Tom Brady insists he has embraced life after the NFL, but even in retirement the seven time Super Bowl champion sounds like someone still wired for competition.
As Brady prepares for his first live action appearance since stepping away from football, the 48 year old admitted he may be spending too much time in the gym while gearing up for a high profile flag football showcase that has quietly reignited talk of a bigger comeback.
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Speaking at the launch of Fanatics Studios in Los Angeles, Brady acknowledged that his training balance has tilted heavily toward conditioning rather than actual on field reps.
“The problem is I’ve probably been in the gym too much, but I’ve had less time on the field and I need to spend more time on the field getting ready,” Brady told PEOPLE.
“I haven’t got hit in a long time, so I’ve got to get out there and throw a little bit more to get my arm ready to go, but I think it’s going to go pretty good.”
The upcoming test will come in March at the Fanatics Flag Football Classic in Riyadh, a global exhibition event that will feature a mix of current NFL stars and former greats.
Brady will captain the Founders, while Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels leads the Wildcats. The event will also be the centerpiece of a new documentary project following Brady’s return to competitive action.
With his second season in the Fox broadcast booth now finished, Brady says the practical side of preparation is starting to kick in.
“Now that the season’s over for most teams, I’ve got to get some receivers out there to run a few routes for me,” he said, adding that physically he feels “pretty good,” even if timing and rhythm still need work.
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The Riyadh event is positioned as more than a celebrity exhibition. Organizers view it as a global showcase for a sport that will make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028.
Brady has not ruled out the possibility of being part of that moment, teasing that a longer term competitive return is at least worth considering.
“Maybe there’s a small chance,” Brady said when asked about the Olympics, leaving just enough ambiguity to fuel speculation without making a commitment.
The tournament is expected to include high profile names such as Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, Tyreek Hill, Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby, with games airing live on FOX Sports and Tubi.
Actor and comedian Kevin Hart will serve as host, underscoring the entertainment driven angle of the project.
Brady also emphasized the personal element of the venture, pointing to his relationship with Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin and OBB Media‘s Michael Ratner.
“To see my friends build something like this and to be involved in a few projects over the last six months has been a blast,” he said. “I love competing and I love seeing people I care about succeed.”