NFL clarifies it has no responsibility in Tom Brady’s flag football tournament in Arabia

Villahermosa, Tabasco. – The National Football League (NFL) informed its 32 franchises this Friday that it has no responsibility for the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, a tournament in which Tom Brady and other league stars will participate on March 21, 2026 at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. You may be interested in: Neymar gets injured again in his right thigh and misses the classic against Sao Paulo In a statement cited by Pro Football Talk from NBC, the NFL emphasized that the event is not sanctioned by the league and that any injuries suffered by the players will be considered as “not related to American football”, without contractual coverage or official protection. The announcement comes days after Tom Brady, considered the best quarterback in history, revealed his participation in the tournament alongside active and retired NFL figures. Among them are Christian McCaffrey (49ers), CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys), Maxx Crosby (Raiders), Sauce Gardner (Jets), and Myles Garrett (Browns). The contest will bring together three eight-player flag football teams, led by coaches Pete Carroll (Raiders), Sean Payton (Broncos), and Kyle Shanahan (49ers). The league pointed out that each franchise must decide whether or not to authorize the participation of its players, and if so, must notify the NFL in writing. So far, Dallas Cowboys has confirmed that CeeDee Lamb has permission to play, although it has not clarified what will happen in case of injury. The NFL recalled that this tournament is not contemplated in the resolution that allows players to participate in Olympic flag football in view of the Los Angeles 2028 Games, which reinforces its disassociation with the event in Arabia.