Before last season, the last time Sports Illustrated put the Carolina Panthers on its cover was when quarterback Jake Delhomme popped up on the front of the 2005 NFL preview issue.

Now, for the third time in the past nine months, SI is using Cam Newton as one of their cover boys. 

The reigning NFL MVP graces this year's NFL preview on one of four regional covers. Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller, Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Steelers receiver Antonio Brown are on the other three.

Newton and Miller were SI's regional choices before the Super Bowl. And in November, Newton and right guard Trai Turner landed a cover.