Santa Clara, California (CNN) If this was the final game of Peyton Manning's 18-year career, he couldn't have scripted the ending much better.

A 2-yard rushing touchdown from running back C.J. Anderson -- in addition to a defensive score and three field goals from kicker Brandon McManus -- gave the Denver Broncos a 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 in front of 71,088 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller, who had two strip-sack fumbles of Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, was named Super Bowl Most Valuable Player.

Manning, at 39, is the oldest starting quarterback in Super Bowl history. Going into Sunday, he hadn't confirmed if Super Bowl 50 would be his last game. But it sure felt that way. And like his boss, Broncos general manager and executive vice president of football operations John Elway, Manning can ride off into the sunset after securing his second championship in his career.

After the win, Manning was noncommittal on his future.

"You know, I'll take some time to reflect," Manning said. "I have a couple of priorities first. I want to go kiss my wife and my kids, I want to go hug my family. I'm going to drink a lot of Budweiser tonight. I promise you that. I'm going to take care of those things first, and say a little prayer to thank the man upstairs for this great opportunity. I'm just very grateful."

Newton and the Panthers run onto the field before the game.

Newton and the Panthers run onto the field before the game.

Lady Gaga performs the national anthem before the start of the game.

Lady Gaga performs the national anthem before the start of the game.

Manning looks to hand the ball off in the first quarter.

Manning looks to hand the ball off in the first quarter.

Carolina wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery tries to pull in a pass during the first quarter.

Carolina wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery tries to pull in a pass during the first quarter.

The fumble was forced by Miller, who had 2.5 sacks in the game.

The fumble was forced by Miller, who had 2.5 sacks in the game.

Denver's Malik Jackson recovers a Newton fumble in the end zone, scoring a touchdown that helped give the Broncos a 10-0 lead in the first quarter.

Denver's Malik Jackson recovers a Newton fumble in the end zone, scoring a touchdown that helped give the Broncos a 10-0 lead in the first quarter.

Denver's Aqib Talib grabs Brown's face mask while tackling him in the second quarter. A penalty was called on Talib, and Jonathan Stewart scored one play later.

Denver's Aqib Talib grabs Brown's face mask while tackling him in the second quarter. A penalty was called on Talib, and Jonathan Stewart scored one play later.

Jordan Norwood returns the ball 61 yards in the second quarter. It is the longest punt return in Super Bowl history.

Jordan Norwood returns the ball 61 yards in the second quarter. It is the longest punt return in Super Bowl history.

Tolbert fumbles in the first half as he is hit by the Broncos' Darian Stewart, left.

Tolbert fumbles in the first half as he is hit by the Broncos' Darian Stewart, left.

Anderson pushes off Cortland Finnegan as he runs the ball during the first half.

Anderson pushes off Cortland Finnegan as he runs the ball during the first half.

Newton sits on the turf after being hit in the first half. At halftime, Carolina trailed Denver 13-7.

Newton sits on the turf after being hit in the first half. At halftime, Carolina trailed Denver 13-7.

Panthers kicker Graham Gano misses a 44-yard field goal in the third quarter. The ball bounced off the right goalpost.

Panthers kicker Graham Gano misses a 44-yard field goal in the third quarter. The ball bounced off the right goalpost.

Carolina fullback Mike Tolbert strips the ball from Ward after Ward intercepted a pass in the third quarter. Denver recovered the ball.

Carolina fullback Mike Tolbert strips the ball from Ward after Ward intercepted a pass in the third quarter. Denver recovered the ball.

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is hit by Carolina's Kony Ealy in the fourth quarter. The hit forced a fumble, and Carolina recovered the ball.

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is hit by Carolina's Kony Ealy in the fourth quarter. The hit forced a fumble, and Carolina recovered the ball.

Miller strips the ball from Newton. He was named the game's Most Valuable Player

Denver safety T.J. Ward recovers a fumble deep in Carolina territory after teammate Von Miller hit Newton in the fourth quarter. It was one of two fumbles forced by Miller in the game.

