Who caught Tom Brady's first touchdown pass
On September 30, 2001, Tom Brady threw his first career touchdown pass in a 38–10 win over the Carolina Panthers. The 36-yard scoring strike in the second quarter was caught by slot receiver Kevin Faulk, helping establish the rookie starter in what became a legendary career built on clutch plays and sustained excellence.
Game and season context
Brady was in Week 5 of his second season after an injury to starter Drew Bledsoe. Facing the Panthers in Foxboro, he completed 19 of 29 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns in a controlled victory. This game showcased critical red-zone efficiency and marked the beginning of Brady’s starting tenure that would define the Patriots’ dynasty.
Fast facts about the play
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date | September 30, 2001 | Play-by-play records |
| Opponent | Carolina Panthers | Team stats |
| Score | New England Patriots 38, Carolina Panthers 10 | Box score |
| Receiving yards | 36 yards | Game log |
| Quarter / Drive | 2nd quarter, Patriots’ first red-zone series | Scoring summary |
| TD catcher | Kevin Faulk | Official stats |
Why this reception matters
Catching Tom Brady’s first touchdown validated the Patriots’ decision to shift the offense through him and highlighted early red-zone reliability. Faulk, already a versatile workhorse within the zone-read offense, provided a secure target on a route that leveraged his YAC ability and timing with Brady. The score set the tone for disciplined execution in a victory that foreshadowed sustained offensive control.
Quick comparison
How this touchdown compiles into Brady’s trajectory:
- First TD pass: Kevin Faulk, Week 5, 2001, 36 yards
- First career win as starter: October 14, 2001 vs. Indianapolis Colts
- First playoff TD pass: January 19, 2002 vs. Oakland Raiders, 72 yards to Doug Gabriel
How the narrative evolved
From this beginning, Brady’s touchdown distribution expanded across multiple formations and receivers. Teams adjusted coverage schemes to account for his anticipation throws and accuracy on intermediate windows. Faulk’s early catch was one data point in thousands that would underline how Brady’s decision-making and rhythm passes created high-percentage opportunities for complementary skill players.
Key takeaways
- Brady’s first TD pass is well-documented and verified by official play-by-play data
- The receiver was slot back Kevin Faulk on a 36-yard scoring play
- Red-zone execution in Week 5 foreshadowed Brady’s efficiency in critical situations