Drew Brees did way more than just write a $5 million check to Louisiana ... he's also doing the research to guarantee that money helps the state's battle against coronavirus the way he intended.
The New Orleans Saints quarterback tells TMZ ... it hurts his heart to see people losing their jobs and their livelihoods across the state and the nation -- so he and his wife, Brittany, knew they needed to do something in a time of such uncertainty.
As you know ... Drew and Brittany committed $5 million to the state. He explained why they specifically wanted to address the nutritional needs of children and the elderly during the pandemic. You can tell the Brees fam did their homework.
Drew says he knew people on the front lines treating COVID-19 patients in hard-hit Louisiana -- and New Orleans, especially -- would need all the support they could get. Ditto for the state's normally thriving hospitality industry.
Honestly, the guy is amazing and has a very focused mission: "Putting people's mind's at ease that, listen, we're gonna find a way to get through this together and take care of one another."
We have so much more with Drew on Monday's "TMZ Live" ... including his bond with the people of Louisiana, and NBC's Hoda Kotb.
Yep, we got his reaction to this emotional breakdown after she spoke to him about the Brees' astounding donation.