Drew Brees broke Johnny Unitas’s record for consecutive games with a touchdown pass. Brees surpassed the legendary quarterback’s 47-game streak by throwing a touchdown pass in his 48th consecutive regular-season game.
The milestone occurred on October 7, 2012, when the New Orleans Saints played the San Diego Chargers. Brees connected with wide receiver Devery Henderson for a 40-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, giving Brees the NFL record.
Unitas established his streak with the Baltimore Colts from 1956 through 1960. His record had stood for more than five decades and was regarded as one of the most durable achievements in professional football. Brees first tied the mark at 47 games before breaking it one game later.
The record is specifically about consecutive regular-season games in which a quarterback throws at least one touchdown pass. It is not a streak of games with a team touchdown, a passing touchdown in the playoffs, or a game in which the quarterback personally scores by running. Brees eventually extended the streak to 54 games.