“I actually have inquired, and they don’t like that idea very much. We explored a lot of different things, and I’m very happily retired,” he revealed in a recent interview with Alex Sherman.

Considered by many as one of the greatest of all time, Brady today feels comfortable in his executive role. That said, judging by his appearances on the field in Flag Football, he could easily suit up again.

Players who came out of retirement

The NFL has seen several legendary icons who couldn’t resist the urge to return to the field for one final run. Tom Brady provided the most famous recent example when he ended a 40-day retirement in 2022 to play another season with the Buccaneers.

Similarly, Rob Gronkowski ended his brief hiatus in 2020 to reunite with Brady and win another Super Bowl ring in Tampa Bay. Even Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch famously came out of retirement twice to suit up for both the Raiders and the Seahawks. Ultimately, these iconic comebacks prove that the competitive fire is incredibly difficult to extinguish.

Brady’s new role

In 2026, Tom Brady serves as a high-profile minority owner and a key strategic advisor for the Las Vegas Raiders. Although he officially holds a 5% stake in the franchise, he acts as a de facto president of football operations, working closely with General Manager John Spytek to lead the team’s massive rebuild.

Brady has been heavily involved in major decisions, including the hiring of head coach Klint Kubiak and evaluating top prospects like Fernando Mendoza for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 Draft. His influence extends to the team’s culture, where he emphasizes discipline and long-term success to turn the organization around after a difficult 2025 season.

TB12’s accolades

Tom Brady has won a record-breaking seven Super Bowl rings throughout his legendary career. He earned his first six titles with the New England Patriots (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLIX, LI, LIII) and secured his final championship with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (LV). With seven rings, Brady has more Super Bowl victories than any single NFL franchise in history.

Brady also connected with Rob Gronkowski on a two-point conversion, further fueling the discussion. Even in a flag football setting, the chemistry between the longtime teammates was evident.

After the clips circulated online, some fans and analysts even suggested Brady could produce better results than several current NFL quarterbacks. While those claims are largely driven by nostalgia, the visual of Brady stepping in and delivering clean throws made the debate unavoidable. The speculation only intensified when Brady himself added fuel to the conversation.

Is Tom Brady coming out of retirement?

Tom Brady posted the video of his touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs with a short but intriguing caption: “Gets you thinking…” The message immediately triggered reactions, with many interpreting it as a playful tease about a potential return. Given Brady’s history of retiring and unretiring, even a brief comment like that was enough to spark widespread speculation.

Still, context matters. The Fanatics Flag Football Classic is far removed from the speed and physicality of the NFL, and Brady’s appearance was more about entertainment than a serious comeback. While his arm strength and accuracy looked sharp, returning to a full season at 48 years old would be an entirely different challenge.

In the end, Tom Brady’s post seemed designed to ignite a conversation rather than signal a real comeback. The touchdown to Diggs and the two-point conversion to Gronkowski showed he can still deliver highlights, but they do not change the bigger picture. The performance may get people thinking, just as Brady wrote, yet a return to the NFL remains highly unlikely.

After watching Team USA dominate all matchups, the star defender took to social media and wrote: “Team USA giving us belt I guess they will be in the Olympics lol.” The comment quickly gained traction as fans began discussing who should represent the United States at Los Angeles 2028.

Team USA won comfortably in three games against high-profile names, including Tom Brady, Joe Burrow, Rob Gronkowski, Davante Adams, and Saquon Barkley. Despite the star power, the exhibition highlighted the speed, spacing, and chemistry of experienced flag football players. The results fueled the growing argument that specialized athletes, rather than current NFL stars, may be better suited for Olympic competition.

Why flag football is different from the NFL?

Micah Parsons expanded on that idea in another post, explaining why NFL quarterbacks in particular struggled during the event. “I’m honestly not surprised NFL QBs are struggling in Olympic play. The majority of explosive plays in the NFL come off unscheduled plays where the play is extended!!” His point emphasized how flag football relies more on timing, quick reads, and structured spacing than broken-play improvisation.

Will NFL players participate in 2028 Olympics flag football?

That contrast may ultimately shape Team USA’s Olympic roster decisions. While NFL stars bring talent and recognition, experienced flag football players operate within a different rhythm and strategy. With Los Angeles 2028 approaching, the debate over who should represent the United States is already underway, and Parsons’ comments have only added fuel to the conversation.

The discussion has intensified as flag football prepares for its Olympic debut in Los Angeles 2028. Many assumed active NFL talent would easily dominate the format, but the Fanatics event showed a different reality. Parsons’ reaction echoed a broader sentiment: the transition from tackle football to flag football is not as simple as putting elite NFL players on the field.

Even in a non-contact environment, the seven-time Super Bowl champion showed flashes of his greatness playing alongside Rob Gronkowski, drawing attention from fans who still wonder if he could make another comeback.

The appearance quickly fueled speculation online, with some fans joking about a late return to the NFL. However, the context matters: this was a flag football exhibition, not a full-speed professional game. While Brady looked comfortable throwing, the gap between a showcase event and an NFL season remains enormous.

Will Tom Brady return to the NFL?

