Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl winner, is coming out of retirement to play in a new Saudi-backed flag football tournament – but just what is flag football and what are the rules?
NFL Legend Tom Brady Set To Play Flag Football In New Saudi-Backed Tournament
Having retired back in 2023, seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarter-back Tom Brady is making a comeback.
Not in NFL, but in a new Saudi-backed flag football tournament that is being bankrolled by Turki Alalshikh, who is the chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority and behind all of the big boxing events in the country.
The new flag football tournament in Saudi Arabia will be called ‘The Fanatics Flag Football Classic‘ and will start on March 21st 2026.
With the event being staged at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh – the same venue that held the heavyweight World Championship rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024.
The competition will also be hosted by comedian Kevin Hart and with the former New England Patriots star Tom Brady being signed to star, is sure to attract huge interest all around the world.
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
Brady said “It’s a multi-year commitment, obviously, we’re getting off to a good start.
“The first year will be kind of where everyone’s attention and energy is at. It’s the first time we’ve ever done something like this. But all the players that I’ve talked to are excited about playing.
“Obviously, with the Olympics coming up in 2028, I think it’s all the NFL players’ first exposure to it. And I didn’t want to miss out on being a part of it.”
What Is Flag Football and What Are The Rules?
Flag Football is reported to be one of the fastest growing sports in the world.
It’s based on American Football, but with no physical contact.
Instead, the players wear flags (around their waists) that can be pulled off by opponents to stop play and replacing the standard tackles seen in American Football.
Flag Football is governed by the International Federation of American Football and has 75 national federation members.
The NFL have reported there are over 20 million worldwide players involved in flag football. With 31 nations playing in the recent 2025 Flag Football World Championships.
The men’s GB team finished 10th, with no shocker to see the men’s USA Flag Football team winning. Beating Austria 53-21 to clinch their fifth straight world title.
While the GB’s Flag Football women’s team recently finished fifth at the World Games, with the USA team beating Mexico 31-18 in the final.
How To Play Flag Football and the Rules
Flag Football Will Also Be At The 2028 Olympics In Los Angeles
The rise of Flag Football, in particular the women’s game, has also been the sport now added to the roster for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
There will be both a men’s and women’s flag football tournament at the LA Olympics.
It’s believed that a whole host of NFL stars will play a big role in the US teams.
Which is why they will be red-hot favourites with the leading betting sites to win the inaugural Olympic event.
What Other Stars Have Been Signed To Play In The Fanatics Flag Football Classic?
In addition to Tom Brady being signed to play in the new flag football event in Saudi Arabia, there are also many other well-known NFL names.
Eagles star Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, and Christian McCaffrey will feature too.
As will Maxx Crosby and former Tampa Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski, who retired in 2019.
Las Vegas’ Pete Carroll, Denver’s Sean Payton and San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan will be the coaches at The Fanatics Flag Football Classic.
How Much Is Tom Brady Getting Paid To Play Flag Football?
It’s not known how much Tom Brady will get paid to play in the new Flag Football event in Saudi Arabia.
But it’s thought to be a substantial amount.
How Old Is Tom Brady?
Tom Brady is 48 years-old – with his date of birth 3rd August 1977.
Meaning, if Brady does play flag football at the 2028 Olympics – he’ll be 50 years-old.
The 2028 Olympics will take place between 14th July and 30th July – ending just days before Brady’s 51st birthday.
How Many Super Bowls Did Tom Brady Win?
Tom Brady made ten Super Bowl appearances – winning seven.
He won the Super Bowl six times with the New England Patriots and once with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
When Did Tom Brady Retire?
Tom Brady retired from playing in the NFL on 1st February 2023.
He was 44 at the time and had played 22 seasons.
