Shearer received the acclaim of a delighted crowd of 41,459 - and then gave his mother Anne the perfect 60th birthday present for Sunday.
The 35-year-old blasted home an 80th-minute shot at the Gallowgate End where he stood as a boy. And when he says he has never regretted turning down the offers from Manchester United, that moment will stay with him for the rest of his life ... simply because it means THAT much to him.
Shearer: "Of course, this will be an afternoon I will cherish for the rest of my life. It was fantastic. All my family was here, which was important. It's my mam's 60th birthday tomorrow, so she can have that one. They're always here watching the games.
"I'm very proud to be sitting up there alongside the great Jackie Milburn. It's a great achievement. I was brought here to score goals, and thankfully that's what I've been doing for the last 10 years now.
"I'm pleased it was here at St James' Park. If I'd had a choice it would have been in front of the Gallowgate End where I used to stand as a kid and watch my heroes. I'm a very happy man right now.
""Just to see my name alongside the great Jackie Milburn is a great honour for me. When I was growing up all everybody talked about was how great Jackie Milburn was. To have my name alongside his is a great honour, and so I'm delighted."