Tom Brady is coming out of retirement, but not the way you imagined

Tom Brady did it again. The seven-time Super Bowl champion, who seemed to have hung up his cleats for good in 2023, announced he’ll be back on the field in 2026. But it won’t be in the NFL, and it won’t be in an official game. Brady will take part in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, a flag football tournament set for March 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the Riyadh Season.

The news, confirmed by Tom Brady himself on Turki Alalshikh’s official account, caused an immediate stir. “I’m very excited to come out of retirement to play another incredible flag football game,” said the former quarterback with a playful tone. According to FirstSportz, the announcement was part of a promotional strategy for the event. Still, it managed to reignite—once again—rumors of a possible real comeback.

A star-studded game

Tom Brady won’t be alone. The tournament will feature stars like Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, CeeDee Lamb, Maxx Crosby, Sauce Gardner, and Myles Garrett. And of course, Rob Gronkowski will be there—Brady’s inseparable partner from the glory days in New England. The teams will be coached by elite names like Pete Carroll, Sean Payton, and Kyle Shanahan. The event promises to be more entertainment than competition, but with serious talent on display.

 

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The NFL is pushing to position flag football as an Olympic sport for Los Angeles 2028. That’s why events like this are part of a global campaign. Having Tom Brady as an ambassador guarantees media attention, but also adds sporting credibility. At 48, the former player remains a magnetic figure—able to move audiences and headlines with a single sentence.

A symbolic return

Since retiring, Tom Brady has joined FOX Sports as a commentator, signing a $375 million contract. He also became a minority owner of the Raiders. Every move he makes off the field seems designed to keep the conversation around his legacy—and his possible return—alive.

This time, the comeback is symbolic. No tackles, no clock pressure, no defenders chasing him. But there will be passes, smiles, and a new way to see Tom Brady: as an icon, as an ambassador, and as someone who—even outside the NFL—is still part of the game.