Madden NFL 11 cover athlete Drew Brees tweeted this afternoon that he would be in the heart of Manhattan today at Times Square giving away free copies of this year’s upcoming NFL football game.

That’s right, a free copy in early July when the game’s due to to release in August.

For further confirmation, ESPN Sports writer Jane McManus tweeted that they were giving away “the actual game”, adding in a “for reals” for those who still refuse to believe. Apparently, it’s the first time Electronic Arts has done something like this.

For those who weren’t in Times Square to pick up a copy of the game, feel free to take a peek at Brees holding a stack of Madden NFL 11 copies and pretend he’s giving one to you.

Thanks, Pasta Padre.