Denver safety T.J. Ward recovers a fumble deep in Carolina territory after teammate Von Miller hit Newton in the fourth quarter. It was one of two fumbles forced by Miller in the game.

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton -- the league's Most Valuable Player this season -- reacts after a play in the fourth quarter. He was sacked six times by the dominant Denver defense, which was also credited with a sack on Ted Ginn Jr.

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton -- the league's Most Valuable Player this season -- reacts after a play in the fourth quarter. He was sacked six times by the dominant Denver defense, which was also credited with a sack on Ted Ginn Jr.

The Vince Lombardi Trophy is held up by Broncos general manager John Elway after the game. Elway also won two Super Bowls as a Broncos quarterback.

The Vince Lombardi Trophy is held up by Broncos general manager John Elway after the game. Elway also won two Super Bowls as a Broncos quarterback.

Quarterback Peyton Manning walks off the field after the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50 on Sunday, February 7. It is the second Super Bowl title of Manning's illustrious career.

Quarterback Peyton Manning walks off the field after the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50 on Sunday, February 7. It is the second Super Bowl title of Manning's illustrious career.

Manning is also the first quarterback to win a Super Bowl with two different teams. He also won Super Bowl XLI when he was with the Indianapolis Colts.

With the win, Manning became the first NFL quarterback with 200 career wins (186 regular season and 14 postseason). He had been tied with Brett Favre , a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2016, with 199.

"Being on two different teams, winning a Super Bowl with each team, I'm proud of that," Manning said.

Manning -- good enough for the win

Photos: Longest, fastest, greatest: Super Bowl superlatives Photos: Longest, fastest, greatest: Super Bowl superlatives Quarterback Steve Young threw six touchdowns passes — a Super Bowl record — as his San Francisco 49ers blew out San Diego 49-26 in January 1995. Look back at more Super Bowl records, including the greatest games, the greatest plays and the greatest winners. Hide Caption 1 of 16 Photos: Longest, fastest, greatest: Super Bowl superlatives Most passing yards in a Super Bowl: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady threw for 505 yards in 2018, and his team still lost to Philadelphia 41-33. Brady broke the record he set just one year earlier when he led his team to a 34-28 overtime victory over Atlanta. Hide Caption 2 of 16 Photos: Longest, fastest, greatest: Super Bowl superlatives Most receiving yards in a Super Bowl: San Francisco wide receiver Jerry Rice was named Super Bowl MVP in 1989 after he caught 11 balls for a record 215 yards against Cincinnati. The Hall of Famer also holds Super Bowl records for most points and most touchdowns in a career. He scored eight touchdowns over four Super Bowls. Hide Caption 3 of 16 Photos: Longest, fastest, greatest: Super Bowl superlatives Most rushing yards in a Super Bowl: Washington quarterback Doug Williams won the Super Bowl MVP award in 1988, but rookie running back Timmy Smith set a Super Bowl record that year with 204 rushing yards against Denver. Hide Caption 4 of 16 Photos: Longest, fastest, greatest: Super Bowl superlatives Most interceptions in a Super Bowl: Oakland linebacker Rod Martin (No. 53) had three interceptions as the Raiders defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in 1981. Hide Caption 5 of 16 Photos: Longest, fastest, greatest: Super Bowl superlatives Most Super Bowl wins for one player: Tom Brady has won six Super Bowls, all with New England. In his 19 NFL seasons, he's been to nine Super Bowls. Hide Caption 6 of 16 Photos: Longest, fastest, greatest: Super Bowl superlatives Most Super Bowl wins for a head coach: Bill Belichick, with Brady as his quarterback, has won six Super Bowls as head coach of the Patriots. Belichick also won two Super Bowls as an assistant coach with the New York Giants. Hide Caption 7 of 16 Photos: Longest, fastest, greatest: Super Bowl superlatives Longest scoring play in a Super Bowl: Baltimore's Jacoby Jones returned a kickoff 108 yards as the Ravens defeated San Francisco 34-31 in 2013. Hide Caption 8 of 16 Photos: Longest, fastest, greatest: Super Bowl superlatives Longest pass in a Super Bowl: Carolina wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad caught an 85-yard touchdown pass from Jake Delhomme during Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004. Hide Caption 9 of 16 Photos: Longest, fastest, greatest: Super Bowl superlatives Longest run in a Super Bowl: "Fast" Willie Parker broke a 75-yard run for a Pittsburgh touchdown in 2006. Hide Caption 10 of 16 Photos: Longest, fastest, greatest: Super Bowl superlatives Longest interception return in a Super Bowl: Pittsburgh's James Harrison picked off Arizona's Kurt Warner on the last play of the first half and rumbled 100 yards for a touchdown in 2009. Hide Caption 11 of 16 Photos: Longest, fastest, greatest: Super Bowl superlatives Longest fumble return in a Super Bowl: Almost everything came up roses for the Dallas Cowboys in 1993, as they crushed Buffalo 52-17 in the Rose Bowl. But defensive lineman Leon Lett had an embarrassing moment late in the game when he was returning a fumble for what looked to be a sure touchdown. Lett returned the ball 64 yards, but he started showboating early and was stripped by Buffalo's Don Beebe. Hide Caption 12 of 16 Photos: Longest, fastest, greatest: Super Bowl superlatives Fastest score in a Super Bowl: On the first play from scrimmage in 2014, Denver center Manny Ramirez snapped the ball past quarterback Peyton Manning. Denver's Knowshon Moreno recovered the ball in the end zone for a Seattle safety. Only 12 seconds had elapsed. Hide Caption 13 of 16 Photos: Longest, fastest, greatest: Super Bowl superlatives First score in Super Bowl history: In the first quarter of what we know now as Super Bowl I, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Max McGee scored a touchdown on a 37-yard pass from Bart Starr. McGee made the catch with one hand, reaching behind him before speeding past the defender. Hide Caption 14 of 16 Photos: Longest, fastest, greatest: Super Bowl superlatives Largest margin of victory in a Super Bowl: San Francisco demolished Denver 55-10 in 1990, winning by a record 45 points. It was the 49ers' fourth Super Bowl title in nine years. Hide Caption 15 of 16 Photos: Longest, fastest, greatest: Super Bowl superlatives Smallest margin of victory in a Super Bowl: Buffalo kicker Scott Norwood missed a 47-yard field goal as time expired, and the New York Giants beat the Bills 20-19 in 1991. Hide Caption 16 of 16

