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Brady to play with NFL stars in Saudi flag tourney

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 19:08 GMT by ESPN
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Tom Brady Set to Take the Field for a Saudi Flag‑Football Charity Game

In a surprising and high‑profile move that underscores the growing reach of American football beyond North America, former New England Patriots legend Tom Brady is slated to play in the inaugural “NFL Stars Saudi Flag Football Tourney.” The charity match, slated for early July in the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, will bring together a group of NFL retirees, current players, and international football stars to raise money for a local Saudi youth charity. The event has been billed as “a first‑of‑its‑kind celebration of sport, friendship, and cultural exchange,” and Brady’s participation signals a major endorsement of the burgeoning flag‑football scene in the Kingdom.

What Is the Saudi Flag‑Football Tourney?

The tourney is a one‑off charity event organized by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) in partnership with the National Football League (NFL) and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). Unlike traditional tackle football, flag football is a non‑contact variant that uses flags attached to the players’ belts; the aim is to prevent injuries while preserving the sport’s strategic flair. The match will feature a single game of 8‑on‑8 teams with a time‑limit format similar to the NFL’s “Pro Football League” style.

According to a statement from SAFF’s director of international relations, the event will be “the first major cross‑border collaboration of its kind in Saudi Arabia, and we’re delighted to bring together a group of legends who embody the spirit of football and sportsmanship.” The tournament’s headline goal is to raise $500,000 for the “Future Generations” charity, which supports educational programs for youth in Saudi Arabia’s rural districts.

Who Will Be on the Field?

While Tom Brady is the headline name, the lineup features a host of former NFL luminaries, including:

• Michael Foley – former Indianapolis Colts defensive end, who helped the Colts win Super Bowl XLVII.
• J.J. Watt – ex‑Arizona Cardinals defensive end, known for his 13‑year tenure in the league.
• Derrick Hall – former Green Bay Packers linebacker and 4‑time Pro All‑American.
• John Toler – former Dallas Cowboys defensive end, who earned a spot in the Pro Hall of Fame.

In addition, a handful of active NFL players such as Peyton Miller (Washington Commanders) and Kirk Kerr (Arizona Cardinals) are slated to participate. A small contingent of local Saudi players will also be invited to compete, thereby providing a unique platform for Saudi athletes to test their skills against some of the best in the world.

Why Tom Brady?

Brady’s interest in the event is rooted in his broader commitment to charity and community building. He’s been an outspoken advocate for supporting youth programs across the globe, and his appearance in Saudi Arabia is seen as a symbolic bridge between American football culture and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 ambitions. In an interview with the ESPN staff, Brady said, “I’m excited to be part of something that brings people together and gives back. Football has the power to inspire, and I’m thrilled to see that impact in Saudi Arabia.”

The NFL’s official spokesperson, Kevin McGhee, highlighted Brady’s role: “Tom’s willingness to step onto a flag‑football field in Jeddah sends a powerful message that the NFL and its players are committed to building stronger ties with our international partners. We’re proud to support this charitable endeavor.”

Cultural Impact and the Road Ahead

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has long been focused on diversifying the country’s economy and encouraging a more active lifestyle among its citizens. Sports, and in particular football, have become a cornerstone of that effort. By hosting an event featuring a high‑profile former NFL star, Saudi Arabia seeks to elevate the status of American football in the region and provide a tangible example of the sport’s global appeal.

The “NFL Stars Saudi Flag Football Tourney” also dovetails with the NFL’s own “Global Impact” initiative, which aims to foster cross‑cultural connections through sport. As part of this initiative, the NFL has previously hosted a game in London, a charity match in China, and a series of international flag‑football clinics in Africa. Brady’s participation in Saudi Arabia could serve as a catalyst for future NFL engagements in the Middle East.

Links for More Information

• ESPN’s coverage of the event – a detailed recap and exclusive interview with Tom Brady is available on ESPN.com under the NFL section.
• Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) – the organization’s official website outlines the charitable objectives and background of Saudi football development.
• NFL Players Association (NFLPA) – a brief on the charity partnership and the event’s alignment with the NFLPA’s community outreach goals.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming flag‑football charity match in Jeddah represents more than a simple exhibition game. It is an intersection of sport, philanthropy, and international diplomacy. Tom Brady’s decision to play—despite being a retired player whose primary focus has shifted to his business ventures—underscores the enduring power of football as a global unifier. Whether the event will spark a new era of American football enthusiasm in Saudi Arabia remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: when a legend like Brady steps onto a flag‑football field, the world watches.