Cam Newton Offensive Player of the Year

Lore & Background

In his rookie year, Newton set the single season record for quarterback rushing touchdowns while also setting the rookie records for quarterback passing and rushing yards, earning him Offensive Rookie of the Year. From 2013 to 2017, he led the Panthers to four playoff appearances and three division titles. His most successful season came in 2015 when he was named NFL MVP and helped Carolina obtain a franchise-best 15–1 record en route to an appearance in Super Bowl 50. Newton was also the first African American quarterback to outright win NFL MVP.

In Their Own Story

The stadium lights hummed over Bank of America Stadium as Newton lined up in the shotgun. The defensive line surged forward, eyes locked on him, knowing that hesitation meant disaster. He took the snap, stepped up to avoid a collapsing pocket, and sprinted past a linebacker who had missed his tackle by inches. With the roar of the crowd rising like a tidal wave, he crossed the goal line, another yard gained not through design, but through will.

Reader's Guide

Newton played college football for the Florida Gators, Blinn College, and the Auburn Tigers. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2010 and led Auburn to the 2011 BCS National Championship. In the NFL, he played for the Carolina Panthers (2011–2019 and 2021) and the New England Patriots (2020). He was released by the Patriots and returned to the Panthers for his final season.

Did You Know?

• Newton is first in career quarterback rushing touchdowns and second in career quarterback rushing yards in NFL history.
• He was the first African American quarterback to outright win NFL MVP.
• In 2015, Newton had 3,837 passing yards and 636 rushing yards.
• Newton finished in the top three for MVP voting only in 2015 (1st) and 2013 (3rd).