Record 6 Panthers named to AP All-Pro first team

A franchise record-breaking six Carolina Panthers were named to The Associated Press All-Pro first-team Friday, besting the 1996 and 2013 marks of three players and leading all NFL teams this season.

Quarterback Cam Newton, fullback Mike Tolbert, center Ryan Kalil, linebackers Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis and cornerback Josh Norman all were named to the first team.

Tight end Greg Olsen and defensive tackle Kawann Short were named to the second team to make it eight Panthers in total.

It’s the first All-Pro team for Newton, a three-time Pro Bowler and odds-on favorite to win the NFL Most Valuable Player award. It’s also the first time for Davis and Norman.

“I’d be lying if I said (accolades) didn’t (matter), but at the same time it goes into ‘hard works pays off,’ ” Newton said. “What I am most proud about is the notoriety a lot of players on this team (are getting) who I know are working their tails off.”

Newton received 40 of the 50 votes at quarterback. Arizona’s Carson Palmer was named second-team quarterback with six votes, and Tom Brady (three) and Russell Wilson (one) completed the group.

Kuechly was named to his third first-team All-Pro with 49 votes, one shy of being a unanimous selection. Norman had 43 votes.

The six first-teamers are tied with nine other teams for second-most since the 1970 merger with the American Football League. Washington’s 1983 team had seven. The last team to finish with six first-teamers was the 2012 San Francisco 49ers.

Olsen made his first appearance on the list by earning second-team honors behind New England’s Rob Gronkowski.

Short, who was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month after getting five of his 11 sacks in December and January, was named to the second team. His 14 votes were behind St. Louis’ Aaron Donald’s 47 and Cincinnati’s Geno Atkins’ 23.

And offensive guard Trai Turner just missed out on being named to the second team. His eight votes were just behind second-teamers Mike Iupati and Zack Martin’s 10 votes.

This story was originally published January 8, 2016 at 1:43 PM with the headline "Record 6 Panthers named to AP All-Pro first team."