ATLANTA -- Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan threw for a 62-yard touchdown with his first NFL pass Sunday.

Matt Ryan started his NFL career with a 62-yard touchdown pass on his first attempt. AP Photo/John Bazemore

Ryan, the third overall pick out of Boston College, hooked up with Michael Jenkins on the third play of the game against the Detroit Lions.

After two runs by Michael Turner, Ryan hit Jenkins on a slant down the left side. The receiver beat cornerback Travis Fisher, hauled in the ball at the Detroit 45 and raced to the end zone without being touched. Jenkins also pulled away from safety Gerald Alexander, who got over too late to help.

Ryan took off down the field to celebrate, actually knocking over center Todd McClure as he raced toward Jenkins.

Ryan was the first quarterback to throw a TD pass on his initial NFL attempt since Michael Bishop for New England against Indianpolis on Oct. 8, 2000, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.