Drew Brees sent commemorative ball to every receiver who helped him break all-time passing record
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees broke the NFL’s all-time career passing yards record earlier this season, passing NFL great Peyton Manning for one of the most recognized records in the sport.
He, though, isn’t forgetting who helped him along the way.
Brees sent a customized game ball this week to every player who caught a pass from him throughout his career that included their name, number of passes caught and the yards he helped contribute to Brees’ record. He also sent one to every lineman who blocked for him, too.
Former fullback Mike Karney — who played for the Saints for five seasons from 2004-2008 — caught 36 receptions for 188 yards from Brees during his time in New Orleans, and shared a picture of the commemorative ball and the letter that came with it on Twitter on Thursday.
Thank you @drewbrees and @saints for this token of appreciation. I’m at a loss for words and can only say that it was a privilege and honor to be your teammate. You’re a class act brother and one of the greatest to ever do it!!! #Thankful 🙏🏼 #Salute ⚜️ pic.twitter.com/N5X5iJKdZ9
— Mike Karney (@Karney44) December 13, 2018
“On October 8, 2018, we were blessed to have become the National Football League’s all-time passing yardage leader,” Brees wrote in the letters. “It is a tremendous honor, especially when one considers that some of the truly iconic figures of the NFL once held this mark. Names such as Fran Tarkenton, Brett Favre and most recently, Peyton Manning.
“I want to personally thank you for everything you did to be a part of the record-setting moment. Without your contribution this milestone would not have happened. Although they only put one name in the record book, I want you to know that I consider you to be an important part of this record.
“I was truly blessed and honored to be your teammate. Please accept this small token of my appreciation for everything you have done to help accomplish this milestone. I appreciate the time, dedication and commitment you sacrificed in order to make this record a reality. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.”
The 39-year-old has thrown for 3,463 yards and 31 touchdowns this season while leading the Saints to a 11-2 record.
Since breaking the record on October 8, Brees has now thrown for 73,908 yards in his career. He currently has 4,000 more yards than Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who is the closest active quarterback to the mark. Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning and Philip Rivers are the only other active quarterbacks in the league in the top 10 on the list, but sit nearly 15,000 yards behind Brady.
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