Team USA Dominates Flag Football Showcase, Leaving NFL Stars in the Dust

Tom Brady's team falls short against national squad's mastery of the sport

Mar. 22, 2026 at 3:21am

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In a highly anticipated flag football showcase, NFL stars like Tom Brady and Joe Burrow were no match for the dominant performance of Team USA. Despite Brady's early heroics, including a perfect touchdown pass, his team and Burrow's squad were ultimately overwhelmed by the national team's offensive prowess, speed, and mastery of the rules. The event highlighted the growing gap between NFL players' limited flag football experience and the national team's superior skills as the sport prepares to make its Olympic debut in 2028.

Why it matters

The flag football showcase provided a glimpse into the future of the sport as it prepares for the Olympics. While NFL players expressed interest in representing the U.S., the event demonstrated that they have significant ground to make up to compete with the national team's level of play and understanding of the game. This raises questions about the selection process and training regimen needed for NFL stars to make the 2028 Olympic squad.

The details

In the opening game, Brady led his Founders FFC team to an early 8-0 lead with a touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs and a two-point conversion to Rob Gronkowski. However, Gronkowski's hamstring injury and the national team's dominance proved too much, as they cruised to a 43-16 victory. Burrow's Wildcats FFC squad also fell to Team USA 39-16 before being eliminated by Brady's team 34-26. The championship game saw Team USA pull away for a 24-14 win, showcasing their offensive prowess and mastery of the sport's rules and strategy.

  • The Fanatics Flag Football Classic was originally scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but was relocated to BMO Stadium in Los Angeles due to the Iran war.
  • The event took place on March 21, 2026.

The players

Tom Brady

A 48-year-old, seven-time Super Bowl champion who proved he can still sling the football, but his team of current and former NFL players were no match for the national squad.

Joe Burrow

The quarterback of the Wildcats FFC squad, which was also eliminated by the dominant Team USA.

Team USA

The national flag football team that showcased their mastery of the sport, offensive sophistication, and overall speed, crushing the NFL stars in the tournament.

Darrell 'Housh' Doucette III

A member of the victorious Team USA squad, proving they are the kings of flag football.

Nico Casares

Another member of the dominant Team USA team that overwhelmed the NFL players.

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What they’re saying

“My heart is really hurting right now.”

— Tom Brady

“They proved they're the kings of flag football.”

— Rob Maaddi, Associated Press writer

What’s next

With flag football set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, many NFL players have already said they would like an opportunity to play for gold. However, the Fanatics Flag Football Classic has shown that the national team is not about to give up their spots, as they proved their dominance in the sport.

The takeaway

The flag football showcase highlighted the growing gap between NFL players' limited experience in the sport and the national team's superior skills, strategy, and understanding of the rules. As flag football prepares for the Olympics, this event raises questions about the training and selection process needed for NFL stars to make the 2028 U.S. Olympic team and compete at the highest level.