Bill Cosby has some advice for Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, the Heisman Trophy winner who has just announced he’s going to enter the NFL draft.

“This is very important for me to say to Mr. Newton,” the legendary comedian and actor said Friday during a wide-ranging interview in advance of his Feb. 5 appearance at the Birmingham Jefferson Conversion Complex Concert Hall. “Do not make the mistake so many young quarterbacks, regardless of race, color or creed, have made. Study, study, study.

“Make the supreme commitment, because this is not street football, and millions of people are counting on”you,” Cosby added. “Make that word key – commitment. Commitment to your behavior as a human being with others watching and you as a role model… and you will be able to guide and lead.”

Cosby’s advice to Newton comes after someone with Jay Leno’s show called Cosby after Newton’s appearance on Tuesday night. Cosby said he was told Newton admires his comedy.

“To think that this young man that I’ve been looking at and wondering about … I just want to give him a word of advice through our interview.”

Cosby will perform Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. at the BJCC. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.