Tom Brady shines, but Team USA dominates flag football Tom Brady made a strong impression in his return to competitive football, showcasing his still-remarkable skills with a highlight-reel touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic. The 48-year-old quarterback, who last played in a professional game over 1,000 days ago, executed a flawless play on his first drive, evading a sack on a free rush before delivering a strike to Diggs in the corner of the end zone. Brady followed up with another impressive play, connecting with Rob Gronkowski for a 2-point conversion, giving his team an 8-0 lead early in the tournament. Despite the initial dominance, Brady’s team faced setbacks, including a hamstring injury to Gronkowski and struggles to keep pace with Team USA. The national squad, led by players like Darrell "Housh" Doucette III and Nico Casares, overwhelmed Brady’s group, securing a 43-16 victory after dismantling Joe Burrow’s Wildcats FFC squad 39-16. Brady’s team, coached by Sean Payton, eventually fell to Burrow’s squad in the round-robin tournament, losing 34-26. In the championship game, Team USA extended its dominance with a 24-14 win, scoring on every possession except a kneel-down at the end of one game. Brady’s performance, while overshadowed by Team USA’s success, included standout moments such as a play reminiscent of the "Philly Special," where he tossed a touchdown pass to Jalen Hurts. However, the NFL players and coaches, many of whom had only a few practices before the event, faced challenges adapting to flag football’s rules. Brady was penalized for tossing a flag to the ground during a hurry-up play, while Payton expressed frustration over an official’s incorrect call on down-and-distance.#tom_brady #team_usa #darrell_housh_doucette_iii #ste_diggs #rob_gronkowski
Tom Brady and Jalen Hurts Warned by USA Flag Football Star Ahead of Fanatics Event A USA flag football star has issued a warning to NFL legends Tom Brady and Jalen Hurts ahead of the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, a tournament set to take place in Los Angeles. Darrell “Housh” Doucette III, a 36-year-old standout in the sport, emphasized that the team representing the United States will not be overlooked despite competing against high-profile NFL players. The event, originally scheduled for Saudi Arabia, was relocated to Los Angeles due to political instability in the Middle East. Doucette, who will compete in the tournament, challenged Brady and Hurts to take the competition seriously. “You guys better give 100% because we’re going to give 100%,” he told The Associated Press. “Don’t underestimate us.” The Fanatics Flag Football Classic is designed to promote the sport ahead of its debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The tournament will feature a three-team format, with Brady and Hurts joining forces on the Founders FFC team. The Wildcats FFC will be led by NFL stars Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow, while Team USA will also participate after the event’s relocation. Other notable athletes set to compete include Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, and DeAndre Hopkins, who will be split between the Founders and Wildcats teams. Former NFL stars like Rob Gronkowski and Odell Beckham Jr. are also expected to return to the sport, while celebrities such as IShowSpeed, Logan Paul, and Terence “Bud” Crawford will add to the event’s star power. Doucette previously criticized Hurts for assuming he would be selected for the Team USA flag football team at the 2028 Olympics. Despite the high caliber of competition, he remains confident in his team’s ability to prove their dominance.#los_angeles #tom_brady #jalen_hurts #fanatics_flag_football_classic #darrell_housh_doucette_iii
