Cam Newton wins NFL Most Valuable Player award

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Cam Newton has won The Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award in a landslide.

The Carolina Panthers' All-Pro quarterback, who will lead his team in Sunday's Super Bowl against Denver, received 48 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who regularly cover the league. Fellow QBs Tom Brady, a two-time MVP, and Carson Palmer each got one vote.

In his fifth pro season, Newton also earned Offensive Player of the Year. In 2011, he was the league's top offensive rookie.

Newton set an NFL mark for the position with 45 touchdowns this season: 35 passing and 10 rushing. He also ranked sixth in passer rating (99.4) while throwing for 3,837 yards. 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.

The award was presented Saturday night during NFL Honors.

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