Patriots’ head coach Bill Belichick named former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones a captain Wednesday. Jones is one of six captains for the Patriots this season.

“I think it’s really cool,” Jones said. “I think I have a lot of work to do. I want to become an even better leader. I think we have great guys around us that make everything better.”

Jones was the Patriots’ QB1 in his rookie year after being selected 15th overall in the 2021 draft. He racked up 3,801 yards and 22 touchdowns while giving away 13 interceptions in his first season. He had a completion percentage of 67.6.

Jones played at Alabama from 2018 to 2020, taking over as starter in 2019 when Tua Tagovailoa went down with an injury. He led the Crimson Tide to an undefeated season and a National Championship in 2020 while making a strong case for a Heisman before falling just short to teammate DeVonta Smith.

Jones and the Patriots kick off their season on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.