Johnny Unitas' son writes letter to Drew Brees

With a touchdown pass against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday night, Drew Brees will break Johnny Unitas' 52-year-old record for most consecutive games with a touchdown pass.

Unitas died in 2002, but his family will be watching and they're pulling for the New Orleans Saints quarterback to break the mark. Joe Unitas, one of wrote this in an open letter to Brees that he posted on Facebook.

His reasons have little to do with football.

Drew,

I wanted to take a minute to congratulate you on tying my father's record for most consecutive games with a touchdown pass. I've been follow your pursuit of the record since last season. I'm a big fan of yours, and wish you the best Sunday night against San Diego as you try to break the record. My father always said that records were meant to be broken. I know that if he was still with us that he would wish you the best as well.

When I look back on my father's life I remember a man who was much bigger than the game of football. The things he would appreciate most about you have nothing to do with football; it's about who you are as a person. You're a role model for today's youth, a family man, and a humanitarian who cares for his community.

My father would tell you these are the important things in life, not some record in a book. Continue to be a leader for your team and the City of New Orleans. You're a great quarterback but even better man. Stay healthy and safe this week and in the future. My family and I will be watching Sunday night cheering for you. Best of luck.

Sincerely,

Joe Unitas

It's no surprise Unitas would have liked the business-like, no-frills Brees. Before his death, the Hall of Famer spoke about the modern day NFL to Michael MacCambridge for the book America's Game.

"It's become show business -- high-five, low-five, dancing on the sidelines, slapping, you know, jumping in the stands," Unitas said. "And television promotes it. And they're great players -- take nothing away from anybody as far as the players are concerned. But all that's not necessary."