Assessing Tom Brady's comical career as a receiver

By Max Steele | Last updated Nov 14, 2022 1:31 PM ET

Everyone has a weakness.

For Superman, it was Kryptonite . Shaquille O'Neal's was shooting free throws. And Tom Brady's is catching a trick play pass down the sideline.

During the third quarter of Tampa Bay's 21-16 win Sunday over the Seahawks in Munich, Bucs running back Leonard Fournette took a direct snap and lofted a pass to 45-year-old Brady, who lumbered down the sideline.

Brady slipped, fell on his face and received a penalty for tripping Seattle cornerback Tariq Woolen, who made the interception.

Brady later tweeted that he would have "Mossed" Woolen had he not slipped, and Bucs head coach Todd Bowles jokingly told the Tampa Bay Times that fans missed out on the quarterback's "42-inch vertical."

In the Patriots' Super Bowl LII loss to the Eagles, millions watched this drop by Brady, who was wide open. Some said such a catastrophe could never be replicated, but somehow the Buccaneers got their hands on a play call even more entertaining.

Brady's first career reception was a 23-yarder in 2001 during his first season as a starter. He was slightly more agile then. His second, and arguably his most impressive, resulted in a 36-yard gain during the 2015 season. His third, in 2018, resulted in another face plant, but at least he made the catch.

The Bucs are tied for the NFL lead in dropped passes this season with 19, per NBCSports. It seems that playing their immobile, 45-year-old quarterback at wide receiver isn't going to help improve this stat.

More must-reads: