Voters on NFL.com have made their choice. Quarterback Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers is the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week for games played on October 2-3, the NFL announced Friday.
Newton threw for 374 yards, one touchdown and one interception, and rushed for 35 yards and two scores in the Panthers' 34-29 loss to the Chicago Bears. Newton currently ranks third in the NFL with 347 passing yards per game.
Newton was selected from among five finalists through fan votes on NFL.com/rookies. The other finalists were cornerback Marcus Gilchrist of the San Diego Chargers, wide receiver A.J. Green of the Cincinnati Bengals, wide receiver Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons and linebacker Ryan Kerrigan of the Washington Redskins.
After the regular season, five players will be nominated for Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Fans can vote for the winner on NFL.com/rookies throughout the month of January. The winner will be announced at a press conference at Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis.
This is Pepsi's 10th year as the official soft drink sponsor of the NFL and the 10th year that Pepsi will present the NFL Rookie of the Week and NFL Rookie of the Year awards.
PEPSI ROOKIE OF THE WEEK NOMINEES
Marcus Gilchrist, San Diego Chargers
Chargers CB Marcus Gilchrist had 6 tackles, an interception and two passes defensed in his first career start in a 26-16 win over the Miami Dolphins.
A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
Bengals WR A.J. Green had four catches for 118 yards in a 23-20 victory over the Buffalo Bills.
Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
Falcons WR Julio Jones caught 11 passes for 127 yards in a 30-28 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
Ryan Kerrigan, Washington Redskins
Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan had 6 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in a 17-10 victory over the St. Louis Rams.
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
Panthers QB Cam Newton threw for 374 yards, one touchdown and one interception, and rushed for 35 yards and two scores in a 34-29 loss to the Chicago Bears.