Kyle Shanahan, approaching his tenth season as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, is set to lead a team in a flag football event scheduled for March 21 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The game was relocated from Saudi Arabia and features a mix of current and former NFL athletes, including Kyle Juszczyk, the 49ers’ fullback since Shanahan’s first season in 2017. Juszczyk is part of a competitive roster competing in a high-profile tournament designed to showcase emerging and seasoned talent in the sport.
Tom Brady and Other NFL Figures Take Central Roles in the Event
Tom Brady, a key organizer of the event and a celebrated NFL quarterback who retired in 2023 after winning seven Super Bowls, will co-captain one of the teams alongside Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. The Founders FCC team that Brady leads will be coached by Sean Payton, the former Denver Broncos head coach. Meanwhile, Shanahan’s Wildcats FCC squad will be captained by Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Teams consisting of 12 players each will be drafted on March 18, a few days prior to the game.
Star-Studded Player Lineup Features Prominent NFL Names
In addition to Juszczyk, former 49ers wide receiver and free agent Deebo Samuel is included in the pool of participants. Renowned players such as running backs Saquon Barkley, Ashton Jeanty, and Alvin Kamara will also take part. The wide receiver corps includes Davante Adams, Odell Beckham Jr., Stefon Diggs, Rob Gronkowski, DeAndre Hopkins, and DeVonta Smith. Defensive stars like Myles Garrett, Derwin James Jr., Luke Kuechly, Tyrann Mathieu, Von Miller, and Jalen Ramsey will also compete in key defensive roles. This blend of talent demonstrates the event’s broad appeal across NFL positions.
International and Celebrity Participation Adds Unique Dimension
In addition to NFL standouts, the USA Football Men’s National Team—reigning champions of the IFAF Flag Football World Championship—will form a third competitive squad in the tournament. Celebrity involvement includes appearances by Kevin Hart, comedian Druski, and musician Travis Scott, contributing to the event’s entertainment value and broader reach beyond traditional sports audiences.
Event’s Alignment with Upcoming Olympic Flag Football Debut
Tom Brady highlighted the significance of the venue, noting its connection to the upcoming introduction of flag football as an Olympic sport in 2028.
“I’m fired up to see how these teams stack up, and the fact that we’ll be playing in the same stadium that will host flag football during the Olympics will show the world a preview of what’s to come in 2028,”
Brady remarked. Adding a competitive edge, he stated,
“But I’m not coming back to the football field to lose. That’s for damn sure.”
Implications for the 49ers and Broader NFL Free Agency Movements
Following the flag football event, Shanahan and the 49ers are expected to regroup for their offseason program beginning April 20 in Santa Clara. The NFL’s new fiscal year will start on Wednesday at 1 p.m., coinciding with the opening of the free agency negotiation window. The 49ers have already engaged in significant personnel moves, including deals involving wide receiver Mike Evans and offensive tackle Vederian Lowe. These developments indicate the team’s preparation for the upcoming season, balancing offseason training with roster adjustments.
