CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WIAT) - A record-breaking season lands Cam Newton Rookie of the Year honors.

On Tuesday, the former Auburn quarterback was named Sporting News Rookie of the Year.  The award is voted on by NFL players, coaches and executives.

Newton just finished his first season as the Carolina Panthers signla caller.  The top pick of the 2011 NFL draft outdistanced second-place finisher Von Miller by 230.5 votes.  Newton collected 327 votes.  Miller, a Denver Broncos linebacker, earned 96.5.

The rookie set a first year standard by throwing for 4,051 yards in 2011.  He added 21 touchdown passes to go along with 706 yards rushing.  He also became the first NFL player to ever pass for 4,000 yards and rush for at least 500 yards in the same season.

Newton's 14 rushing touchdowns is the most-ever by a quarterback in a single season.