Tom Brady’s Flag Football Debut Ends in Team USA Domination | 2026 Classic Results
LOS ANGELES – Tom Brady’s return to competitive football, even in a flag football format, began with a vintage moment. The seven-time Super Bowl champion connected with Stefon Diggs for a touchdown on his first play as a quarterback in over three years. While, the magic quickly faded as Team USA dominated the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, ultimately defeating Brady’s Founders FFC 43-16 in the championship game on .
The initial spark came on a fourth-and-goal play. Brady, replacing Jalen Hurts, evaded pressure and delivered a precise strike to Diggs in the corner of the end zone. He then followed it up with a two-point conversion pass to longtime teammate Rob Gronkowski, giving his team an early 8-0 lead. It was a reminder of the chemistry and precision that defined their NFL careers.
But the early momentum proved fleeting. Gronkowski suffered a hamstring injury, and Brady’s team, coached by Sean Payton, struggled to maintain the intensity against a well-prepared and athletic Team USA squad. Team USA had earlier dismantled Joe Burrow’s Wildcats FFC 39-16, setting the stage for a dominant run through the tournament.
The Wildcats, featuring a roster including Saquon Barkley and Jayden Daniels, managed to eliminate Brady, Hurts, and the Founders FFC with a 34-26 victory, but couldn’t replicate that success against Team USA in the final. The national team proved relentless on offense, scoring on every possession except for a kneel-down to end one game.
“My heart is really hurting right now,” Brady said after the losses, a sentiment reflecting the competitive fire that still burns despite his retirement from the NFL.
Despite the team’s overall performance, Brady showcased flashes of his former brilliance. He even called an audible for a play reminiscent of the “Philly Special,” connecting with Hurts for another touchdown pass against Team USA. However, the learning curve for flag football was evident for many of the NFL players and coaches involved, with the tournament offering a unique set of challenges.
The nuances of flag football – particularly the rules surrounding flag removal and positioning – proved tricky for some. Brady was penalized for inadvertently dropping a flag while attempting a quick snap, and Payton expressed frustration with an officiating call regarding down and distance. These moments highlighted the adjustments required for even the most seasoned football professionals.
The tournament’s significance extends beyond the competition itself. With flag football set to debut as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, the event provided a glimpse into the potential for NFL players to compete on the world stage. The performance of Team USA, led by Darrell “Housh” Doucette III and Nico Casares, served as a clear statement of intent.
The relocation of the event from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to BMO Stadium in Los Angeles was prompted by rising tensions in the Middle East. Despite the last-minute change, the tournament drew significant attention and showcased the growing popularity of flag football.
Brady’s Founders FFC roster included a mix of NFL stars and athletes from other sports, including Ashton Jeanty, Alvin Kamara, Antoine Winfield Jr., DeVonta Smith, Von Miller, Damar Hamlin, Patrick Peterson, and boxer Terence Crawford. Burrow’s Wildcats FFC, coached by Kyle Shanahan, featured Kyle Juszczyk, Odell Beckham Jr., Davante Adams, DeAndre Hopkins, Derwin James Jr., Luke Kuechly, Jalen Ramsey, entertainer Logan Paul, and YouTuber IShowSpeed.
The Fanatics Flag Football Classic, a joint venture between Fanatics, OBB Media, Tom Brady, and Fox Sports, provided Stefon Diggs with a new football opportunity following his departure from the New England Patriots. Diggs’ inclusion in the tournament came just days after the Patriots decided to part ways with their star wide receiver, offering him a platform to continue playing the game he loves.
While Team USA ultimately emerged victorious, the tournament underscored the growing appeal of flag football and the enduring passion of players like Tom Brady, who continue to seek new challenges on the gridiron, even in a different form.