Tom Brady to play in inaugural flag football tourney in Saudi Arabia

In what could be a step toward competing for an eventual gold medal, Tom Brady announced on Monday that he would compete 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 NFL following the 2022 season.

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.

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," Brady said.

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.

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).

--Field Level Media