Moments in NFL History: Brees completes passing of Favre’s record
In a game where legacy is defined by play on the field, when a player breaks a record once deemed untouchable, it’s a moment that needs to be noted.
One such moment happened on this date (Sept. 23) in 2018, when newly minted Hall of Famer DREW BREES stepped on the field and hit wide receiver Michael Thomas on a 17-yard pass play. The connection, with 7:52 left in the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons, gave Brees sole possession of the NFL record for pass completions with 6,301.
Brees would finish his career with 7,142 career completions, currently second to Tom Brady’s 7,753. It’s a record that should not be taken lightly.
Before Brees, BRETT FAVRE owned the record for 12 years (2006-2018), surpassing Hall of Famer DAN MARINO, who held the record for 11 years (1995-2006). Until Marino’s record-breaking pass, Hall of Famer FRAN TARKENTON owned the record 20 years after passing Hall of Famer JOHNNY UNITAS in 1975.
“As a quarterback, we thrive on timing, rhythm and execution. This requires incredible chemistry and confidence with your teammates,” Bress explained to the Hall of Fame in an exclusive interview.
“The guys blocking for you, as well as the guys catching the ball. So much time effort and energy goes into creating this bond and chemistry. There are not many team sports that require that high a level of team execution,” he said. “Everyone on the field is playing a role in the success of the play. It’s what we love so much about the game of football and the brotherhood that is created as a result.”
Team chemistry is prevalent in Brees’ career pass completion percentage numbers. As of today, Brees not only holds the top two single-season pass completion percentage records (2018, 74.4% and 2019, 74.3%), but he also recorded seasons that rank fifth (2017, 72.0%), ninth (2011, 71.2%) and tied for 11th (2009, 70.6%). Overall, Brees stands third – the only nonactive player in the top 10 – in NFL history for career completion percentage at 67.7%.
Brees’ name came be found throughout the NFL record book:
- Current record holder
- Single-season completion percentage (74.4%)
- Most passing touchdowns in a game (Tied, 7)
- Most consecutive games with a touchdown pass (54)
- Most 5,000-yard passing seasons (5)
- Retired as record holder
- Career pass attempts (10,551; currently 2nd)
- Career passing yards (80,358; currently 2nd)
- Single-season completions (471 in 2016; held until 2021)
- Career passing touchdowns (571; currently 2nd)
- Career passer rating (67.7%; currently 7th)
- Single-season yards per game (342.3; currently tied for NFL record)
- Career yards per game (280.0; currently 2nd)
- Held record during his career
- Single-season passing yards (5,476 in 2011; held until 2013)
Brees’ legacy was cemented this past August, as he officially took his place in football immortality at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. To relive those moments, look back at his Hall of Fame Weekend.