Manning didn't play flawlessly, but he did enough, which is all a suffocating Broncos-led defense has needed this season. Manning's line: 13 of 23 passing for 141 yards with one interception and a lost fumble.

Manning's 18th -- and perhaps final -- season has been his most challenging.

He was benched for the first time in his career, which was a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in November. While backup Brock Osweiler filled in, Manning missed six games because of a partially torn plantar fascia in his left foot.

But in Week 17, Manning returned, coming off the bench to lead Denver to a win over the San Diego Chargers to clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Manning called it "a unique season."

"I certainly knew with this defense that this team would have a chance," Manning said. "Our defense has just been from the get-go, they've been nothing but awesome. Being hurt, the struggle early in the season wasn't a lot of fun, so I was grateful to get back healthy and to try to play my part these last couple of weeks."

It started well for the Broncos (15-4) on their opening drive, capped by a 34-yard McManus field goal to take an early 3-0.

It was a different story for Carolina (17-2).

The Panthers, having lost just once coming into this game, were accustomed to having their way offensively.

Carolina had the league's top offense this year -- averaging 31.3 points per game in the regular season and a whopping 40 points per game in the postseason. Newton was responsible for 79.3% of the Panthers' offensive scores this season heading into Sunday.

But Carolina didn't face a defense like Denver's all season. The Broncos lead the NFL in total defense, pass defense and sacks. Newton got to see -- and feel -- that up close. He was sacked seven times, tying a Super Bowl record.

The one that was the most costly came in the first quarter, Carolina's second turn on offense. On Carolina's 15-yard line, Miller forced a Newton fumble on the strip sack for an 11-yard loss while defensive end Malik Jackson scooped up the ball for the score to give Denver a 10-0 lead. It was the first fumble recovery for a touchdown in a Super Bowl in 22 years.

Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes became the youngest Super Bowl MVP in history after the Chiefs defeated San Francisco 31-20 in Super Bowl LIV. The 24-year-old threw for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to overcome a 10-point deficit. Hide Caption 1 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 02: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) Hide Caption 2 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl I (1967): Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr was named the Most Valuable Player of the first Super Bowl, which in January 1967 was just called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game. Starr threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns as the Packers defeated Kansas City 35-10 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Hide Caption 3 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl II (1968): Starr repeated the feat one year later as the Packers won back-to-back titles. Starr had 202 yards passing and one touchdown as Green Bay blew out Oakland 33-14. Hide Caption 4 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl III (1969): The New York Jets came into Super Bowl III as 18-point underdogs, but quarterback Joe Namath famously guaranteed that his team would upset the Baltimore Colts. After Namath led the way to a 16-7 victory, he was named the game's Most Valuable Player. Hide Caption 5 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl IV (1970): The Kansas City Chiefs lost the first Super Bowl, but they made it count the second time around. Quarterback Len Dawson had 142 yards and a touchdown as the Chiefs beat the Minnesota Vikings 23-7 in New Orleans. It was the second straight year that the AFL champions had defeated the NFL champions, and by the next season the two leagues had merged. Hide Caption 6 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl V (1971): Dallas Cowboys linebacker Chuck Howley intercepted two passes against the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V. Howley was named the game's MVP, but the Colts won the notoriously sloppy game with a Jim O'Brien field goal as time expired. To date, Howley remains the only player from a losing team to be named Super Bowl MVP. Hide Caption 7 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl VI (1972): Dallas atoned for its loss the next season, shutting down the Miami Dolphins 24-3. MVP quarterback Roger Staubach had two touchdown passes. Hide Caption 8 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl VII (1973): Miami safety Jake Scott intercepts a fourth-quarter pass in the end zone during the Dolphins' 14-7 win over Washington in Super Bowl VII. Scott had two interceptions in the game as the Dolphins finished their season with a perfect 17-0 record. They are still the only NFL team ever to finish a season undefeated. Hide Caption 9 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl VIII (1974): Powerful running back Larry Csonka carries two Minnesota defenders near the end zone as Miami won its second Super Bowl in a row. Csonka became the first running back to win Super Bowl MVP, rushing for 145 yards and two touchdowns. Hide Caption 10 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl IX (1975): Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris fights off Minnesota defender Paul Krause during Pittsburgh's 16-6 victory in Super Bowl IX. Harris ran for 158 yards and a touchdown on his way to winning MVP. Hide Caption 11 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl X (1976): This diving catch from Pittsburgh wide receiver Lynn Swann is one of the most iconic plays in Super Bowl history. Swann had a touchdown and 161 yards receiving as the Steelers defeated Dallas 21-17 to win their second straight Super Bowl. Swann was the first wide receiver to win MVP. Hide Caption 12 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XI (1977): Oakland Raiders wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff caught four passes for 79 yards to win MVP honors in Super Bowl XI. The Raiders won 32-14 over Minnesota, knocking the Vikings to 0-4 in Super Bowls. Hide Caption 13 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XII (1978): A dominating performance by Dallas' "Doomsday Defense" led to the first and only time that two players would share the Super Bowl MVP award. Defensive linemen Randy White, left, and Harvey Martin helped the Cowboys force eight turnovers and defeat Denver 27-10. Hide Caption 14 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XIII (1979): The Steelers and the Cowboys met for a Super Bowl rematch in 1979, and this game ended the same way as the one three years earlier -- with a Pittsburgh victory. This time, however, it was Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw who won MVP, throwing for 318 yards and four touchdowns as Pittsburgh edged Dallas 35-31. Hide Caption 15 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XIV (1980): Bradshaw led the way again in Super Bowl XIV, throwing for 309 yards and a pair of touchdowns as the Steelers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 31-19. It was the Steelers' fourth title in six years. Hide Caption 16 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XV (1981): Oakland quarterback Jim Plunkett makes a pass during the Raiders' 27-10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in 1981. Plunkett had 261 yards passing and three touchdowns on his way to winning MVP. Hide Caption 17 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XVI (1982): San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana evades a tackle en route to winning MVP honors in Super Bowl XVI. Montana threw for one touchdown in the game and ran for another as the 49ers won 26-21. Hide Caption 18 