Drew Brees is handed the record-breaking ball he threw to Devery Henderson to break Johnny Unitas' 52-year old NFL record (Photo: Parker Waters).

Just two days after pro football history was rewritten by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has received the football Brees threw when he eclipsed Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas' record of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass.

Until Brees, the record had remained virtually unchallenged since Unitas had his streak that spanned from 1956 to 1960. Unitas' string had often been referred to as the NFL's "unbreakable record."

Drew's 48th consecutive game with a touchdown pass record came on a 40-yard touchdown throw to wide receiver Devery Henderson. Accompanying the record football is a copy of the play sheet signed by Saints Interim Head Coach Aaron Kromer, Offensive Coordinator Pete Carmichael and Brees, who added "48" to his autograph. The mementos were placed on exhibit inside the Hall of Fame's Pro Football Today Gallery.

"The Pro Football Hall of Fame is pleased to be able to add this milestone football to our collection of priceless artifacts," commented Steve Perry, President/Executive Director of the Hall of Fame. "This is certainly one of the game's most significant records and one that for more than 50 years seemed to be simply out of reach. We sincerely appreciate Drew's willingness to allow the Pro Football Hall of Fame to preserve and share his remarkable accomplishment with football fans now and for generations to come."

The Hall of Fame has been informed that Brees also intends to add the football he throws for a touchdown from the final game of the streak, when that occurs.