CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Despite a record-setting rookie season, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was not selected to the Pro Bowl.
He certainly isn't pouting over it.
Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Eli Manning were selected over Newton, even though Manning has seven fewer total touchdowns.
Newton says he was "honored" to be selected as a first alternate and knows there's a good chance he might wind up replacing one of the guys ahead of him if he pulls out of the game or if the Packers, Saints or Giants wind up in the Super Bowl, which is now played one week after the Pro Bowl.
Still, Panthers coach Ron Rivera believes Newton deserved to go, citing the rookie's ability to make plays with his feet. Newton has thrown for 20 touchdowns and run for 14, the most ever by a quarterback.
By comparison, Manning has 27 total touchdowns - 26 passing and one rushing.
Manning, however, has more yards passing (4,587) than Newton (3,893) and has a slightly higher quarterback rating.
Both have 16 interceptions.
(Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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