Tom Brady to Play Quarterback Again
Yes, you read that right. Tom Brady will return to the gridiron, stepping back into the spotlight as a quarterback.
This isn’t just any game, though. He’s participated in The Fanatics Flag Football Classic, which was announced on Monday.
This event is set to unfold in Saudi Arabia on March 21, 2026, as part of the Riyadh Season Program. That initiative, by the way, is a series of events curated by the Saudi General Entertainment Bureau, led by Turki Alalshikh.
Over the years, Riyadh Season has hosted high-profile boxing matches, and now it’s embracing football’s biggest names. Interestingly, WrestleMania 43 from WWE will also feature in this lineup in April 2027.
Joining Brady will be several stars, including Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, Ceedee Lamb, Maxx Crosby, Rob Gronkowski, Sauce Gardner, and Myles Garrett.
On the coaching side, you can expect insights from Pete Carroll, Sean Payton, and Kyle Shanahan, who will be at the helm of three teams.
Brady expressed his excitement about this opportunity. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to return to the field and stir some competitive spirit alongside the sport’s brightest stars,” he mentioned in a press release. “I’ve always had a deep respect for flag football and its ability to bring fans of all ages together. It’s wonderful to showcase this sport on a global stage with such talented athletes.”
It’s worth noting that while the NFL doesn’t host such events, players are given permission by team owners to participate. Live coverage will air on Fox Sports and Tubi.
Fox Sports has built a reputation for delivering significant moments in sports. Eric Shanks, their CEO, stated, “This inaugural global event fuses one of the fastest-growing sports with outstanding athletes.”
Fanatics, known for its NFL merchandise, previously received investments from the Saudi Arabian Sovereign Wealth Fund back in 2017.
Alalshikh emphasized the importance of the Riyadh season: “We take pride in hosting world-class events. It’s a chance to bring together prominent names in sports and entertainment, ensuring it is a memorable competition.” He also mentioned the opportunity to promote flag football to new, global audiences.
Brady, who recently retired from the NFL in 2023, found time to tease a significant announcement while attending an Eagles-Chiefs game. “Of course, I’m looking forward to checking out that game on Monday night. I can’t wait to present what I’ve been working on for quite some time,” he said.
