DENVER -- Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton broke Steve Young's NFL record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback when he scored on a 2-yard run Thursday night in the second quarter of the team's 21-20 loss to the Denver Broncos.

Newton, the reigning NFL MVP, went around the right side and stretched the ball over the pylon, giving him 44 career touchdowns in five seasons and one game.

Young took 15 seasons to reach 43, from 1985 to 1999.

Cam Newton needed just five seasons and one game to break the NFL record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

Newton also broke Young's record for most career games with a touchdown rushing and passing with 32. He had a 14-yard touchdown pass to Kelvin Benjamin in the first quarter.

Young told ESPN.com last season he sees no limits for Newton now that he has mastered the mental part of the game and become a better pocket passer.

"I wish I was 6-5 and [260 pounds] and could fly," said Young, who was 6-2 and 215 pounds during his Hall of Fame career. "That would be awesome."

Newton finished with 54 yards on 11 carries and was 18-of-33 for 194 yards with a touchdown and an interception.