Cam Newton named NFL MVP

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was named NFL MVP at last night’s NFL Honors show, and Carolina’s Ron Rivera earned coach of the year honors for the second time in three seasons.

Newton now will look to lead the Panthers to their first Super Bowl victory when they face off against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos Sunday night at Levi’s Stadium. Newton received 48 of 50 votes for the honor, with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer each getting one vote. While he still isn’t your typical pocket passer (his close to 60 percent pass-completion rate ranks near the bottom of the league), he has raised his game, making reads and passing from the pocket as needed, posting a career-high passer rating of 99.2 (up from 82.1 in 2014). His 636 yards on the ground easily led all QBs, and the 10 touchdowns rushing were more than All-Pro running back Doug Martin of Tampa Bay scored. As widely expected, Newton was also named the victor of the Most Valuable Player award.

– Packers tight end Richard Rodgers, on stage with Aaron Rodgers to accept the play of the year award for their game-winning Hail Mary against Detroit. He received 36 1/2 votes, far in front of Kansas City’s Andy Reid with six votes. Dave Gettleman and Marty Hurney – the two general managers I’ve worked with – I thank them for what they’ve done.

With Newton directing the unit, Carolina produced the top scoring offense in the National Football League for the first time in franchise history with 31.3 points per game. It was some times where I felt like I couldn’t do it anymore.

The defensive rookie of the year was a familiar face to Broncos’ fans. The quarterback threw only 10 interceptions in the 16 regular season games this season, a career low.

Other NFL figures to enter the Hall of Fame included owner Edward DeBartolo, coach Tony Dungy, defensive end Kevin Greene, wide receiver Marvin Harrison, tackle Orlando Pace and guard Dick Stanfel. “I knew I was the best coming out”, Peters said. The quarterback was elected to his first ever All-Pro team and his third Pro Bowl. Newton is also the first African-American quarterback to win the award outright.