Tom Brady makes major career U-turn after Birmingham City and Raiders success

Tom brady has made the decision to return to playing American Football next March, just two years on from his retirement. The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback is the latest NFL legend to sign up for the Fanatics Flag Football Classic.

The competitive flag football tournament event will take place in Saudi Arabia, with a number of other stars - past and present - also said to be taking part. For example, as per ESPN, the likes of Saquon Barkley, Maxx Crosby, Rob Gronkowski and Christian McCaffrey are also set to feature.

Meanwhile, Brock Bowers, Tyreek Hill and Odell Beckham Jr are among the other hotshots who are anticipated to be teaming up with the event. The outing will see three teams made up of eight players each compete in a round-robin format, and is scheduled to take place at the Kingdom Arena as part of the Riyadh Season promotion.

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The players aren't the only big draw of the lucrative event. That's because the three sides will be overseen by Las Vegas Raiders head Pete Carroll, Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers chief Kyle Shanahan respectively.

The five-on-five games will be played on a 50-yard field, with two 10-yard end zones, and will feature two 20 minute halves as per FOX Sports. Kevin Hart is presenting the tournament.

Explaining his decision to play, Brady said: "I couldn't be more excited to return to the field, get the competitive juices flowing alongside some of the game's brightest stars and iconic legends, and bring a truly unique global sports event to fans everywhere during Riyadh Season.

"I have always admired the power of flag football and how it connects fans of all ages, and it's awesome to be able to showcase the sport on such a global stage while joining together so many incredibly skilled athletes.

"I'm looking forward to partnering with Turki Alalshikh, Fanatics, OBB Media, my team at Shadow Lion and my friends at FOX Sports to showcase some fierce competition. And I will be bringing home the trophy."

Alalshikh, who is the Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority in Saudi Arabia and has been involved massively in the boxing takeover of Saudi Arabia, added: "Riyadh Season prides itself on staging world-class events and this is certain to be the biggest competition of its kind yet in flag football, bringing together some of the most prominent names in sports and entertainment for what promises to be a highly competitive and unforgettable event.

"We are pleased to be playing our part in supporting flag football's continued growth and using the platform of Riyadh Season to bring the game to a new and wider audience around the world."

After enjoying a legendary 23-year career as a quarterback, winning seven Super Bowls and five Super Bowl MVP awards accross his time with the Patriots and the Buccaneers, Brady called time on his playing days in 2023. However, he has been incredibly busy in his retirement, taking on a number of new ventures.

Not only has the 48-year-old been working as a broadcaster for FOX NFL, providing coverage of this year's Super Bowl LIX event in which the Philadelphia Eagles stunned the Kansas City Chiefs, but he has also picked up a part-ownership share of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Elsewhere, Brady purchased a stake in Birmingham City Football Club in August 2023, and played a major part in the side's League One-winning campaign last season which saw them promoted back to the EFL Championship. Under Brady's watch, the Blues will hope to push for promotion to the Premier League this term.

Birmingham currently sit 11th in the league standings with two wins, a defeat and two draws to their name for their efforts this season thus far, and will turn their attention to hosting Swansea City at St Andrew's come Saturday, September 20 in their next clash.