Quarterback Josh Allen hugging Aaron Rodgers at Celebrity Flag Football Charity Event at Saddleback College on March 11, 2023 in Orange County, CA. Photo: 

Aubrey Lao /Getty

Josh Allen is grateful for his relationship with Aaron Rodgers.

Allen, 28, spoke to PEOPLE on Saturday, March 15 at Rodgers’ annual RX3 charity flag football tournament in Southern California, where the Buffalo Bills star praised his fellow quarterback for being a great friend and mentor.

“I wouldn’t say he took me under his wing a couple years ago, but I got to meet him with RX3, and he’s been a big mentor for me and a big role model for that matter,” Allen said in between flag football games.

“I mean, I grew up watching him and idolizing him, so it’s kind of surreal to sit here and be friends with him and a have a relationship with him, and it’s definitely something I cherish.”

Before the action kicked off at Saturday’s charity event, Rodgers and Allen were seen laughing and chatting as they caught up during the NFL offseason.

“He’s a quirky guy, Aaron is,” Allen said with a laugh, shedding some insight into Rodgers’ personality off the field. “You’ve got to be able to find ways to dig at him just a little bit,” Allen explained. “I think he respects it when you do that to him, so I let him have it.”

Earlier this month, Allen and the Buffalo Bills agreed to extended the 2024 NFL MVP’s contract through 2030 for a whopping $330 million. During a livestream with 7 News WKBW after the announcement, Allen said he’s “grateful” for the extension and looks forward to continuing his career in Buffalo.

Rodgers, meanwhile, is still facing an uncertain future in the NFL after being cut by the New York Jets in February. In a statement shared by the team on Feb. 13, head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey said they informed Rodgers that they’d be moving in “another direction” at their quarterback position.

“We want to thank him for the leadership, passion, and dedication he brought to the organization and wish him success moving forward,” the Jets’ statement said of Rodgers.

On March 11, Rodgers was seen looking pensive during a beachside stroll in Malibu, Calif. The former NFL MVP had draped himself in a blanket and had headphones in during the outing, as fans wait to hear if he’ll sign with a new team.