Veteran NFL quarterback Tom Brady and legendary tight end Rob Gronkowski are reuniting on a global stage. Brady is making his first on-field return since retiring in 2023 for the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Saudi Arabia, set for March 2026. Gronk, who retired in 2022, is joining him to bring the energy alongside his longtime teammate.

The duo already look like they haven’t missed a beat. Brady fired a 35-yard dart to Gronk in practice, setting the tone early. “We’re gonna save up for March 21st. I already got out of breath. I gotta get in shape, but we’re gonna be bringing the juice,” Gronk joked.

Recently, Brady and Gronkowski showed off their familiar chemistry on air, trading inside jokes and playful banter on FOX Sports. It seemed like their partnership might be limited to the broadcast booth, but the nostalgia is about to come alive again on the field.

Together, Brady and Gronkowski won four Super Bowls, three with the Patriots and one with the Buccaneers, cementing one of the most successful QB-TE duos in NFL history.

Brady’s numbers say it all: 89,214 passing yards and 649 touchdowns. And Gronk’s resume is just as impressive. He finished his NFL career with 621 catches, 9,286 receiving yards, and 92 touchdowns over 11 seasons.

Their careers are packed with jaw-dropping stats and championship glory, but now, they’re stepping into a new kind of spotlight.

And this isn’t just an exhibition game, they’re suiting up for a global showcase. On March 21, 2026, the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic will spotlight the sport on the world stage, featuring a unique round-robin format: five-on-five matchups on a 50-yard field, played in fast-paced, short halves built for nonstop action.

Brady and Gronk aren’t alone. The roster around them is loaded with stars. Think Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, CeeDee Lamb, Sauce Gardner, Maxx Crosby, and more. They’re all slated to take on the field. On the sidelines? Coaching firepower from the likes of Pete Carroll, Sean Payton, and Kyle Shanahan.

And Brady? He might have even bigger plans.

Tom Brady returns to action with even bigger plans ahead

Brady might be viewing this high-profile matchup as a gateway to Olympic competition. Flag football is officially part of the LA28 Olympic Games, with the IOC approving it as a new addition. Both men’s and women’s competitions will follow a fast-paced five-on-five format on a 50-yard field. Backed by the NFL, IFAF, and LA28 organizers, the sport is set for a high-profile Olympic debut.

The league has already thrown its weight behind the movement. In May 2025, the NFL and NFLPA cleared the way for active players to compete in Olympic flag football. We might be seeing some of the game’s biggest stars suit up for Team USA in 2028.

And Brady could very well suit up for Team USA in 2028. When asked if he’ll participate in the Olympics, his response was rather hopeful. “We’ll see. Let’s see how this game goes. I think a lot of people are gonna wanna be involved in the Olympics. Especially cause football players never had an opportunity to do that. For me, it’s just exciting. I still love throwing the football,” he said.

Who thought we’d see Brady suiting up (for the USA at that) after he announced his retirement back in 2023. But if he does end up taking on the field in the Olympics, the USA might already be confirmed gold-medalists.