Brees passed Peyton Manning for the all-time mark in passing yards with a picture-perfect touchdown moment.
Drew Brees is now the NFL’s all-time passing yards leader with 72,103 yards (and counting). Brees passed the former record holder, Peyton Manning, in the second quarter of the Saints’ Monday night game against Washington with a 62-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Tre’Quan Smith.
No. 9 just became No. 1 all-time pic.twitter.com/fbk9uxaOFa
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 9, 2018
The record score gave the Saints a commanding 26-6 lead, and they went on to win 43-19.
After the play, the game was paused to honor’s Brees moment and gave him a chance to celebrate with his family:
This is what it's all about. pic.twitter.com/RjVrKLuwdx
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 9, 2018
The moment was SO touching, that the ESPN cameras caught a man crying in the stands who was overcome with emotion.
For you, New Orleans! pic.twitter.com/g8j561cbXL
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) October 9, 2018
The Broncos tweeted their congratulations with a video of Manning making dinner and giving praise to Brees.
Congratulations, @drewbrees!
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) October 9, 2018
Peyton Manning's really happy you broke his record.
Well ... kind of. pic.twitter.com/aUxXIDFzI8
The entire night belonged to Brees, who had a near-perfect game. He completed 26 of 29 passes for a career-best 89.6 completion percentage throwing for 363 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. He even caught one of his own passes:
Drew Brees completes a pass to... Drew Brees #WASvsNOpic.twitter.com/CaobDl2tJz
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 9, 2018
Brees will have a chance to keep adding to that number until he retires:
But for now, it’s time for the Saints to celebrate a historic moment. And time for Brees to bathe in the slew of messages congratulating him from his peers both in the NFL and from other sports.
Russell Wilson of the Seahawks is pretty happy because Brees is “doing it for the ‘short guys’.”
Drew... you have inspired me. Grateful for you for doing it for the "Short Guys." @DrewBrees
— Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) October 9, 2018
J.J. Watt, in the middle of what is surely a Hall of Fame career of his own, recognized Brees as well.
Incredible @drewbrees!!! #Legend
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 9, 2018
How about the man Brees passed before he passed Manning?
Congrats @drewbrees, proud to passed by a guy like you. All the best. https://t.co/CMd2G4nTZZ
— Brett Favre (@BrettFavre) October 9, 2018
And a former NFL quarterbacks who themselves are pretty dang legendary?
Only fitting THAT is how @drewbrees breaks the all time yardage record!!! Congrats to one of the best EVA!!! Glad I was around to witness his greatness!!
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) October 9, 2018
Congratulations Drew! You earned every yard and did it the right way for the right reasons #teamfirst Proud for ya!
— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) October 9, 2018
That was special @drewbrees and doing it with a touchdown! Congratulations
— Dan Marino (@DanMarino) October 9, 2018
Then you’ve got potentially the best player in the history of another sport: Mr. LeBron James!
Salute @drewbrees!! Congrats on the achievement/milestone. Sheesh that’s a lot of passing yards!!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 9, 2018
Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (also: former Washington quarterback, AKA the team that Brees just annihilated) sounds off too:
Congrats @drewbrees! What a way to set the record. Awesome to have your family there to enjoy that moment. #Respect
— Kirk Cousins (@KirkCousins8) October 9, 2018
How about some wide receiver love for the quarterback?
Congrats to Drew Brees!!!
— Alshon Jeffery (@TheWorldof_AJ) October 9, 2018
Congratulations Drew Brees...straight legendary
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) October 9, 2018
Congrats to my c/o 2001 brother @drewbrees on your accomplishment. Well Deserved!!! @NFL@nflnetworkpic.twitter.com/Uj4aCwAj7p
— Reggie Wayne (@ReggieWayne_17) October 9, 2018
Congrats Drew! @drewbrees#goat#WhoDatNation
— Pierre Thomas (@Pierre_Thomas) October 9, 2018
@drewbrees congratulations big guy! Special moment! Blessings
— Brandin Cooks (@brandincooks) October 9, 2018
And how about other assorted players from around the league!
Just witnessed greatness by @drewbrees now the all time passing yardage leader! “you can accomplish anything in life that you work for“
— Jonathan Stewart (@Jonathanstewar1) October 9, 2018
And if that doesn’t give you chills, check your pulse.
— Cardale Jones (@Cardale7_) October 9, 2018
Drew the legend ✊
— Darius Slay (@_bigplayslay23) October 9, 2018
Congratulations @drewbrees it was an honor and privilege playing with you..... #trueleader#alltimegreat#GOAT
— Tyrunn Walker (@twalker337) October 9, 2018
Even a president — no, not the one who usually tweets — weighed in:
Congratulations to Drew Brees on the all time passing record. Always a class act.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 9, 2018