Report: Patriots will pause, not stop game if Brady breaks passing record

The New England Patriots plan to only pause the game and not stop it completely if Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady breaks the all-time passing record Sunday night, a team official reportedly told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Brady's former team is expected to "briefly acknowledge" Brady, who needs just 68 yards to set the record, if he reaches the milestone, Schefter adds.

The act will fail to match the celebration that former quarterback Drew Brees received when he became the all-time passing leader in 2018, Schefter notes. Brees' family joined him on the field and Hall of Fame president David Baker came to receive the football as the game was stopped completely. However, the Saints were playing at home, while Brady will be on the road.

Sunday's night bout will be Brady's first time returning to Foxborough since he left the Patriots in 2020. The 44-year-old elevated the franchise into almost mythical status during his 20-year tenure, winning six Super Bowls and earning 17 playoff appearances.

The buildup to the clash between Brady and former coach Bill Belichick was spiced up after a report emerged this week claiming Belichick rejected his former signal-caller's request to meet in person to say goodbye in 2020. While Belichick denied the claim, Brady later confirmed the farewell was conducted over the phone, though he added the departure was handled "perfectly" by all parties.

Brady is continuing to add to his legacy with his new club. The veteran won his seventh Super Bowl in his first campaign with the Buccaneers last year and has led them to a 2-1 start this year after throwing for 10 touchdowns to two interceptions.