During Netflix’s new series “Quarterback,” the Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes shared his theory that quarterbacks who are nice to defensive linemen don’t get hit as hard.

“It’s very true,” Atlanta Falcons defensive end Calias Campbell said on Tuesday. “He let the cat out the bag now, though. It’s like: ‘You’re only being nice because you don’t want to get hit.’ But there is definitely truth to that. …

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“Quarterbacks are smart. They know. They’re certain guys you don’t want to piss off.”

The 6-foot-8, 300-pound Campbell has been hitting quarterbacks for 15 NFL seasons, and he said he’s hit those who put Mahome’s theory into practice and those who didn’t.

“Philip Rivers used to be a good trash talker and stuff, but he was never like disrespectful,” Campbell said of quarterbacks in the latter group. “Mac Jones actually, he was kind of disrespectful. I’m like: ‘Hold on, man.’ … He was just trash talking to the highest level, but it’s just like, ‘You don’t trash talk me.’”

Campbell tabbed Andrew Luck as the nicest quarterback he’s hit.

“Andrew Luck was definitely that guy who was trying to befriend you,” Campbell said, “and make you feel like you were the best guy in the world so you would take it a little easier on him.”

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Jones’ game against Campbell last season ended for the New England Patriots quarterback with an ankle injury that caused him to miss the next three contests.

On New England’s final offensive snap in a 37-26 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 25, Jones was hit by Campbell as the quarterback let go of a deep throw that was intercepted by cornerback Marcus Peters on the last play before the two-minute warning.

“They made a couple of plays to kind of move the ball, and it’s just a full-court, pass-rush mentality,” Campbell said after that game. “I think I was just trying to get pressure on him, hit him, make him uncomfortable and make him throw an interception. And I think that was just a good football play.

“I hate to see him get hurt. That’s the worst part of this game. You never want to see guys get hurt. I hope he’s OK.”

Jones didn’t return to the field until Oct. 24, when he took 18 snaps in a 33-14 loss to the Chicago Bears. The former Alabama All-American got back to full-time status the next week in a 22-17 victory over the New York Jets.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.