It was destined to happen – tonight, here.

Bucs quarterback Tom Brady became the NFL’s all-time career passer on Sunday night in New England against his former team. Brady’s 28-yard completion to wide receiver Mike Evans gave him 68 passing yards on the night through the first quarter, which tied Brees’ record with 80,359 yards.

Brady entered the game against his former team needing just 68 yards to surpass New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees. Brees threw for 80,358 yards in his 15 years with New Orleans (2006-20) and five years in San Diego (2001-05). Brady had thrown for 80,291 yards prior to kickoff. Working for NBC Sports, Brees was on site in New England working the game and was present for the record-breaking moment.

NFL schedule-makers likely planned for this moment to happen, knowing that Brady would average over 300 yards per game during the first three games of the season to allow the record-breaking moment to happen in his homecoming in New England.

Brady passed for 74,571 yards in his 20 years in New England and came into Sunday’s game throwing for 5,720 in his 20 regular season games in Tampa Bay. After playing 20 years and winning six Super Bowls with the Patriots, New England gave him a pre-game video tribute and paused the game to recognize Brady’s historic moment.