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The Fanatics Flag Football Classic, the groundbreaking global event hosted by Fanatics Studios, Tom Brady and FOX Sports, is all set for its inaugural event and, as promised, some of the NFL’s best will be playing at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on March 21.
The match was originally scheduled to be played at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but it was officially announced on Monday that it would take place in Los Angeles as part of ongoing military operations in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, Iran and others.
BMO Stadium, host site for flag football at the 2028 Olympics, will welcome Brady’s return to a football field for the first time since his retirement in 2023, but will also feature some of the game’s best.
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Fanatics has released the full roster for its inaugural Flag Football Classic at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on March 21, 2026. (Fanatics)
As Fanatics announced the move, a newly structured and first-of-its-kind competition format was also revealed: three teams of 12 players, two of which are made up of NFL stars. The final team will be represented by the reigning USA Football men’s national team, IFAF flag football world champions.
The first team, Founders FFC, will be led by Brady and Philadelphia Eagles star quarterback Jalen Hurts, while being coached by Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos. Next up, the Wildcats FFC will feature young Washington Commanders star Jayden Daniels and veteran Cincinnati Bengals signal-caller Joe Burrow, who will be coached by Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers.
FANATICS MOVES FLAG FOOTBALL GAME WITH SAUDI ARABIAN NFL STARS TOM BRADY
Additionally, Robert Saleh, who just took over for the Tennessee Titans, will serve as a defensive specialist for both teams during the event.
What makes this event more fun is the fact that Founders FFC and Wildcats FFC will be holding a draft on March 18 to determine the 12-player teams. And the full player pool has been released:
– Running backs: Saquon Barkley (Eagles), Alvin Kamara (Saints), Ashton Jeanty (Raiders)
– Wide receivers/tight ends: Davante Adams (Rams), Odell Beckham Jr. (FA), Stefon Diggs (FA), Rob Gronkowski, DeAndre Hopkins (FA), Kyle Juszczyk (49ers), Deebo Samuel (FA), DeVonta Smith (Eagles)
– Linebackers/defensive backs: Myles Garrett (Browns), Derwin James Jr. (Chargers), Luke Kuechly (Hall of Fame Class of 2026), Tyrann Mathieu, Von Miller (FA), Jalen Ramsey (Steelers)
The teams will be rounded out by world-class athletes and entertainers: Logan Paul, IShowSpeed and Terrence “Bud” Crawford.
Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Brady can’t wait to see the U.S. Men’s National Team compete up close and personal.
“Having Team USA as the third team in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic elevates the already world-class talent competing in this tournament,” the legendary quarterback said in a statement. “I’m excited to see how these teams compare, and the fact that we’ll be playing in the same stadium that will host flag football during the Olympics will show the world a glimpse of what’s to come in 2028. But I won’t return to the football field to lose. That’s for sure.”
The men’s national team is as follows:
– Aamir Brown: DB/WR/Captain
– Darrell “Housh” Doucette III: QB/ATH
– Isaiah Calhoun: DB/WR
-Nico Casares: QB
-Mike Daniels: DB/WR
-Laval Davis: WR/Rusher
-Tyler Davis: WR/DB
– Velton Brown Jr.: WR/DB
– Ja’Deion High: WR/DB
-Jamie Kennedy: DB/WR
– Shawn Theard Jr.: Rusher/WR
– Laderrick “Pablo” Smith: WR/QB
The Flag Football Classic also added two Pro Football Hall of Famers from the Class of 2026 – Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald – who will serve as commissioners for the event.
Tom Brady greets fans before the NFL Super Bowl LX football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The Flag Football Classic will stream live on FOX Sports, FOX One and Tubi from 4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. ET on March 21, while Fanatics will stream the event internationally on its YouTube channel. Actor and comedian Kevin Hart will host the event, with comedian Druski commentating alongside him.
The games will follow modified Olympic-style flag football rules, which feature two 15-minute halves with a running clock on a 50-by-25-yard field. It will be five-on-five, with each team competing in a round-robin format before the top two teams advance to the championship.
