A 15-1 record-setting season and an MVP award can sure work wonders for a guy's reputation among his peers.
Carolina Panthers' quarterback Cam Newton, who's still a divisive figure among NFL fans, is the league's best player according to the NFL Network's "Top 100 Players of 2016."
Newton's ranking was released Wednesday night, along with linebacker Luke Kuechly, who came in at No. 7. They're the first Panthers to land inside the top-10 since the players-only vote began in 2011.
After battling through a surgically repaired ankle and broken ribs during a 7-8-1 season in 2014, Newton fell 49 spots to No. 73 last summer. But everything came together in his fifth year with the MVP award and a league-leading 45 total touchdowns.
Newton dominated defenses while becoming the first player in league history with at least 30 passing touchdowns (35) and 10 rushing touchdowns in a single season. He was particularly impressive from Week 8 through the NFC Championship Game when he accounted for 37 touchdowns and just four interceptions.
Besides Newton and Kuechly, the rest of the "Top 100" top-10 featured: 2.) Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady, 3.) Texans' defensive end J.J. Watt, 4.) Steelers' receiver Antonio Brown, 5.) Vikings' running back Adrian Peterson, 6.) Packers' quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 8.) Falcons' receiver Julio Jones, 9.) Patriots' tight end Rob Gronkowski and 10.) Giants' receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Watch Newton's Peers Explain Why They Voted Him No. 1
Panthers’ History on "Top 100 Players" List
2016
1. Cam Newton
7. Luke Kuechly
38. Greg Olsen
54. Thomas Davis
58. Kawann Short
79. Ryan Kalil
86. Jonathan Stewart
2015
14. LB Luke Kuechly
73. QB Cam Newton
89. TE Greg Olsen
2014
15. LB Luke Kuechly
24. QB Cam Newton
53. DE Greg Hardy
93. C Ryan Kalil
2013
46. QB Cam Newton
79. LB Luke Kuechly
84. WR Steve Smith
2012
35. WR Steve Smith
40. QB Cam Newton
99. C Ryan Kalil
2011
87. OT Jordan Gross
95. LB Jon Beason