Cam Newton

No surprise here: Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player on Saturday.

The 26-year-old, 6′ 5″ quarterback led the Panthers to a spectacular 15-1 regular season. The team’s only loss was to our Atlanta Falcons 20-13 in week 16.

The Panthers take on the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Newton is heavily favored to bring the coveted Lombardi Trophy to Charlotte, North Carolina for the 1st time in team history.

But even if he wins, Newton will lose to the state of North Carolina.

According to Forbes:

Win on Sunday, and Newton will pay California a total of $159,560 in taxes in 2016. Lose, and he will pay $159,200, based on an income reduction of $51,000.

The result: Newton will pay California 99.6% of his Super Bowl earnings if the Panthers win. Losing means his effective tax rate will be a whopping 198.8%. Oh yeah, he will also pay the IRS 40.5% on his earnings.

Carolina lost to the New England Patriots 32-29 in Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 — their only other appearance.

Sports Illustrated hailed Super Bowl XXXVIII as the “Greatest Super Bowl of all time.”

Tom Brady was Super Bowl 38’s MVP and Beyonce performed the National Anthem.

Let’s hope Beyonce’s halftime appearance during Super Bowl 50 doesn’t jinx Newton and the Panthers.

By the way, rap mogul Jeezy, who was born in Columbia, SC, dropped the new track “Hit ‘Um”, which was inspired by Newton.