Brees was 200 yards behind Peyton Manning going into New Orleans Saints’ clash with Washington Redskins.
But he got the 201 needed during Monday Night Football to go ahead of Brett Favre and Manning.
Brees overtook Manning’s 71,940 yards during the first half against the Redskins, leading New Orleans in a dominating performance.
The Saints quarterback had insisted he wasn’t focused on the record prior to the match.
“Listen, I’m just focused on making great decisions in the game, moving the football, moving the chains, getting points, winning the game,” Brees said.
After the record was broken, Brees was heard telling his children on the sideline: “You can accomplish anything you are willing to work for.”
And many of Brees’s former NFL team-mates have paid their tributes to the 39-year-old.
Former Saints wide receiver Marques Colston said: “I think he’s just somebody that understood everyone around him.
“And there’s a memory I have of that first touchdown that we scored together.
“And what stood out to me was that he was more excited for me than I was for myself.
“Just watching the video, he ran and jumped on me. And for him to be that excited for a rookie in his first game, that just speaks volumes to who he is as a person and as a man.”
Current New Orleans running back Mark Ingram II added: “He’s just good people, man.
“You’d think because he’s an elite all-time passing leader that he might feel entitled or held to a certain standard.
“But he’s just one of the guys. He kicks it, hangs out, competes in the locker room, just has fun.
“That’s what I love most about him.”
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Tom Brady is the next currently active player on the list with the New England Patriots star on 67,418 yards in fourth.