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XVII (1983): Washington running back John Riggins bursts through a hole during the Redskins' 27-17 victory over Miami in Super Bowl XVII. Riggins was named MVP after rushing for 166 yards and a touchdown. Hide Caption 19 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XVIII (1984): Washington was on the losing end one year later as MVP running back Marcus Allen exploded for 191 yards and two touchdowns. Allen's Raiders, who had recently moved from Oakland to Los Angeles, blew out the Redskins 38-9. Hide Caption 20 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XIX (1985): Three years after winning his first Super Bowl MVP award, Joe Montana was at it again as he led the 49ers to a 38-16 victory over Miami. This time, "Joe Cool" threw for 331 yards and three touchdowns. Hide Caption 21 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XX (1986): Chicago Bears defensive end Richard Dent (No. 95) sacks New England quarterback Steve Grogan during Super Bowl XX. Dent had two sacks and two forced fumbles as a devastating defense helped Chicago crush the Patriots 46-10. Hide Caption 22 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXI (1987): New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms had a performance for the ages in Super Bowl XXI, completing 22 of 25 passes as the Giants beat Denver 39-20. It remains a Super Bowl record for completion percentage. Simms also had 268 yards passing and three touchdowns. Hide Caption 23 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXII (1988): The Washington Redskins trailed 10-0 after a quarter of play at Super Bowl XXII, but quarterback Doug Williams threw four touchdowns in the second quarter and the rout was on. The Redskins rolled to a 42-10 victory, and Williams was named MVP after finishing with 340 passing yards. Hide Caption 24 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXIII (1989): San Francisco wide receiver Jerry Rice runs toward the goal line while playing Cincinnati in Super Bowl XXIII. Rice finished with 11 receptions for a Super Bowl-record 215 yards. Hide Caption 25 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXIV (1990): San Francisco quarterback Joe Montana raises his arms in celebration after a 49ers touchdown in Super Bowl XXIV. Montana had 297 yards passing and five touchdowns as the 49ers defeated Denver 55-10. It was the biggest blowout in Super Bowl history. Montana collected his third MVP award, and the 49ers capped a glorious run with four titles in nine years. Hide Caption 26 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXV (1991): Super Bowl XXV will likely always be remembered for Buffalo kicker Scott Norwood missing a field goal as time expired. But New York Giants running back Ottis Anderson won MVP in what was the closest Super Bowl ever. Anderson had 102 yards and a touchdown as the Giants prevailed 20-19. Hide Caption 27 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXVI (1992): The Washington Redskins won three Super Bowls in 10 years, and each came with a different starting quarterback. This time it was Mark Rypien, who was named MVP after throwing for 292 yards and two touchdowns as the Redskins defeated Buffalo 37-24. Hide Caption 28 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXVII (1993): Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman had 273 yards and four touchdowns as the Cowboys won their first Super Bowl since 1978. Dallas trounced Buffalo 52-17, handing the Bills their third straight Super Bowl loss. Hide Caption 29 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXVIII (1994): Dallas running back Emmitt Smith scores against Buffalo in Super Bowl XXVIII. Smith rushed for 132 yards and three touchdowns as Dallas won 30-13 in a Super Bowl rematch from one year earlier. Hide Caption 30 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXIX (1995): After serving as Joe Montana's backup for several years, San Francisco quarterback Steve Young got his moment to shine in 1995. Young threw for a Super Bowl-record six touchdowns as the 49ers defeated the San Diego Chargers 49-26. Hide Caption 31 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXX (1996): Dallas Cowboys cornerback Larry Brown is pushed out of bounds after one of his two interceptions in Super Bowl XXX. Brown's MVP efforts helped the Cowboys beat Pittsburgh 27-17 for their third championship in four years. Hide Caption 32 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXXI (1997): Super Bowl MVP Desmond Howard jumps into a crowd of Green Bay Packers fans after the Packers defeated New England 35-21 in Super Bowl XXXI. Howard had 244 all-purpose yards, including a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Hide Caption 33 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXXII (1998): Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis does his signature "Mile High Salute" after scoring a touchdown against Green Bay in Super Bowl XXXII. Davis rushed for 157 yards and three touchdowns on his way to winning MVP. Hide Caption 34 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXXIII (1999): Denver quarterback John Elway smiles after scoring a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXIII. Elway was named MVP of the game, throwing for 336 yards as the Broncos won back-to-back titles with a 34-19 victory over Atlanta. It was Elway's last game before he retired. Hide Caption 35 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXXIV (2000): MVP quarterback Kurt Warner celebrates after leading the St. Louis Rams to a 23-16 victory over Tennessee in Super Bowl XXXIV. Warner threw for a Super Bowl-record 414 yards, leading an offense that had been nicknamed "The Greatest Show on Turf." Hide Caption 36 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXXV (2001): One year