LOS ANGELES — Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion now retired, assembled a formidable squad for the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic, drafting longtime teammate Rob Gronkowski, rising star Ashton Jeanty and veteran playmaker Stefon Diggs among others in a star-studded draft held March 19, 2026, at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.

Tom Brady -NFL - Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Seattle Seahawks

The event, set for Saturday, March 21, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, features three 12-player teams competing in a round-robin tournament followed by a championship game. Brady co-captains Team Founders FFC alongside Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, with Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton leading the squad and Robert Saleh serving as defensive specialist.

The draft results, announced Wednesday and widely shared across sports media, highlight Brady's strategic picks blending NFL talent, former teammates and crossover athletes. His full Team Founders roster includes:

- Tom Brady (QB, retired)
- Jalen Hurts (QB, Philadelphia Eagles)
- Ashton Jeanty (RB, Las Vegas Raiders)
- Alvin Kamara (RB, New Orleans Saints)
- Rob Gronkowski (TE, retired)
- Antoine Winfield Jr. (DB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- DeVonta Smith (WR, Philadelphia Eagles)
- Stefon Diggs (WR, free agent)
- Von Miller (LB, free agent)
- Damar Hamlin (DB, free agent)
- Patrick Peterson (DB, retired)
- Terence Crawford (ATH, boxer)

Brady's selections emphasize proven winners and versatility. Gronkowski, his frequent target during Super Bowl runs with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reunites for flag football after years of speculation. Jeanty, the dynamic Raiders rookie known for explosive speed, adds youth and athleticism to the backfield alongside Kamara's elusive style. Diggs and Smith provide elite receiving threats, while defensive standouts like Winfield Jr., Miller, Hamlin and Peterson bolster the back end. Crawford, a boxing champion, brings crossover appeal and physicality as an athlete.

The opposing Wildcats FFC, captained by Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (coached by San Francisco 49ers' Kyle Shanahan), features a mix of current stars and veterans: Saquon Barkley (RB), Kyle Juszczyk (RB), Odell Beckham Jr. (WR), Davante Adams (WR), DeAndre Hopkins (WR), Derwin James Jr. (DB), Luke Kuechly (LB), Jalen Ramsey (DB), Logan Paul (ATH) and IShowSpeed (ATH).

A third team, the U.S. men's national flag football squad, rounds out the competition with established flag specialists like QB Darrell "Housh" Doucette III and DB/WR Aamir Brown.

The Fanatics Flag Football Classic, backed by the sports merchandise giant, aims to blend NFL talent with celebrity draw ahead of flag football's Olympic debut in 2028. The event includes a four-game round-robin starting at 1 p.m. PT Saturday, with the top two teams advancing to the title game. Broadcast details and streaming options are expected via Fanatics platforms and partners.

Brady's involvement has generated significant buzz, especially after recent verbal exchanges with Logan Paul (on the Wildcats roster), adding a promotional edge. The draft emphasized entertainment and competition, with captains selecting from a pool of NFL players, retired stars and non-football athletes.

Analysts praised Brady's team for balance: elite quarterbacks, dynamic skill players and veteran defense. Gronkowski's return alongside his former QB fuels nostalgia, while Jeanty's inclusion highlights emerging talent. The event tests flag football's appeal as a faster, less-contact alternative, potentially boosting its visibility.

With rosters locked and the tournament hours away, anticipation builds for on-field matchups featuring future Hall of Famers, current Pro Bowlers and crossover stars. The Fanatics Flag Football Classic could serve as a blueprint for future celebrity-flag events.