The Herd with Colin Cowherd THE HERD - Hour 3 - Tomorrow's Headlines Today
Mar 20, 2026
Michael Rubin, Founder and CEO of Fanatics and organizer of the Flag Football Classic, outlines how Tom Brady’s idea turned into a star-studded, high-stakes flag football event. He explains format changes, intense preparations, NFL support and incentives for USA flag players. Expect competitive, high-scoring games and big-name rosters.
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Tom Brady Sparked The Flag Football Classic
- Michael Rubin says Tom Brady initiated the Flag Football Classic idea and first proposed staging it in Saudi Arabia to grow flag football globally.
- After Middle East plans changed, Rubin pivoted to an LA event pitting NFL-based teams against the five-time champion USA flag football team to create a competitive showcase.
Format Change Made The Event Truly Competitive
- Rubin reframed the event to include the USA flag champions so it would be a meaningful competitive test rather than an exhibition.
- That change raised stakes: USA flag players could embarrass NFL stars and sportsbooks made USA the favorite.
Partner With Leagues To Produce New Sports Events
- Build big sports events with league cooperation to succeed; Rubin credits NFL support as essential for producing a football game for the first time.
- He cites involvement from Roger Goodell and Robert Kraft as enabling production and promotion.