Superman vs. Peyton: Who’s the favorite?

Peyton Manning arrived here a week ago wearing a conservative business suit. Cam Newton made fashion critics out of football fans and big sales for Versace when he got off the plane in $850 zebra-print pants.

“They are opposites,” said Panthers coach Ron Rivera, stating the obvious.

Newton dabs when he scores, which he does often, with 43 rushing touchdowns in five seasons, including 10 this year. Manning doesn’t have a touchdown celebration, because he has rushed for only 18 touchdowns in 18 seasons, including only once the past six years.

“I promise if I run for a touchdown, I will celebrate,” Manning said. “I can assure you of that. But I doubt I’ll get to run that much, because of the 12-yard run I had against New England, there’s a good chance Carolina may send someone to spy me. You know, drop somebody to defend me in the run. I could see it happen.

“But I think [Newton’s] passion, his enthusiasm for the game, I think it’s great. I think it’s good for football.”

Manning, 39, owns five MVP awards and most of the league’s major passing records. Newton, 26, won his first MVP award Saturday night.

One is the past; one is the future.

Manning, hawking everything over the years including Oreos, DirecTV, Buick, Nationwide, Gatorade, MasterCard, Sprint and Papa John’s, has been the face of the NFL and its best ambassador. His estimated $12 million annual income off the field leads the NFL.

Newton made an estimated $11 million off the field last season, getting deals with Oikos Triple Zero Yogurt, Under Armour, Beats by Dre and Gatorade among others.

Manning calls Newton “the future face of the NFL.”

“Anything that the sheriff has to say, you can probably ink it in gold,” Newton said. “It’s just a tremendous honor to be even mentioned and affiliated with the face of the league.”

Newton answers to “Superman.” He wears a T-shirt bearing the “S” logo of Superman, and his signature celebration used to mimic Clark Kent pulling off his shirt and tie to don his cape.

“You’re talking about Superman,” Broncos linebacker Von Miller said of defending Newton. “You ain’t watched the movies? It’s hard to bring down Superman. … He’s fast. He’s strong. He’s Superman.”

Last week alone Newton also drew comparisons to Stephen Curry for his ability to take over games, Usain Bolt for his speed and Muhammad Ali for his brashness. Newton doesn’t care what you think of him, his game, his dancing or his outspokenness.

“I guess you’ll have to get used to it, because I don’t plan on changing,” Newton said.

Manning doesn’t have a nickname. He’s Peyton, one of those rare celebrities with first-name recognition.

“Peyton,” Miller said when asked Manning’s nickname. “He is a hero. We’re talking about Peyton Manning. He’s a superhero. He could run for president if he wanted to.”

Parents are rooting for Manning today in what might be his “final rodeo.” Kids are rooting for Newton in what might be his first of many Super Bowls.

Newton’s Panthers are the favorites. Manning’s Broncos are the sentimental favorites.

Is it time for Peyton to hand off the baton to Superman? Or does he keep it for one last victory lap?

This story was originally published February 6, 2016 at 4:36 PM with the headline "Superman vs. Peyton: Who’s the favorite?."