Brady comes out of retirement: He will play flag football in Saudi Arabia with NFL stars

The iconic Tom Brady, considered one of the best players in NFL history, has announced his participation in the ‘Fanatics Flag Football Classic’. This event, which will bring together several stars from the league, will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 21, 2026.

I’ve been fortunate enough to play American football all over the world. I’m excited to announce that I’m coming out of retirement to play in the ‘Fanatics Flag Football Classic’ which will bring American football to the Middle East.

Tom Brady

Tom Brady’s Profile and Stats

Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr., born August 3, 1977, in San Mateo, California, definitively retired in 2023. His professional career spanned 23 seasons in the NFL, playing for the Patriots (2000-2019) and the Buccaneers (2020-2022).

• Games played: 335
• Games started: 333
• Passing yards: 89,214 (historical leader)
• Touchdown passes: 649 (historical leader)
• Completions: 7,753
• Pass attempts: 12,050
• Wins as starting QB: 251

Postseason Records

• Games played: 48 (NFL record)
• Wins: 35 (NFL record)
• Passing yards: 13,400 (NFL record)
• Touchdown passes: 88 (NFL record)

The announcement was made during the pre-game show of the match that closed week two of the 2025 NFL season. The teams that will participate in the flag football tournament will be coached by Pete Carroll, Sean Payton, and Kyle Shanahan. In addition to Brady, Rob Gronkowski and Saquon Barkley will be on the field.

Tom Brady’s Achievements and Distinctions

• Super Bowl wins leader (7)
• Most Super Bowl appearances (10)
• Super Bowl MVP record (5)
• Player with the most Pro Bowl selections (15)
• Record for total wins (regular season and postseason): 286
• Only QB to win a Super Bowl in both conferences (AFC and NFC)
• Oldest player to be NFL MVP: 40 years old (2017)
• Oldest player to win a Super Bowl MVP: 43 years old (LV)

Individual Awards:

• 7x Super Bowl Champion
• 5x Super Bowl MVP
• 3x NFL MVP (2007, 2010, 2017)
• 2x Offensive Player of the Year (2007, 2010)
• Decade Selection (2000s and 2010s)
• NFL All-Time Centennial Team (2019)

Other renowned players like Christian McCaffrey, CeeDee Lamb, Maxx Crosby, Sauce Gardner, and Myles Garrett will join Brady at this event. The event will feature three flag football teams, a variant of American football that will debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

I am excited to return to the field, enjoy the competition alongside some of the brightest stars and iconic legends of the sport, and offer a truly unique global sporting event to fans around the world.

Tom Brady