Drew Brees has become the NFL’s all-time leader in yards passing – and he did it in style. The 39-year-old Brees eclipsed Peyton Manning’s previous record of 71,940 yards with a 62-yard touchdown pass to rookie Tre’Quan Smith during the second quarter of last night’s game against the Washington Redskins.

After the record-breaking completion, officials stopped the game and the game ball was handed over to Pro Football Hall of Fame officials on the sideline while the Superdome crowd offered a standing ovation. Brees removed his helmet, held out his arm to salute the crowd and hugged his wife, Brittany, and children on the sideline.

“I love you guys so much,” Brees said while hugging his three boys as Brittany held their daughter nearby. “You can accomplish anything in life if you’re willing to work for it.”

Brees entered the game needing 201 yards for the record. He passed for 250 by halftime, completing 17 of 20 passes, including two TD tosses and no interceptions, as his fellow athletes saluted him on social media.

The Saints went on to beat the Redskins, 43 – 19.