New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees broke a passing record held by legend Johnny Unitas when the Saints star found Devery Henderson on a 40-yard strike on Sunday night for his 48-straight game with a touchdown pass.

Unitas's mark had been the record since 1960. Johnny Unitas's son, Joe, was at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans to witness the event unfold, and Brees stated that he had a chance to speak to Joe before the game.

The NFL granted Brees's request to allow suspended head coach Sean Payton, assistant head coach Joe Vitt, and general manager Mickey Loomis to be in attendance. Cameras caught Payton watching the game against the San Diego Chargers with great interest.

The Saints held off the Chargers, 31-24 for the first victory of the season. Still, the spotlight was on the veteran quarterback, who also threw for a total of four touchdowns and 370 yards on 29 completions on 45 attempts.

Brees has been a record setter in New Orleans. The 33-year-old broke Dan Marino's 27-year-old passing record in 2011 for yards in one season with 5,476.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell posted on Twitter on Sunday: "Congrats to @drewbrees & his teammates on breaking Unitas' record. Amazing accomplishment by great QB & leader. We're proud of you, Drew."

New England Patriot quarterback Tom Brady has the third-longest consecutive games with a touchdown streak at 37 with his eight-yard pass to Wes Welker against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

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