SANTA CLARA, California -- Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller was named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl 50 as Denver picked up a 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers at Levi's Stadium.
"It feels great," he said. "We have been working for two years. Me and my teammates and all my guys. This is what you work for. I am so proud of my buddies. I am so proud of my teammates and coaches.
"It just shows what type of team we have. It is not about the offense, defense or special teams. ... We have a lot of love for each other, and that is where the success comes from."
Miller sacked the Panthers quarterback, Cam Newton, in the first quarter and striped the ball away. The fumble allowed Malik Jackson to recover the pigskin in the end zone to give Denver a 10-0 lead. Mike Remmers, a right tackle for Carolina, was beat by Miller on the play.
The defensive force executed the same type of play in the fourth quarter to allow Denver to score a touchdown. Miller got past Remmers, once again, and knocked the ball away as Newton was looking to throw down field. Because of the turnover forced by Miller, C.J. Anderson was able to jump in for a touchdown to make it a 24-10 lead for the Broncos.
Miller, 26, finished with 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and six tackles to lead the Denver defense to a victorious ending to the season.
Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XXXV and Chuck Howley of the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V are the only linebackers, besides Miller, to win Super Bowl Most Valuable Player honors. As a matter of fact, Miller in the 10th Super Bowl Most Valuable Player on the defensive side of the field.
Super Bowl 50 could be the last game Miller plays in a Broncos uniform. Denver will look to put a franchise tag on the linebacker, but it will be tough because the 26-year-old is going to look for a mountain of cash this offseason.