The short answer is no. Tom Brady’s participation in the 2026 Fanatics Flag Football Classic was more about entertainment than a serious comeback attempt. He remains retired, and there has been no indication that he intends to reverse that decision. The event simply offered a reminder that his arm talent hasn’t completely faded.

Age is the biggest factor. At 48 years old, returning to the NFL would require enduring a 17-game season, absorbing hits, and maintaining peak conditioning against players decades younger. Even for someone with Brady’s discipline and longevity, that challenge is unrealistic.

In the end, the Fanatics Flag Football Classic highlighted Brady’s competitive fire and enduring popularity, not a path back to professional football. The appearance may have reignited nostalgia, but it also reinforced reality: Tom Brady can still throw, still compete, and still draw headlines, just not as an NFL quarterback anymore.

“My heart is really hurting. We’re like a leaky faucet right now. We have to get some short throws and keep our defense off the field. That’s all it is for them (trick plays). Just confusing us at the snap. They’re pretty quick.”

Despite the lopsided loss, Brady still showed flashes of his trademark accuracy and decision-making with great throws to Stefon Diggs and Rob Gronkowski. However, the lack of cohesion and the inability to counter the trick plays made it difficult for the Founders to stay competitive.

Tom Brady comes out of retirement

Beyond the result, Tom Brady showed his physical condition is great after returning to competitive action. The seven-time Super Bowl champion had not played in three years, and the game served as a test of both his arm and mobility.

Is Tom Brady coming back to the NFL?

Although many rumors have suggested that Tom Brady has some interest in returning to the NFL, at 48 years old it is already impossible and he will remain retired.

If Brady continues participating in events like the Flag Football Classic, his form could keep improving as he adapts to the pace and spacing of the format. Even in defeat, his presence added star power to the tournament and fueled conversation about former NFL players competing in future editions, especially with the sport moving toward Olympic inclusion.

The scoring play came during a strong opening stretch for Brady’s team, which moved the ball efficiently through the air. After the touchdown, the Founders attempted a two-point conversion, but the sequence took a worrying turn when Rob Gronkowski suffered a hamstring injury while completing the play. The former tight end immediately felt discomfort, casting a shadow over what had been a spectacular offensive series led by Brady.

Even so, the highlight throw to Diggs quickly became the defining play of the game. Brady’s timing, pocket movement and anticipation resembled his NFL prime, reinforcing the idea that his arm talent remains intact despite time away from the field. For fans, the moment felt like a throwback to countless connections between Brady and elite receivers throughout his legendary career.

Tom Brady TD pass Brady to Stefon Diggs in 2026 Flag Football Classic

The 2026 Flag Football Classic is expected to become an annual tradition, especially with the sport set to be part of the Olympic program. Organizers view the tournament as both entertainment and a preview of what international flag football could look like with star power involved. Brady’s participation immediately elevated the visibility of the event and drew attention from players across football.

His performance also sparked conversation about former NFL stars returning in this format. Despite being retired for three years after winning seven Super Bowl titles, Brady showed he can still operate at a high level. The touchdown to Diggs highlighted not only his accuracy but also his ability to quickly adapt to the faster pace of flag football.

If the tournament continues to grow, moments like Brady’s touchdown pass could become foundational highlights for the sport. With Olympic inclusion on the horizon, the Flag Football Classic may evolve into a showcase where legends, current stars and flag specialists collide, and Brady’s connection with Diggs could be remembered as one of the plays that helped push the event into the spotlight.

The Founders, Brady’s team, were facing Team USA in one of the most anticipated games of the first edition of the tournament. It was an appetizer for what we could see at the 2028 Olympics.

During the last few months, a major debate has emerged about whether stars like Patrick Mahomes could play for an Olympic medal. However, flag football players will not give up their spots so easily.

Can Tom Brady and NFL stars play flag football at the Olympics?

Yes. Tom Brady and NFL stars can play flag football at the Olympics. The rules allow national federations to select eligible players regardless of whether they come from traditional flag football backgrounds or professional football in the NFL.

That opens the door for high-profile NFL talent to be included on Olympic rosters if they are chosen by their respective countries. From a competitive standpoint, adding players like Brady or other NFL stars would immediately raise the level of play. Their experience, football IQ, and ability to perform under pressure would make them attractive options, especially at quarterback and skill positions.

However, participation would ultimately depend on roster decisions and team chemistry. Flag football specialists have spent years developing in the format, and national teams may prioritize continuity. Even so, the possibility remains very real, and if selected, NFL stars like Brady would be fully eligible to compete for an Olympic medal.

During an interview with Kay Adams, Gronk reacted to his former teammate’s statements. “I don’t know. I’m not Tom. I haven’t talked to him yet since the Patriots been in the Super Bowl. But, because he probably wants to be the quarterback. He’s that competitive. He probably wants to be the guy in the Super Bowl right now.”

The extraordinary tight end was also very clear in mentioning that a victory by Drake Maye in the Super Bowl does not affect Brady’s legacy with the franchise at all. “No. Not at all. Nothing will ever take away what Tom has done for the game of football and for the Patriots.”

