Kyle Shanahan, the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, along with fullback Kyle Juszczyk, is scheduled to participate in the Fanatics Flag Football Classic organized by Tom Brady. This event will take place on March 21 in Los Angeles, having been relocated from Saudi Arabia.
The classic will feature Shanahan coaching a mix of current and former NFL stars. Tom Brady, who retired in 2023 after a legendary 23-year career, will co-captain a team alongside Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles. Sean Payton, the head coach of the Denver Broncos, will take the reins as the coach for one of the teams.
Kyle Juszczyk, who has been with the 49ers since Shanahan”s first season in 2017, is part of a player roster that includes notable names. The teams will be drafted on March 18, just three days before the game at BMO Stadium.
In a statement, Brady expressed his excitement, saying, “I”m fired up to see how these teams stack up. 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.” He emphasized his competitive spirit by adding, “I”m not coming back to the football field to lose. That”s for damn sure.”
Brady, a native of San Mateo, now serves as Fox Sports” lead game analyst and is a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. The event will also showcase several other star athletes, including running backs Saquon Barkley, Alvin Kamara, and Ashton Jeanty; receivers Davante Adams, Odell Beckham Jr., Stefon Diggs, and Rob Gronkowski; and defensive talents like Myles Garrett, Derwin James Jr., Luke Kuechly, Tyrann Mathieu, Von Miller, and Jalen Ramsey.
Additionally, the USA Football”s reigning IFAF Flag Football World Champion U.S. Men”s National Team will compete as a third team. Celebrities such as Kevin Hart, Druski, and Travis Scott will also join the festivities, enhancing the event”s profile.
Following the flag football classic, Shanahan and the 49ers are set to reconvene on April 20 for the start of their offseason program in Santa Clara.
