Rookie quarterback Haynes King delivered a thrilling finish in the NFL preseason opener. He scored a decisive 5-yard touchdown, leading the Carolina Panthers to a close 33-30 win against the Arizona Cardinals during the Hall of Fame Game.
King, a former standout at Georgia Tech, impressed with 180 passing yards and two touchdowns. He contributed 39 rushing yards as well.
On the opposing team, rookie quarterback Carson Beck made a strong impression. Before his exhibition debut concluded, Beck threw for 188 yards and achieved one touchdown.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck celebrates Corey Kiner’s rushing touchdown in the first half of the Pro Football Hall of Fame NFL preseason game against the Carolina Panthers in Canton, Ohio.
Kedon Slovis, another quarterback for the Cardinals, briefly brought the team ahead. He completed a 1-yard touchdown pass to Bryson Green, giving Arizona a 30-27 lead with under two minutes left on the clock.
King, however, spearheaded a comeback for the Panthers. Despite both teams leaving their starters out of the game, King’s leadership shone through. Bryce Young supported King actively throughout the match.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Haynes King passes in the second half of the Pro Football Hall of Fame NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Earlier, King connected with Anthony Tyus III for a 4-yard touchdown pass, putting the Panthers up 24-20 in the opening minute of the fourth quarter. He also completed a touchdown pass to Ja’Seem Reed in the second quarter.
Carolina Panthers running back Anthony Tyus III runs to the end zone, eluding Arizona Cardinals linebacker Karson Sharar following a catch.
The game highlighted the debut of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026, which includes Drew Brees, Roger Craig, Adam Vinatieri, Larry Fitzgerald, and Luke Kuechly.
The event was covered with contributions from The Associated Press.