Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller was named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl 50 following his team’s 24-10 triumph over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Miller forced a pair of fumbles from Carolina quarterback Cam Newton that led to touchdowns that boosted the Broncos to their third Super Bowl triumph and first in 17 years.
The 26-year-old Miller one-upped the regular season MVP Newton with his brilliant defensive effort.
Miller was the number two overall choice in the 2011 NFL draft out of Texas A&M, while Newton was taken first overall after winning a national college championship with Auburn.
“I thought at that time I could be number one, but (Carolina) didn’t see it that way. They took Cam Newton,” Miller said in the run-up to the National Football League’s title game.
Now Miller has something Newton does not—a Super Bowl championship.
Miller, as he did in Denver’s AFC title-winning victory over the New England Patriots two weeks ago, recorded 2-1/2 sacks along with the fumbles he forced against Newton in a bravura performance at Levi’s Stadium.
Lightning quick off the edge of the defensive line, Miller also registered six tackles and a pass defensed. He became the 10th defensive player and fourth linebacker ever to be chosen Super Bowl MVP following Chuck Howley of the Cowboys (Super Bowl 5), Ray Lewis of the Ravens (Super Bowl 35) and Malcolm Smith of the Seahawks (Super Bowl 48).
“I’m so proud of my guys. It’s been every last one of the guys in the locker room that’s got me to this moment right here,” Miller said. “They kept pushing ... I’m very, very appreciative of them.
“It just shows what type of team we have. We came together as a whole. It is a college atmosphere. We have a lot of love for each other, and that is where the success came from.”
Miller’s first crucial play came in the opening quarter when he raced around from Newton’s right side for a sack that sent the ball bounding into the end zone where Malik Jackson scooped it up for a touchdown and a 10-0 Denver lead.
He bookended that feat with a late fourth-quarter strip of Newton that gave Denver the ball on the four-yard line to set up the Broncos’ last touchdown.
“He played a heck of a football game,” said losing head coach Ron Rivera. “He deserves to be the Super Bowl MVP.”