after a high-powered offense won the Super Bowl, it was a suffocating defense that won in 2001. MVP linebacker Ray Lewis set the tone for a Baltimore Ravens team that shut down the New York Giants en route to a 34-7 victory. Hide Caption 37 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXXVI (2002): A star was born in Super Bowl XXXVI as second-year quarterback Tom Brady led the New England Patriots to an upset victory over the heavily favored St. Louis Rams. Brady threw for 145 yards and a touchdown as the Patriots won 20-17 on a last-second field goal by Adam Vinatieri. Hide Caption 38 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXXVII (2003): Tampa Bay safety Dexter Jackson had two interceptions for a vaunted Buccaneers defense that led the way to a 48-21 victory over Oakland in Super Bowl XXXVII. Hide Caption 39 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004): New England quarterback Tom Brady, left, celebrates with teammates after winning a second Super Bowl in three years. Brady was MVP again, throwing for 354 yards and three touchdowns as the Patriots defeated the Carolina Panthers 32-29. Hide Caption 40 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XXXIX (2005): The Patriots became champions for the third time in four years as they defeated Philadelphia 24-21 in Super Bowl XXXIX. This time it was wide receiver Deion Branch who won MVP. He had 11 receptions for 133 yards. Hide Caption 41 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XL (2006): Pittsburgh wide receiver Hines Ward struts into the end zone during the Steelers' 21-10 victory over Seattle. Ward had 123 yards on five catches as the Steelers won their first Super Bowl since 1980. Hide Caption 42 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XLI (2007): Quarterback Peyton Manning threw for 247 yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl XLI, leading the Indianapolis Colts to a 29-17 victory over Chicago. Hide Caption 43 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XLII (2008): Manning's brother Eli won MVP the next season, as his New York Giants upset the New England Patriots and ended their hopes of an undefeated season. Manning threw for two touchdowns as the Giants won 17-14. Hide Caption 44 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XLIII (2009): Pittsburgh wide receiver Santonio Holmes grabs the game-winning touchdown as the Steelers rallied late in the fourth quarter to beat Arizona 27-23 in Super Bowl XLIII. Holmes finished with nine catches for 131 yards. Hide Caption 45 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XLIV (2010): New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees raises his son Baylen after the Saints beat Indianapolis 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV. Brees completed 32 of 39 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns. Hide Caption 46 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XLV (2011): Quarterback Aaron Rodgers had 304 passing yards and three touchdowns as the Green Bay Packers defeated Pittsburgh 31-25. Hide Caption 47 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XLVI (2012): Eli Manning did it to the Patriots again, as the New York Giants beat New England in a Super Bowl rematch from 2008. Manning had 296 yards passing this time as the Giants won 21-17. Hide Caption 48 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XLVII (2013): Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco fights off San Francisco linebacker Ahmad Brooks during Super Bowl XLVII, which the Ravens won 34-31. Flacco had 287 yards and three touchdowns in a game that was interrupted for 34 minutes because of a power outage. Hide Caption 49 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XLVIII (2014): Seattle Seahawks linebacker Malcolm Smith runs an interception back for a touchdown during Seattle's 43-8 drubbing of Denver in Super Bowl XLVIII. Smith and Seattle's "Legion of Boom" defense stifled Peyton Manning and Denver's No. 1-rated offense. Hide Caption 50 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl XLIX (2015): New England's Tom Brady pumps his fist after throwing one of his four touchdown passes in the Patriots' 28-24 victory over Seattle. Brady joined Joe Montana as the only players to win three Super Bowl MVPs. Hide Caption 51 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl 50 (2016): Denver linebacker Von Miller knocks the ball out of Cam Newton's hand during the Broncos' 24-10 victory over Carolina. Miller had two forced fumbles in the game. Both were deep in Carolina territory, and one was recovered by a teammate for a touchdown. Hide Caption 52 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl LI (2017): Tom Brady threw for a Super Bowl-record 466 yards as New England completed the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history. The Patriots trailed Atlanta 28-3 in the third quarter but rallied to win in overtime. It was Brady's fourth MVP award -- an NFL record. Hide Caption 53 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl LII (2018): Nick Foles wasn't the Philadelphia Eagles' starting quarterback for most of the season. But after Carson Wentz went down for the year with a knee injury, Foles stepped up and led the team to the title. He finished the playoff run by throwing for 373 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-33 victory over New England. He also caught a touchdown pass on a trick play. Hide Caption 54 of 55 Photos: Super Bowl MVPs Super Bowl LIII (2019): New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman was one of the few offensive bright spots in what was the lowest-scoring Super Bowl of all time. He caught 10 passes for 141 yards as the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 for their sixth Lombardi Trophy. Hide Caption 55 of 55

