elevate the sport, inspire younger players, and potentially shape the future of Olympic football.
Whether you’re a lifelong Patriots fan, a Raiders supporter, or just a sports enthusiast, March 21, 2026, is a date to mark on your calendar. The GOAT is back—and he’s bringing the world with him.
