Cam Newton wins offensive rookie award

INDIANAPOLIS The Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton was named the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year on Saturday, capping a season in which he threw for more yards than any rookie in NFL history. Newton, the No. 1 overall pick last year, set several league and team records, beginning with a 422-yard passing performance at Arizona that was the most prolific debut for a rookie quarterback. Newton finished the year with 4,051 yards, breaking the mark held by the Colts' Peyton Manning since 1998. The announcement came Saturday evening at a red-carpet awards show at the Murat Theater. The Offensive Rookie of the Year Award was the first one announced. Besides the passing records, Newton also rushed for 14 touchdowns, the most by a quarterback in league history. Newton thanked his teammates, coaches, fans and owner Jerry Richardson for giving him a chance. Many draft analysts thought Newton was too big a risk to take No. 1 because of character concerns and his success in a simplistic off...