Later in the second quarter, Carolina coughed up the football again. This time, Broncos safety Darian Stewart forced a fumble from Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert; inside linebacker Danny Trevathan recovered.

Courtesy of a huge mistake by Broncos' cornerback Aqib Talib, the Panthers were able to capitalize and get on the scoreboard with a 1-yard run by running back Jonathan Stewart. What transpired the play before was a face mask personal foul penalty by Talib.

Talib had a terrible first half with three penalties, two of which were personal fouls.

But Carolina squandered an opportunity early in the third quarter when a 44-yard field goal attempt by Graham Gano hit the right upright. Later in the quarter, Newton threw an interception into the hands of safety T.J. Ward, quashing a promising drive that had Carolina in Denver territory.

Gano hit a 39-yarder with 10:26 remaining to cut the deficit to 16-10, but late in the period, Miller forced his second fumble from Newton. Ward recovered and returned it to the Carolina 4-yard line. Anderson iced the game with Denver's first offensive touchdown of the day with 3:08 left.

On the day, Miller had 2.5 sacks, six total tackles, two forced fumbles, two hurries and a pass defensed.

"I just wanted to key into my guy, key into my tackle, the center, key into Cam," Miller said on his strip sacks. "His cadence is definitely one of the hardest to get down in the National Football League. We just keyed in. That's the type of defense that we've been playing all year long."

Newton, named the 2015 NFL MVP on Saturday, finished the day 18 for 41 for 265 yards and those three turnovers (two fumbles, one interception).

Following the game, Newton for the most part kept his answers terse.

"We had our opportunities," Newton said. "There wasn't nothing special that they did. We dropped balls. We turned the ball over, gave up sacks, threw errant passes. That's it. They scored more points than we did."

When asked to put his disappointment into words, all Newton would say was, "We lost."

It's not often a defensive player wins Super Bowl MVP. This marks the 10th time in Super Bowl history that a defensive player has received the honor. Linebacker Malcolm Smith of the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII was the last defensive player to receive the honor.

"Played a heck of a football game," Panthers coach Ron Rivera said of Miller. "He deserves to be the Super Bowl MVP."

McManus, meanwhile, stayed perfect in the postseason, going 10 for 10 overall. He finished the day with three field goals for 34, 33 and 30 yards.

