Drew Brees sets new NFL record for touchdown passes, but Tom Brady isn't far behind

Drew Brees sets new NFL record
(Image credit: Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees completed his 540th overall touchdown pass in a 34-7 win against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night, beating the previous NFL record of 539 held by former Colts and Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. The record-breaking pass came in the third quarter with a 5-yard throw to Josh Hill.

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Fellow NFL players and other celebrities tweeted their congratulations to Brees, including New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who is breathing down Brees' neck with 538 career touchdown passes — and counting.

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Peyton Manning, the Saints reminded everyone, pre-congratulated Brees last year, when he broke Manning's passing record. Peter Weber

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.