NFL Legends and Active Players Unite for Innovative Flag Football Showcase in Saudi Arabia
Sean Payton, Denver Broncos head coach, recently shared his excitement about coaching in the upcoming Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Saudi Arabia. This innovative tournament will bring together NFL stars past and present, including Tom Brady who is making a brief return from retirement to participate. The event represents a significant step toward growing the sport internationally, particularly as flag football prepares for its Olympic debut in 2028.
“I had gotten a text from Tom, and he was explaining what the tournament was,” Payton explained, noting that the timing worked perfectly with his schedule. “I think more importantly, it’s significant when it comes to growing our game with the Olympics not that far around the corner.” The tournament format will feature three teams competing in a round-robin style on March 21 at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, culminating in a championship game. This structure allows for competitive play while showcasing the speed and skill that make flag football an increasingly popular variant of the traditional game.
The event has attracted an impressive roster of talent beyond Brady, including current NFL stars Saquon Barkley, CeeDee Lamb, Christian McCaffrey, and Maxx Crosby, along with retired legend Rob Gronkowski. The coaching lineup is equally impressive, with Payton joined by Pete Carroll and Kyle Shanahan – three of the NFL’s most respected strategic minds. This collection of football royalty demonstrates the seriousness with which the sport’s leadership views flag football’s global potential. With the NFL’s blessing, active players have received clearance to participate, opening doors for future international competitions.
Payton, who could potentially be considered for a Team USA coaching role in the 2028 Olympics, joked about having one condition for his participation: “One of them might have been — because he is playing, so it might’ve been that he’s my quarterback in that game,” referring to Brady. The comment highlights the unique nature of this event, where coaching legends can draft dream teams from across eras of NFL excellence. This playful approach reflects the tournament’s dual purpose of serious competition and promotional showcase.
The announcement comes at an interesting time for flag football’s development. With its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the sport is poised for significant growth globally. The NFL has actively supported this expansion, seeing international development as crucial to building new fanbases. Events like the Fanatics Flag Football Classic provide high-profile platforms that introduce the game to new audiences while allowing NFL personalities to engage with fans in markets where American football is still developing. This tournament specifically targets the Middle East, where sports investment has increased dramatically in recent years.
While excited about this international opportunity, Payton emphasized that his current focus remains squarely on the Broncos’ upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He didn’t specify whether any Denver players would join the tournament roster, keeping his immediate attention on NFL regular-season responsibilities. This balance between current team obligations and growing the game internationally exemplifies the modern NFL coach’s expanding role as both team leader and ambassador for the sport. As flag football continues its evolution into an Olympic discipline, events like this Saudi Arabia showcase may become increasingly common bridges between traditional football and its faster, more accessible flag variant.
