Tom Brady to play in inaugural flag football tourney in Saudi Arabia
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Tom Brady (left) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a game in 2021.
PHOTO: AFP
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LOS ANGELES – In what could be a step towards competing for an eventual gold medal, Tom Brady announced on Monday that he would be competing at an inaugural flag football tournament in Saudi Arabia in March 2026.
Brady, the 15-time Pro Bowler and seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback, retired from the National Football League (NFL) following the 2022 season but has always been involved in sport since. The American is a co-owner of English football club Birmingham City and a minority owner of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.
The Fanatics Flag Football Classic is an exhibition tournament that will feature three teams in a round-robin format. Brady, 48, is joining current and former league stars in participating in the event on March 21, 2026, at Kingdom Arena.
That list includes current standouts Saquon Barkley (Eagles), Tyreek Hill (Dolphins), Christian McCaffrey (49ers), Sauce Gardner (Jets), Myles Garrett (Browns), CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys) and Maxx Crosby (Raiders), as well as free agent Odell Beckham Jr.
Brady’s former teammate Rob Gronkowski is also committed, while the three coaches are confirmed to be Pete Carroll, Sean Payton and Kyle Shanahan.
“I will be bringing home the trophy,” said Brady, who also serves as a television commentator post-retirement.
“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.”
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced in 2023 that flag football will be included in the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, and Brady might be aiming for a spot in that competition.
Flag football currently boasts more than 20 million players worldwide.
“I’ve always admired the power of flag football and how it connects fans of all ages,” Brady added.
“And it’s awesome to be able to showcase the sport on such a global stage while joining together so many incredibly skilled athletes.”
In May, the NFL granted its players permission to participate in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics, citing specific regulations as part of the decision, such as overseeing proper playing surfaces and injury protections for NFL teams.
Brady, a three-time league MVP who spent 20 seasons with the New England Patriots and three more with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is the NFL’s all-time leader in games started (333), completions (7,753), attempts (12,050), yards (89,214), touchdown passes (649), fourth-quarter comebacks (46) and game- winning drives (58). REUTERS, AFP
