The Hall of Fame Game opened the NFL preseason with late drama as rookie quarterback Haynes King scored on the final play from 5 yards, lifting the Carolina Panthers to a 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
The former Georgia Tech quarterback finished with 180 passing yards and two touchdown throws, adding 39 rushing yards. Both teams rested their starters, and Bryce Young was a visible supporter for Carolina on the sideline throughout the night.
Hall of Fame Game highlights
King threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Tyus III in the first minute of the fourth quarter to put Carolina ahead 24-20. Earlier, he connected with Ja’Seem Reed for a second-quarter score.
Arizona answered late when quarterback Kedon Slovis found Bryson Green for a 1-yard touchdown with under two minutes remaining, pushing the Cardinals back in front 30-27. King then engineered the decisive drive to close out the Hall of Fame Game.
Rookie debuts and performances
On the Cardinals side, fellow rookie Carson Beck offered a promising preview in his first NFL exhibition action. The third-round pick from Miami threw for 188 yards and one touchdown before his night ended.
Class of 2026 acknowledged
During the festivities in Canton, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was recognized. The class features quarterback Drew Brees, running back Roger Craig, kicker Adam Vinatieri, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and linebacker Luke Kuechly.