Tom Brady’s name is trending again, and this time it isn’t because of his broadcasting duties. A new report has fans buzzing about a possible return to the field. But is the seven-time Super Bowl champion really coming back to the NFL, or is the story being blown out of proportion?

Is Tom Brady Coming Out of Retirement?

The short answer: not exactly. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Brady will participate in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic during Riyadh Season in Saudi Arabia on March 21, 2026. The event will feature stars like Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, CeeDee Lamb, Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, Sauce Gardner and Brady’s longtime teammate Rob Gronkowski. Coaching duties will be split between Pete Carroll, Sean Payton and Kyle Shanahan.

Tom Brady is coming out of retirement, sort of, to join Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, CeeDee Lamb, Maxx Crosby, Rob Gronkowski, Sauce Gardner Myles Garrett and others for the Fanatics Flag Football Classic – a competitive flag football tournament taking place during Riyadh…

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 15, 2025

While this marks Brady’s first on-field action since retiring three years ago, it’s not a comeback to the NFL. Instead, it’s a competitive flag football tournament,  more of an exhibition than a professional return. So, while Brady is lacing up his cleats again, fans hoping for a full-blown NFL comeback shouldn’t get their hopes up.

Brady has already been flexing his competitive spirit this year. At Fanatics Fest in New York, the seven-time Super Bowl champion emerged as the winner of the inaugural Fanatics Games, an eight-event competition that paired athletes and celebrities against fans. Brady topped the 100-person leaderboard with 399.1 points, securing the $1 million prize. True to form, he pledged to give $5,000 to each of the 50 fans who competed and donate the remainder to charity.

Tom Brady came out to Cody Rhodes’ theme song, ripped an Eli Manning jersey… and then got jumped by Eli Manning at Fanatics Fest 😂

(🎥 @theanglejoey)

pic.twitter.com/dYavBpbhBm

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 20, 2025

The event featured challenges ranging from quarterback drills and basketball shooting to UFC striking and golf. Brady outperformed stars like UFC fighter Justin Gaethje, NBA veteran James Harden, and even his longtime NFL rival Eli Manning. In a lighthearted twist, a Pennsylvania teacher who placed third won a rare LeBron James rookie card, only to later sell it to Brady for $250,000 and a signed card and jersey.

What’s Brady Currently Doing?

Since retiring from football in 2023, Brady has shifted into the broadcast booth. He’s now the lead NFL analyst for Fox Sports, a role he began in 2024 after signing a massive $375 million deal. Each week, he breaks down games alongside play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt, offering fans the same insight and preparation that made him legendary as a quarterback.

Brady has embraced his commentator role, often bringing his deep knowledge of strategy, situational football, and quarterback play to national broadcasts. For many fans, hearing Brady’s voice on Sundays has softened the blow of not watching him on the field anymore.

READ MORE: Who’s Tom Brady Dating in 2025?

In addition to TV work, Brady has remained busy with his business ventures, from TB12 to his various investments. He has also stayed close to the game through appearances and collaborations with current NFL stars.

So while Brady’s brief flag football cameo will draw plenty of attention, his main focus remains broadcasting, business, and life after football, not a return to the NFL.