Fantastic football weather in California

Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Photos: All the Super Bowl rings The New England Patriots received this ring for winning Super Bowl LIII in 2019. Rings have been made for every NFL champion since the first Super Bowl in 1967. Hide Caption 1 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl I: Green Bay Packers Hide Caption 2 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl II: Green Bay Packers Hide Caption 3 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl III: New York Jets Hide Caption 4 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl IV: Kansas City Chiefs Hide Caption 5 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl V: Baltimore Colts Hide Caption 6 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl VI: Dallas Cowboys Hide Caption 7 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl VII: Miami Dolphins Hide Caption 8 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl VIII: Miami Dolphins Hide Caption 9 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl IX: Pittsburgh Steelers Hide Caption 10 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl X: Pittsburgh Steelers Hide Caption 11 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XI: Oakland Raiders Hide Caption 12 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XII: Dallas Cowboys Hide Caption 13 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XIII: Pittsburgh Steelers Hide Caption 14 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XIV: Pittsburgh Steelers Hide Caption 15 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XV: Oakland Raiders Hide Caption 16 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XVI: San Francisco 49ers Hide Caption 17 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XVII: Washington Redskins Hide Caption 18 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XVIII: Los Angeles Raiders Hide Caption 19 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XIX: San Francisco 49ers Hide Caption 20 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XX: Chicago Bears Hide Caption 21 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXI: New York Giants Hide Caption 22 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXII: Washington Redskins Hide Caption 23 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXIII: San Francisco 49ers Hide Caption 24 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXIV: San Francisco 49ers Hide Caption 25 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXV: New York Giants Hide Caption 26 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXVI: Washington Redskins Hide Caption 27 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXVII: Dallas Cowboys Hide Caption 28 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXVIII: Dallas Cowboys Hide Caption 29 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXIX: San Francisco 49ers Hide Caption 30 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXX: Dallas Cowboys Hide Caption 31 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXXI: Green Bay Packers Hide Caption 32 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXXII: Denver Broncos Hide Caption 33 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXXIII: Denver Broncos Hide Caption 34 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXXIV: St. Louis Rams Hide Caption 35 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXXV: Baltimore Ravens Hide Caption 36 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXXVI: New England Patriots Hide Caption 37 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXXVII: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hide Caption 38 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXXVIII: New England Patriots Hide Caption 39 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XXXIX: New England Patriots Hide Caption 40 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XL: Pittsburgh Steelers Hide Caption 41 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XLI: Indianapolis Colts Hide Caption 42 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XLII: New York Giants Hide Caption 43 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XLIII: Pittsburgh Steelers Hide Caption 44 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XLIV: New Orleans Saints Hide Caption 45 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XLV: Green Bay Packers Hide Caption 46 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XLVI: New York Giants Hide Caption 47 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XLVII: Baltimore Ravens Hide Caption 48 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XLVIII: Seattle Seahawks Hide Caption 49 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl XLIX: New England Patriots Hide Caption 50 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl 50: Denver Broncos Hide Caption 51 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl LI: New England Patriots Hide Caption 52 of 53 Photos: All the Super Bowl rings Super Bowl LII: Philadelphia Eagles Hide Caption 53 of 53

Game-time temps hovered around 70 degrees at kickoff in a beautiful day in Santa Clara. The game also had a throwback feel.

With kickoff at 3:30 p.m. local time (6:30 p.m. ET), the game basked in daylight for the first half, making it feel reminiscent all the way back to Super Bowl I -- then called the "First AFL-NFL World Championship Game" -- which was held in Los Angeles on January 15, 1967.

The crowd -- mostly pro-Broncos fans judging by the amount of orange in the stands, though both fan bases still were well-represented -- filled up Levi's Stadium quickly.

Both sides got their vocal chords warmed up when the NFL honored all of the previous Super Bowl MVPs. Manning was in the locker room when his name was called, but that didn't stop a huge roar from the crowd.

Meanwhile, when New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady appeared when his name was announced (he has three Super Bowl MVP awards), the crowd booed lustily.