Cam Newton received another trophy to add to his growing collection when he was awarded the 2011 Manning Award last week, given to the top quarterback in the nation and presented by the Allstate Sugar Bowl. The award is named after Archie Manning of the University of Mississippi and New Orleans Saints, although he is now more famous for his sons Peyton and Eli, both former overall number one NFL draft picks just like Newton.
“Every day I wake up I continue to pinch myself,” Newton said moments after accepting the award at the Riverside Hilton. “I know I said that once but just to try to express how does it feel as a person to get so much success so quickly from so many people’s eyes is a wonder.”
The Manning Award is added to Newton’s Heisman Trophy, and the national championship he helped Auburn win, giving him one of the most decorated college football seasons ever. He was the first player in 60 years to win the Heisman Trophy, a national championship, and be selected number one overall in the NFL draft all in the same year.
