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Even three years removed from the game, Tom Brady looks like he could drop back and sling the pigskin for an NFL team.
Brady headlined the first-ever Fanatics Flag Football Classic Saturday at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, and not just because he was back on a football field for the first time since officially retiring.
The 48-year-old threw darts.
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Tom Brady of the Founders FFC warms up before the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Michael Owens/Getty Images for OBB Media – FANATICS STUDIOS)
Brady, surrounded by current and former NFL players as well as the American national flag football team, threw for a total of 85 yards on the small field with two touchdowns during his two games played in the inaugural event.
Brady’s co-captain, Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl LIX MVP Jalen Hurts, started for their Founders FFC squad and threw for 224 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Brady came in after Hurts and it was like the old days when he threw all over the field.
BRADY, GRONK, HURTS, BURROW: FANATICS FLAG FOOTBALL RESULTS CLASSIC DRAFT
Of course, Brady couldn’t leave without finding his trusty tight end, Rob Gronkowski, who secured a two-point conversion after a touchdown. However, Gronkowski went out early in the contest with a hamstring injury.
While Brady performed well, his team was blown out by Team USA Football, 43-16, in that game. Brady and Founders FFC would have a chance to get revenge in the championship game, but the American team, knowing exactly how to exploit the flag football rules, beat them again, 24-14.
Brady’s competitive edge was in full bloom, saying “my heart really hurts right now,” between his losses.
Tom Brady of Founders FFC avoids a sack by Shawn Theard Jr. #19 of the US Men’s Flag Football Team during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for for OBB Media – FANATICS STUDIOS)
But he said before the contests that he felt “good” to step on the field and play some games before the big games on Saturday.
“Fortunately, as an athlete, your body is your asset over a period of time and you learn to take care of it,” Brady said during practice this week. “Even when you retire, I felt like I still want to do the same things after football when I played. I still want to be active. I want to be outside. I want to continue to live a healthy, active lifestyle.”
For those who think Brady could take over as quarterback for an NFL team, he has shown no desire to retire for the second time in his future Hall of Fame career.
Brady is a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, which has played a major role in preventing a return. He is invested in seeing the rebuilding of the team. At the same time, he has enjoyed being part of the FOX Sports broadcast team during the NFL season with Kevin Burkhardt.
Tom Brady of the Founders FFC warms up before the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO Stadium on March 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Michael Owens/Getty Images for OBB Media – FANATICS STUDIOS)
But who knows when 2028 rolls around what Brady might be doing when flag football makes the roster for the Summer Games in Los Angeles? However, Team USA proved on Saturday just how different this style of football can be, even for current NFL stars.
