The iconic quarterback leads former and current NFL stars at the inaugural event promoting flag football.
Category: Sports
Los Angeles is set to host the highly anticipated Fanatics Flag Football Classic on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at BMO Stadium, where NFL legend Tom Brady will return to the field for the first time since his retirement following the 2022 season. This event promises to be more than just another game; it aims to showcase the growing popularity of flag football, particularly as it gears up for its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Brady, who is now the minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, will co-captain the Founders team alongside Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. The Founders team features notable players such as Rob Gronkowski, Stefon Diggs, Alvin Kamara, and Patrick Peterson, among others. Meanwhile, the Wildcats team, co-captained by Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow, includes talents like Saquon Barkley, Odell Beckham Jr., and DeAndre Hopkins.
This star-studded event is set to kick off at 4:00 p.m. ET, with the game being broadcast live on FOX Sports. Fans can also stream the action on platforms like FOX One, Tubi, and Fubo. The format of the game will consist of two 15-minute halves played on a 50 x 25-yard field, making it accessible and entertaining for both players and spectators.
Brady's involvement goes beyond just playing; he has been actively promoting flag football as part of his efforts to expand its reach. During a recent news conference held on March 20, 2026, he expressed his excitement about returning to the field, saying, “Throwing touchdown passes. It’s what we do.” This enthusiasm reflects his enduring passion for the game and his desire to inspire younger athletes.
The event is not just about the competition; it also serves as a platform to evaluate talent for Team USA as it prepares for the upcoming Olympic Games. With many NFL stars participating, talent evaluators will have the opportunity to see how these athletes perform under the flag football format, which is gaining traction across the globe.
Originally, the Fanatics Flag Football Classic was scheduled to take place at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Due to the Iran war and subsequent travel advisories, the organizers opted to relocate the event to Los Angeles, which has now become the new home for flag football.
The rosters for the teams are impressive, featuring both current NFL players and some of the biggest names from the past. The Founders team includes:
On the other side, the Wildcats team boasts:
Adding to the excitement, the U.S. men's national team will also compete, featuring players like Darrell Doucette III and Nico Casares, who are among the best flag football athletes representing the nation.
The Fanatics Flag Football Classic is not only about the game but also about building community and fostering the next generation of athletes. With celebrities like Kevin Hart and Druski hosting the event, it promises to be entertaining both on and off the field. Fans can expect to see interactions between Brady and other personalities, including WWE superstar Logan Paul, who has been involved in some lighthearted banter with the NFL icon.
Brady's return to the field is emblematic of his commitment to the sport, and his dual role as both player and promoter highlights the significance of this event. It is not merely about competition; it is about celebrating football and its evolution, especially as flag football gains recognition and support.
With the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic just hours away, anticipation is building. Fans are eager to see how Brady and his fellow stars perform, and how this event might shape the future of flag football. Will it set the stage for more events like this? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the excitement is palpable.
Whether you're tuning in to catch Brady's first game back or to see your favorite stars compete, the Fanatics Flag Football Classic is poised to deliver unforgettable moments and showcase the best of what flag football has to offer.