Image Source: ESPN
Drew Brees remains firmly among the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history after Aaron Rodgers moved past Peyton Manning on the league’s career touchdown passing list. Rodgers reached 540 career touchdown passes during the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints in the NFL’s first regular-season game in France.
The milestone gave Rodgers sole possession of third place, while Brees continues to hold second with 571 touchdown passes. Only Tom Brady, who finished his career with 649 scoring throws, has more than Brees or Rodgers.
Drew Brees Still Holds a Historic Place in NFL History
Although the latest milestone belonged to Rodgers, the updated rankings offered another reminder of Brees’ remarkable consistency and longevity. The former New Orleans Saints quarterback spent his career building one of the most productive passing résumés in league history, combining accuracy, volume and durability over multiple eras of NFL football.
Brees’ 571 touchdown passes remain a significant benchmark. Rodgers would need 32 more touchdown throws to match him, a difficult but not impossible challenge given Rodgers’ continued role with Pittsburgh. The gap also illustrates how much ground elite quarterbacks must cover when chasing the statistical standards established by the generation before them.
- Tom Brady: 649 touchdown passes
- Drew Brees: 571 touchdown passes
- Aaron Rodgers: 540 touchdown passes
- Peyton Manning: 539 touchdown passes
- Brett Favre: 508 touchdown passes
Rodgers Breaks the Tie in Historic Paris Victory
Rodgers’ record-breaking touchdown came on a four-yard pass to Steelers tight end Darnell Washington. The score put Pittsburgh ahead 10-3 and moved Rodgers one place above Manning, another legendary quarterback whose career numbers had stood near the top of the list for years.
The 42-year-old quarterback completed 19 of 30 passes for 212 yards. He also delivered an important late-game contribution with his legs, scrambling for eight yards on a third-and-six play in New Orleans territory. That conversion helped Pittsburgh protect its lead and secure a third consecutive victory.
Rodgers’ performance was not a high-volume passing display, but it was efficient and timely. His touchdown pass, along with Chris Boswell’s three field goals and Jaylen Warren’s 101 rushing yards, helped the Steelers improve to 5-2.
New Orleans Defense Keeps the Game Close
The Saints had opportunities but struggled to create balance on offense. New Orleans rushed for only 18 yards, placing much of the responsibility on quarterback Tyler Shough. Shough completed 30 of 38 passes for 278 yards and one touchdown, but his third-quarter interception proved costly.
Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson made the decisive red-zone play when he stepped in front of a pass intended for Chris Olave. Pittsburgh converted the takeaway into a field goal, extending its advantage to 16-10.
Patrick Queen later added a key sack on third down, helping stall another Saints drive during the fourth quarter. The Steelers’ defense repeatedly forced New Orleans to settle for difficult possessions, while Pittsburgh made enough plays to finish the international contest.
Why Drew Brees’ Record Still Matters
Brees’ place on the list is especially notable because his career was built around precision passing and sustained excellence. His 571 touchdown passes remain ahead of Rodgers, Peyton Manning and Brett Favre, while his name continues to appear whenever the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks are compared.
The ranking also highlights the changing nature of quarterback careers. Today’s passers benefit from expanded offensive systems and a league that increasingly favors passing production. Even so, reaching the top of the career touchdown list requires years of health, performance and opportunity.
Rodgers’ climb adds another chapter to that history, but it does not diminish Brees’ achievement. For now, Brees remains the second-highest touchdown passer in NFL history, with Rodgers the closest active challenger behind him.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many career touchdown passes does Drew Brees have?
Drew Brees finished his NFL career with 571 touchdown passes, which places him second on the league’s all-time list.
Who has the most touchdown passes in NFL history?
Tom Brady leads the NFL’s career touchdown passing rankings with 649 touchdown passes.
Did Aaron Rodgers pass Drew Brees?
No. Rodgers moved past Peyton Manning into third place with 540 touchdown passes. Drew Brees remains second with 571.
When did Rodgers reach 540 touchdown passes?
Rodgers reached 540 touchdown passes during Pittsburgh’s 16-10 win over New Orleans on Oct. 25, 2026, in Paris.
Why is Brees’ record significant?
Brees’ total reflects his exceptional accuracy, consistency and longevity as the longtime quarterback of the New Orleans Saints.
