Tom Brady Announces Return To Football

Legendary former NFL quarterback Tom Brady is making a comeback – but there’s a catch. Brady, who won a total of seven Super Bowls during his career, is one of several current and former professional football stars who will be competing in a three-team flag football tournament to be held in Saudi Arabia next March.

The others joining him in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic on March 21 will be Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, Christian McCaffrey, Maxx Crosby, Rob Gronkowski, and several others. Coaches involved in the competition include Pete Carroll, Sean Payton, and Kyle Shanahan.

“It’s a multi-year commitment,” Brady revealed earlier in the week. “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,” he added.

The tournament will be televised on FOX Sports, and comedian Kevin Hart is set to host. Brady has partnered with Turki Alalshikh, who serves as the chairman of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority, to host the event.

Dec 12, 2021; Tampa, FL USA; Tom Brady during an NFL game at Raymond James Stadium. (Steve Jacobson, Its Sports Magazine)

“I couldn’t be more excited to return to the field, get the competitive juices flowing alongside some of the game’s brightest stars and iconic legends, and bring a truly unique global sports event to fans everywhere during Riyadh Season,” Brady went on to say in a press release. “I have always admired the power of flag football and how it connects fans of all ages, and it’s awesome to be able to showcase the sport on such a global stage while joining together so many incredibly skilled athletes.”

Gronkowski, who played with Brady during his stints with both the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, asked his former teammate if he could participate in the competition. Gronk, as he’s affectionately known to players and fans alike, is currently an analyst for FOX Sports.

“I was like, ‘There’s no contact, right?’” he asked Brady. “I was like, ‘I already did all my contact in my life. I paid my dues in that department.’ I love to compete. I love to run around. I run routes every once in a while as well.”

“It’s always going to be in my blood because I’ve been doing it my whole entire life. It brings joy out of me,” he added.