Getty Images

Some critics of Cam Newton’s touchdown celebrations have pointed to Peyton Manning, and said that Newton should act more like Manning. But Manning says he’d celebrate like Newton if he scored as often as Newton.

Asked at Super Bowl Opening Night why he doesn’t celebrate on the field the way Newton does, Manning answered that it’s because “I don’t run for any touchdowns.”

Manning spoke highly of Newton, saying there’s “no doubt” he was the MVP of the NFL in 2015. Manning added that if he could run like Newton does, he’d dance like Newton does.

“If I run for a touchdown on Sunday, I’ll celebrate,” Manning said.

When Manning finished with 11 rushing yards in the AFC Championship Game, it snapped a 20-game streak of Manning rushing for zero or negative rushing yards. Newton has never finished a game with zero or negative rushing yards. And Manning has 18 career rushing touchdowns in 266 career games, while Newton has 43 career rushing touchdowns in 78 career games. So perhaps Newton just celebrates in the end zone more than Manning because he reaches the end zone more than Manning.