Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman is rooting for Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning in the Super Bowl.

Yes, you read that right.

“He’s ‘The Sheriff,’ man,” Norman told reporters earlier this week. “I’ve admired him since I grew up. I have a lot of respect for that guy. … Even though he’s got some age on him, he’s ‘The Sheriff.’

“If I even get the ball from him, if he throws an interception or something and the guy allows me to be there for it, I’m probably going to bow to him. That’s how much I really think about a guy.”

Norman went on to say that he’s played with Manning in Madden.

“That’s P-Manning, man,” Norman said, according to USA TODAY Sports. “That’s P-freaking-Manning – the guy you’ve been idolizing and I played as the Colts on the game system. Him and Marvin Harrison, freakin’ turf show. All those guys. Making plays, Dallas Clark, man, [Edgerrin] James, the whole offense they had.

“I was playing the game and whupping guys, taking their money. This is the guy we’re facing? It’s so unbelievably great that God allowed it to happen this way.”

Norman even went as far to say that he’s rooting for Manning, but he obviously wants to win.

“I’m rooting for him, but shoot, I want that ring,” Norman said. “So I’m going to do everything I can to try to minimize what he likes to do. But at the same time, I respect the heck out of him.”

Denver will play Carolina Sunday, Feb. 7 at 4:40 p.m. MST.