Tom Brady will return to play in 2026: flag football arrives in Saudi Arabia
The former quarterback will join NFL stars in a tournament that seeks to expand the sport throughout the world
The 'Fanatics Flag Football Classic' will mark a milestone in American sports: for the first time, a flag football exhibition tournament will be held in Saudi Arabia, at the modern Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, on March 21, 2026.
The event will bring together three teams led by renowned NFL coaches: Pete Carroll (Las Vegas Raiders), Sean Payton (Denver Broncos), and Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco 49ers). The idea is to offer a global spectacle with figures that combine the present and past of the most powerful league in the world.
Some of the most recognizable names in today's NFL will be on the field. Saquon Barkley, running back for the champion Philadelphia Eagles; Christian McCaffrey, offensive engine of the 49ers; and CeeDee Lamb, receiver for the Cowboys, are among those confirmed.
They are joined by elite defenders such as Maxx Crosby (Raiders), Sauce Gardner (Jets), and Myles Garrett (Browns). The presence of Rob Gronkowski, Tom Brady's longtime teammate, completes a lineup that combines youth, talent, and experience.
Brady's Return
The big surprise came Monday when seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady announced he would be coming out of retirement to participate in the tournament. At 48, the former quarterback said he was motivated by the opportunity to bring the sport to a new audience.
“I've been fortunate to play football all over the world. I played in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Mexico, and the fans everywhere gave me their energy and passion for the sport. I'm excited to announce that I'm coming out of retirement to play in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, which will bring American football to the Middle East.”
Brady, now a Fox Sports commentator and minority co-owner of the Raiders, emphasized that his return will be in a different format than the traditional one. Flag football —known in Mexico as tochito— will also be an Olympic discipline in Los Angeles 2028, a key boost for its international projection.
“I am excited to return to the field,“Enjoy the competition alongside some of the brightest stars and iconic legends in the sport and deliver a truly unique global sporting event to fans around the world,” he added.