Tom Brady Declines Olympic Flag Football Bid, Focuses on Broadcasting and NFL Ownership

The retired NFL star says he's unlikely to compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, but is open to an advisory role.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 4:03pm

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In a recent interview on Good Morning America, seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady discussed his participation in an upcoming Fanatics Flag Football Classic event. When asked about the possibility of competing in flag football at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Brady said he would "never say never," but that it was "probably unlikely" he would play. Brady cited his broadcasting work with Fox Sports and his minority ownership of the Las Vegas Raiders as reasons he's focused on other projects rather than pursuing an Olympic bid.

Why it matters

Brady's comments provide insight into the retired quarterback's post-NFL plans, which include media work and team ownership rather than a return to competitive football. The debut of flag football at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles has generated interest from many NFL players, but Brady's decision not to pursue that opportunity highlights his priorities shifting away from playing the sport.

The details

Brady will be participating in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic this weekend, which will feature several other retired and current NFL stars. When asked by GMA's Robin Roberts about the possibility of competing in flag football at the 2028 Olympics, Brady left the door open but expressed hesitancy, saying "I would never say never, but that is probably unlikely." He cited his broadcasting work with Fox Sports and his minority ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders as reasons he's focused on other endeavors rather than an Olympic bid.

  • The Fanatics Flag Football Classic is scheduled for this weekend.
  • The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles will feature flag football as a new event.

The players

Tom Brady

A seven-time Super Bowl champion and recently retired NFL quarterback who is now focused on broadcasting and NFL team ownership.

Robin Roberts

The host of Good Morning America who interviewed Tom Brady about the possibility of competing in flag football at the 2028 Olympics.

Patrick Mahomes

The starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, who Brady said he would let "get out there and try to win" the Olympic flag football competition.

Josh Allen

The starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, who Brady said he would let "get out there and try to win" the Olympic flag football competition.

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What they’re saying

“I would never say never, but that is probably unlikely, just so you know.”

— Tom Brady

“I think for these young guys, it's good for them to do it. If I ever want to come in for an advisory role, as a coach, something like that. That's probably better suited for me.”

— Tom Brady

What’s next

Brady will continue his broadcasting work with Fox Sports and his involvement with the Las Vegas Raiders as a minority owner. The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles will feature flag football as a new event, with several current and former NFL players expected to compete.

The takeaway

Tom Brady's comments indicate that while he is open to potentially serving in an advisory role for Olympic flag football, he is unlikely to compete himself as he focuses on his post-NFL career in media and team ownership. This reflects Brady's shifting priorities away from playing the sport and towards other professional opportunities.