Tom Brady gears up for flag football tournament in Saudi Arabia

In a major sporting event slated for next year, NFL legend Tom Brady has announced his participation in a flag football tournament set to take place in Saudi Arabia. This event is part of a multi-year commitment that aims to showcase flag football globally, especially as the sport prepares for its Olympic debut in 2028 during the Los Angeles Games. Scheduled for March 21, 2026, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, the tournament will see Brady compete alongside prominent current and former NFL players, such as Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, and Rob Gronkowski. The Flag Football Classic is not only an opportunity for these athletes to display their skills in a less-contact format, but it also marks an initiative led by Brady in partnership with Turki Alalshikh, the chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority. Brady emphasized the importance of flag football as a sport that can unite fans of all ages and expressed his excitement about collaborating with fellow athletes from around the globe. The event will be broadcasted by Fox Sports, with comedian Kevin Hart serving as the host. The participation of well-known NFL stars highlights the event's significance and the growing popularity of flag football, especially considering the upcoming inclusion of the sport in the Olympics. The tournament is structured in a three-team format under the guidance of noted coaches such as Pete Carroll, Sean Payton, and Kyle Shanahan. Each has a history of success in the NFL, making their involvement an exciting prospect for fans. With the aim of fostering a competitive but non-contact environment, players such as Gronkowski have expressed their enthusiasm. In a light-hearted remark, Gronkowski confirmed that he is glad the tournament would be without physical contact, prompting laughter as he reflected on his NFL career. This flag football tournament represents both a personal venture for Brady and a significant cultural and sporting event for Saudi Arabia, as the nation actively seeks to diversify its entertainment offerings. Bringing such high-profile athletes to the Kingdom not only empowers local sports initiatives but also builds a bridge for international sports interactions.