The Fanatics Flag Football Classic is set to make history as a groundbreaking showcase for the rapidly growing sport of flag football. Slated for this Saturday at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles—the same venue that will host flag football during the 2028 Olympic Games—this inaugural event promises an unforgettable “best-on-best” competition.
Originally planned for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the event relocated to Los Angeles amid the military activities in the Middle East. Produced by Fanatics Studios (a joint venture between Fanatics and OBB Media), in partnership with Tom Brady and FOX Sports, the Classic brings together current and former NFL stars, world-class athletes, and top flag specialists in a high-stakes exhibition.
With more than 20 million players globally, flag football is the fastest-growing sport in the world. The event moving to BMO Stadium in Los Angeles sets up an even greater connection to the LA28 Olympic Games, where flag football will make its highly anticipated debut at that stadium.
In addition to moving to LA, last week event organizers expanded the format to include Team USA Football. The event also notably marks Brady’s first official return to the field since his 2023 retirement.
The newly structured, first of its kind competition, includes three 12-player teams: two comprised of an incredible mix of current and former NFL stars and elite global athletes, and the third represented by USA Football’s reigning IFAF Flag Football World Champion U.S. Men’s National Team, setting up a world-class showdown between many of the biggest names in sports and the most accomplished flag players in the world.
The teams are: Founders FFC, Wilcats FFC and the U.S. Men’s National Team.
The Founders FFC team will be captained by Tom Brady and Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts and coached by current Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton. Wildcats FFC will be captained by Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and coached by current San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. New Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh will serve as a defensive specialist for both teams.
On Wednesday, Brady/Hurts and Daniels/Burrow will draft their 12-person teams from a pool of 24 current and former NFL stars.
Below are the players in the draft:
Running Backs: Saquon Barkley (Eagles), Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints), Ashton Jeanty (Las Vegas Raiders)
– Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: Davante Adams (Los Angeles Rams), Odell Beckham Jr., Stefon Diggs, Rob Gronkowski (retired), DeAndre Hopkins, Kyle Juszczyk (49ers), Deebo Samuel, DeVonta Smith (Eagles)
– Linebackers/Defensive Backs: Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns), Derwin James Jr. (Los Angeles Chargers), Luke Kuechly (Retired, Hall of Fame Class of 2026), Tyrann Mathieu (retired), Von Miller, Jalen Ramsey (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Rounding out the teams will be world-class athletes and entertainers: Logan Paul, IShowSpeed, and Terrence “Bud” Crawford.
Newly inducted NFL Football Hall of Fame legends Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald will also be on hand for the event, serving as commissioners.
The U.S. Men’s National team will be captained by Aamir Brown and Darrell “Housh” Doucette and coached by Jorge Cascudo.
The games will follow modified Olympic style flag football rules, featuring two 15-minute halves with a running clock on a 50 x 25-yard field. All three teams will meet in a round-robin tournament with the top two teams advancing to the championship.
The Fanatics Flag Football Classic will air live on FOX Sports, FOX One and Tubi from 4pm – 8:30pm ET / 1pm – 5:30pm PT. The event will also be streamed internationally on the Fanatics YouTube channel. Actor and comedian Kevin Hart will serve as the host alongside actor and comedian Druski.
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NFL Stars to shine at Fanatics Flag Football Classic this weekend – High School Football America
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