Photos: Cam Newton congratulates Peyton Manning after Super Bowl

Super Bowl quarterbacks Cam Newton and Peyton Manning shared a moment after Super Bowl 50.

Super Bowl quarterbacks Cam Newton and Peyton Manning shared a moment after Super Bowl 50, with Newton congratulating Manning in defeat.

After the Broncos’ 24–10 win over the Panthers on the back of a dominant defensive showing, Newton took the time to meet Manning on the field, as captured by photographers.

Newton was visibly frustrated and audibly curt with the media after the game, and drew scrutiny from critics over his perceived poor sportsmanship. The photos below paint a different picture, with Newton smiling as he greets his veteran peer after what may have been the final game of Manning’s career.

The win marked Manning’s second Super Bowl win. Newton, the 2015 NFL MVP, was playing in his first career Super Bowl.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Neither quarterback performed especially well on Sunday night, Newton completing 18 of 41 passes for 265 yards and an interception, and Manning going 13 of 23 for 141 yards and an interception, also losing a fumble.