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Cam Newton named NFL MVP

Streeter Lecka / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was named NFL MVP on Saturday.

Earlier in the evening, Newton captured Offensive Player of the Year honors. The last time a player won both awards was when Peyton Manning swept the honors in 2013.

Newton guided the Panthers to a league-best 15-1 record and an appearance in Super Bowl 50.

The Panthers superstar scored an NFL-high 45 touchdowns, throwing for 35 scores and adding 10 on the ground. He threw for 3,837 yards on the season.

It was a nearly unanimous MVP coronation for Newton, who gained 48 of 50 votes. Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady each received a single vote.

Newton was named to the Pro Bowl for the third time in his career and was selected as a first-team All-Pro for the first time this year.

The 26-year-old became the first player in Panthers history to capture NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year.

Other players who captured both awards in a calendar year include Barry Sanders (1997), Terrell Davis (1998), Marshall Faulk (2000), LaDainian Tomlinson (2006), Tom Brady (2007), and Adrian Peterson (2012).

Newton and Manning will square off in Super Bowl 50, as the Panthers battle the Denver Broncos.

If Newton leads the Panthers to victory on Sunday, he could boast a resume that includes an NFL MVP, Heisman Trophy, and a collegiate national championship.

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