The seven-time Super Bowl champion is coming out of retirement to play football – just not in the NFL.

Tom Brady announced that he will be playing in the first ever Fanatics Flag Football Classic – a flag football tournament in Saudi Arabia on March 21, 2026.

Brady announced he will be coming out of retirement to play football again
Brady announced he will be coming out of retirement to play football againCredit: X/@JESSESBSN
Brady made the announcement at Allegiant Stadium standing next to Turki Al-Sheikh, just hours before Monday Night Football between the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders.

“The reason why we’re here this early in the day is that I’ve been very lucky over a long period of time to play football all over the world,” Brady said.

“I’ve played in Germany, I’ve played in the UK several times, I’ve played in Mexico and the fans everywhere have brought so much energy and passion for the game of football.

“It made the experience special for everyone involved. I can remember those games as if they were yesterday.

“I’ve always admired the power of flag football, the fastest growing sport in the world and how it connects fans of all ages.

“I want to help continue the global movement and momentum that our game is having.

“I’m very excited to announce that I’m coming out of retirement and teaming up with His Excellency Turki Al-Sheikh, Fanatics, OBB Media and my friends at Fox Sports, to launch the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, which will bring American football to the Middle East on March 21, 2026 at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of Riyadh’s season.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter posted on X, the details of Brady’s return to football.

“Tom Brady is coming out of retirement, sort of,” Schefter wrote.

“To join Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, CeeDee Lamb, Maxx Crosby, Rob Gronkowski, Sauce Gardner Myles Garrett and others for the Fanatics Flag Football Classic – a competitive flag football tournament taking place during Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia on March 21, 2026.

(FILES) In this file photo taken on February 05, 2017, Tom Brady, #12 of the New England Patriots, holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Falcons in overtime during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. - Seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady will retire after 22 NFL seasons, according to multiple US media reports on January 29, 2022. (Photo by Timothy A. CLARY / AFP) (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)
Brady won seven Super Bowls and is regarded as the greatest football player everCredit: Getty
“It will be Brady’s first football action since retiring three years ago. Pete Carroll, Sean Payton and Kyle Shanahan will be coaching the three teams.”

The round-robin tournament will adhere to rules similar to those used in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Games will take place on a 50-yard field with two 10-yard end zones, featuring teams of five players each. Each half will last 20 minutes.

Brady’s announcement also revealed that his former teammate and future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski will be returning to play.

The event will air live on FOX Sports and Tubi, with actor and comedian Kevin Hart serving as host.