The Big Lead

Tom Brady returning under center for a one-off football showcase overseas

NFL Legend Tom Brady is returning to the field in 2026 — but not in the way fans might expect. Here’s what to know about his upcoming appearance in Saudi Arabia.

By Yagya Bhargava

Tom Brady.
Tom Brady. / Bob Breidenbach, Providence Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Tom Brady's retirement clearly isn't stopping him from finding new ways to stay in the spotlight.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion has settled into his broadcasting gig with FOX and grabbed part ownership of the Las Vegas Raiders, but now he's gearing up for something completely different.

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Brady will lace up again for the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, and honestly, the timing couldn't be better.

With flag football making its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the sport is gaining serious momentum across the country.

The retired quarterback sees this as more than just another exhibition event. Brady views flag football as a bridge between generations, connecting fans of all ages while helping elevate the sport on an international stage.

He's excited to compete alongside some of football's biggest names during what promises to be an event unlike anything fans have witnessed before during Riyadh Season.

The tournament follows Olympic-style rules with 5-on-5 matchups on a 50-yard field. Two 10-yard end zones and two 20-minute halves should deliver the fast-paced, action-packed games that make flag football so entertaining to watch.

This competitive tournament hits Riyadh's Kingdom Arena on March 21, 2026, with a star-studded lineup already confirmed.

Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, Christian McCaffrey, Sauce Gardner, Myles Garrett, Brock Bowers, Maxx Crosby, Tyreek Hill, Odell Beckham Jr., and Rob Gronkowski will fill three teams of eight players each.

The round-robin format sends the top two teams into a championship matchup. NFL Coaches Sean Payton, Kyle Shanahan, and Pete Carroll will lead the squads, with more players from sports and entertainment expected to be announced soon.

While Brady's return to any form of football generates headlines, he hasn't committed to playing in the actual Olympics yet.

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