NFL-Panthers QB Newton named NFL's Most Valuable Player

By Larry Fine SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 6 (Reuters) - Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was named the National Football League's Most Valuable Player on Saturday at the NFL Honors show. The 26-year-old Newton was a near unanimous choice for the NFL's most prestigious honor, garnering 48 of the 50 votes with quarterbacks Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and Carson Palmer of the Arizona Cardinals, receiving one vote each. Newton, who will be leading the top-seeded Panthers into Super Bowl 50 on Sunday versus the Denver Broncos, was also named the league's Offensive Player of the Year. Playing in his fifth season, Newton led all quarterbacks in the regular season with 45 touchdowns, including 10 rushing scores, in leading the Panthers to a league-best 15-1 record. (Editing by Frank Pingue)