Tom Brady will not play in LA28 Olympics, eyes supporting role for Team USA flag football

When flag football makes its Olympic debut at LA28, Tom Brady, at age 48, made one thing clear: he will not be suiting up for Team USA.

“No,” Brady told Olympics.com when asked at the inaugural Flag Football Classic in Los Angeles on Saturday (21 March) about competing in the upcoming Summer Olympics.

“LA28 will be a lot of guys like you saw out there on the field, trying to be their best and showcase their skill set in front of a global audience.”

The seven-time NFL Super Bowl champion immediately shut down any speculation about a return to competition after playing in the round-robin tournament in Los Angeles at the venue where flag football competitions will be held come LA28.

But Brady made it equally clear that he intends to continue his involvement in promoting the growth of the support and with Team USA.

“If there’s any role I can play, I’d love to obviously be supporting it,” the five-time Super Bowl MVP told Olympics.com. “I’d love to see the American team win it all.”

Flag Football Classic provides LA28 Olympics preview

Brady, who served as co-captain of the Founders team, one of three teams competing in the first-ever Flag Football Classic, helped spearhead the event with a clear goal of building momentum toward LA28 in mind.

“The impetus for all of it was LA 2028 and flag football being part of the Olympics,” Brady said. “One of the fastest growing sports, I learned last year, was flag football, where 20 million people are playing.”

Originally, the round-robin tournament was set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but amidst the geopolitical unrest in the Middle East, the event ultimately shifted to the most ideal host city, in Los Angeles, offering a preview of what’s to come when the Olympic spotlight arrives.

NFL players, including Brady, got their first real taste of elite flag football competition against Team USA’s established stars. Among them was Team USA quarterback Darrell “Housch” Doucette, who truly cherished the moment.

“Tom Brady being the GOAT, being able to be on that field with him,” started Doucette. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Despite the star power on the NFL side, Team USA’s experience beat out the American tackle football superstars with ease.

While Brady will not compete on the field, his influence on the sport of flag is just the beginning, ramping up to LA28. He envisions a continued role, potentially as a brand ambassador or even a coach, while helping shape the game’s evolution.

“I don’t think there’d be any greater athletic feat for a coach or player than to ultimately go out there and represent your country and win a gold medal,” said Brady as one of the ultimate ambassadors for the sport of football.

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