By News18,Siddarth Sriram
Copyright news18
The GOAT is back.
Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady announced on Monday that he will take part in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic next March in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The high-profile event, scheduled for March 21, 2026, at Kingdom Arena, will feature three teams in a round-robin format, with rosters made up of current and former NFL players, athletes from other sports, and entertainers.
Riyadh is bringing the heat with the first-ever Fanatics Flag Football Classic ??
Part of #RiyadhSeason, featuring NFL legend Tom Brady and a star-studded lineup
Get ready for an unforgettable showdown ??
Riyadh – Kingdom Arena ??
March 21, 2026 ?️
Streaming on FOX Sports &… pic.twitter.com/1SXIZVF3vK
— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) September 15, 2025
A Growing Sport with Olympic Status
Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with more than 20 million players globally. The game emphasizes speed, skill, and strategy without the heavy contact of traditional football. Its profile has risen sharply in recent years, culminating in the announcement that flag football will debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Brady’s Return to the Field
Brady retired in 2023 after a legendary career in which he won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Since stepping away, he has worked as a television commentator and become a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Riyadh exhibition will mark a rare return to competition for the 47-year-old.
“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,” Brady said.
Star-Studded Cast of Players
Brady will not be alone. His longtime teammate and favorite target, Rob Gronkowski, has also committed to play. A host of current NFL stars will join them, including:
Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles)
CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys)
Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers)
Sauce Gardner (New York Jets)
Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns)
Brock Bowers (Las Vegas Raiders)
Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders)
Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins)
Odell Beckham Jr., a veteran receiver entering his 11th NFL season
The event will also feature three of the NFL’s most prominent coaches taking charge of the teams: Pete Carroll of the Las Vegas Raiders, Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos, and Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers.
Brady on the Bigger Picture
For Brady, the event is not just about competition but about showcasing the sport’s potential.
“I’ve always admired the power of flag football and how it connects fans of all ages. And it’s awesome to be able to showcase the sport on such a global stage while joining together so many incredibly skilled athletes,” he said.
(with agency inputs)