Tom Brady sparks controversy with Patriots in the Super Bowl

Tom Brady has sparked a major debate because, after having won the Super Bowl six times with the Patriots, it is difficult to understand why he would not publicly support them.

However, there are several reasons why he might avoided choosing a favorite. The most important one could be that he is a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and, interestingly, his team is interested in hiring Klint Kubiak, the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator, as head coach.

Additionally, Brady is currently an analyst for Fox, which may lead him to take a more neutral stance. In the case of Rob Gronkowski, who works for the same network, there is no doubt. He is rooting for the Patriots.

“I’m rooting for the Patriots. What’s great about the Patriots being in the Super Bowl is that it shows and is bringing back just how dominant the Patriots are. There’s a lot of fans out there that are mad that the Patriots are back in the Super Bowl. They’re mad because of how many times we won with our dynasty. They’re pissed that they’re already back after just three or four down years.”

Having won it all with the Patriots and during his final year with the Bucs, Gronkowski now enjoys the NFL from a different perspective. The No. 87, one of Tom Brady’s greatest allies throughout his career, weighed in on Kelce’s situation on Good Morning America.

“The only advice that I would give him, because I’ve been in this situation before, is listen to your gut feeling. If you truly love the game of football and you feel like you belong out there on the football field, well then go back. Look at your options, see what’s presented to you on the table and weigh it all out and take your time.”

He also added: “But only go back to the game of football if you truly believe and feel like you belong on the field still. If your heart’s not in it, well then you got a lot of opportunities ahead of you and he’s gonna be successful in whatever he does in his next venture.”

Is Kelce retiring after this season?

While Travis Kelce has not officially confirmed his plans for next year, speculation regarding his future continues to grow. In a recent discussion, Kelce revealed what needs to happen for him to postpone retirement, noting that his decision hinges entirely on his passion for the game.

He admitted that if he comes back, “it would be just to answer that flame in my heart that I still love this thing,” suggesting that as long as that fire remains, the future Hall of Famer won’t walk away.

Kelce’s harsh self-critique

Despite finishing the season with 73 receptions, 839 yards, and 5 touchdowns, Travis Kelce is deeply disappointed with his individual performance. In a moment of raw honesty, Kelce made a tough revelation on Andy Reid, admitting that he feels he let his coach down to the point where he struggled to even “look him in the eye.” Even with solid veteran numbers, Kelce clearly expects more of himself as a cornerstone of the Chiefs‘ offense.

Tom Pelissero asked Gronk what would happen if Robert Kraft called him to join the Patriots. “You want to know something? I can give them looks on the practice squad seeing Philip Rivers sign to the practice squad which makes sense. You gotta get them game ready and then you can pull them up anytime. But, I would maybe go back if a team was like: ‘Hey, you know, can you give us some great looks on the scout team?’ And we’re going to pay you a legitimate bonus.”

Gronkowski already came out of retirement once to help Tom Brady win a Super Bowl during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now, with this wave of veterans like Rivers or Aaron Rodgers playing, rumors have begun to swirl around different former stars of the league.

Is Rob Gronkowski coming out of retirement?

Rob Gronkowski doesn’t seem likely to come out of retirement, but at least in his comments, he hinted that a certain kind of offer (depending on the money) could catch his interest. It still looks almost impossible, although no one expected Philip Rivers to return, and it happened.

How much money does Rob Gronkowski want to earn if he comes out of retirement?

Rob Gronkowski wants to earn one million in a possible comeback to any NFL practice squad. His conditions are very clear if any team picks up the phone to contact him.

“Like a million bucks or something bonus right on the spot. And all you got to do is practice Wednesday, Thursday and Friday on the practice squad and show us some legitimate looks of the tight ends that we’re going against. Just go out there and practice, and have fun. Get our guys better. That actually might be a pretty cool case. I might have to think about that the chances of that happening are 1%. But I would have to just think about it and lay my options on the table.”

At 7-2, the Patriots share the top of the AFC with the Indianapolis Colts, but they’re not stopping there. Drake Maye’s second season with the team has been nothing but remarkable, as the former North Carolina quarterback has gone 189 of 255 for 2,285 yards and 17 touchdowns against four interceptions.

This team has made fans dream about much more than a playoff berth, and one of its former stars believes they are on the right track to compete for a championship.

Rob Gronkowski hypes up Patriots’ Super Bowl chances amid 7-2 season

During Wednesday’s edition of Kay Adams’ “Up & Adams” show, legendary tight end Rob Gronkowski made his thoughts clear on the Patriots’ chances to go all the way to the Super Bowl. The four-time champion sees the Pats’ roster as one that can achieve the goal.

“I truly believe that half of the rosters in the NFL have the potential to make it to the Super Bowl if those teams come together,” Gronkowski said. “Everyone needs to be on the same page, and the Patriots are one of those teams with a roster that can achieve this. In the end, it’s all about staying healthy, playing your best football, getting everything together, and ensuring that everyone is on the same page.”

The competition won’t be easy, but New England has shown it can compete against anybody. Halfway through the season, they look as good as anybody, but they need to maintain the level to arrive in the postseason with real chances to win it all.