Mac Jones and Cam Newton are competing to be the New England Patriots’ starting quarterback. The rookie out of Alabama says that hasn’t stopped the seasoned veteran and former MVP out of Auburn from being a great mentor.

Jones was asked about his relationship with Newton during a recent interview with WEEI’s “Ordway, Merloni & Fauria.”

“Obviously, Cam has been in the NFL for a long time and he’s done a great job mentoring me and helping me and providing that leadership aspect in meetings or even personal time just talking through stuff,” Jones said, per Boston.com. “He’s been awesome and a great mentor. Brian Hoyer has obviously done a good job as well just helping me out. He’s been in the system for a while with Jarrett [Stidham] as well.”

Newton is currently not with the team due to a COVID issue. Even though Patriots coaches continue to refer to Newton as the current starter, the former Heisman winner’s absence could be a golden opportunity for Jones to make a strong push for the starting job.