Tom Brady returned to Gillette Stadium on Sunday night and made history as he’s done so many times before. The veteran quarterback not only led this new team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to a 19-17 win over his former franchise, the New England Patriots, but also broke the NFL’s career passing yards record in the process.
Brady threw for 269 yards, which was more than enough for him to pass New Orleans Saints legend Drew Brees and claim the top of the NFL’s all-time list with 80,560 passing yards. He also became just the fourth QB in league history to beat all 32 teams alongside Brees, Brett Favre, and Peyton Manning.
“It was awesome,” Brady said after the game. “I tried not to predict what was going to happen and how I would feel. Had a few emotional moments this week just thinking about the people that have really meant so much to me in my life and that are a part of this community. Just very grateful for an amazing time here. Like I said, my football journey took me somewhere else, but I’m really enjoying that, and great to get a win.”
The Pats previously celebrated Brady’s contributions to the franchise, including six Super Bowls, treating him with a tribute video before the game started.
Brady didn’t manage to throw a single touchdown thanks to New England’s defense that played at a high level. But he did enough to set up five field goals for Ryan Succop, including the go-ahead one with 2:37 left on the clock.
The Pats had a chance to take it all inside the final minute of the contest, but Nick Folk ended up missing a 56-yarder.
