Tom Brady Explains How NFL Stars Were 'Way Behind' Flag Footballers After Loss at Fanatics Classic

Tom Brady knows NFL players have a long way to go if they are going to be the ones to represent the United States in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in the flag football competition.

"We were trying to play more NFL football and pass concepts," Brady said after the Fanatics Flag Football Classic, per Tim Graham and Vic Tafur of The Athletic. "Things happen pretty quick out there, and those guys are super shifty. They did a good job running the ball.

"Just in terms of strategy, we're probably way behind."

Brady's team, the Founders, lost the opening game to Team USA flag football in blowout fashion. The 43-16 defeat was just the start, as the Founders also lost to the Warriors 36-28 to go 0-2 in the tournament.

But it was the game against Team USA flag football that stood out the most with the Olympics looming.

Brady played in that one and threw an impressive touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs before eventually turning things over to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.

The 48-year-old Brady won't be competing for a spot on the Olympics team, but Graham and Tafur noted the competition still "proved to be an insightful measuring stick to how much NFL players must learn to adapt if they want to go for Olympic gold."

Flag football is a different game, and those who have been playing it at a high level have far more experience.

Ultimately, the talent of players such as Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and others may be too much to overlook when putting the rosters together, but making up that strategy gap Brady talked about before 2028 will be key.

For his part, the all-time great was straightforward about his disappointment in the result:

It may have just been an exhibition, but it comes as no surprise that Brady was upset with the losses. After all, the seven-time Super Bowl champion was known for his competitiveness, and it clearly hasn't gone away in retirement.