In a thrilling conclusion to the Hall of Fame preseason matchup, undrafted rookie quarterback Haynes King sprinted into the end zone on the final play, securing a 33-30 win for the Carolina Panthers against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night. The game, which marked the official start of the NFL preseason, showcased King's poise and athleticism despite his status as an unheralded newcomer.
King, who earned Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year honors while playing for Georgia Tech the previous season, completed 21 of 34 pass attempts for a total of 180 yards and two touchdown passes. In addition to his passing contributions, he added 39 rushing yards, culminating in the decisive four‑yard scramble that clinched the victory. Panthers head coach Dave Canales praised the performance, noting the excitement and back‑and‑forth nature of the contest.
"It was a lot of fun – the constant momentum shifts made it a great game," Canales said. He emphasized the team's resilience and the importance of finishing strong, a principle the Panthers stress in practice. "We drill these end‑of‑half and end‑of‑game scenarios every week. Haynes did an outstanding job keeping the play alive, whether that meant throwing the ball or taking it himself.
I'm incredibly proud of our group," Canales added. Arizona's quarterback Carson Beck also delivered a solid debut for the Cardinals.
After Beck's departure, backup Kedon Slovis connected on a one‑yard touchdown pass to Bryson Green with 1:55 left on the clock, briefly giving Arizona a 30‑27 edge. However, King rallied his teammates and orchestrated a comeback in a game where neither side fielded their full starting rosters. Notably, former Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was spotted on the sideline, cheering on his former teammate. The turning point arrived early in the fourth quarter when King found Anthony Tyus III for a four‑yard touchdown, putting Carolina ahead 24‑20.
Earlier in the second quarter, King had already displayed his arm strength with a 15‑yard strike to Ja'seem Reed. On a critical third‑and‑14 situation, he broke free for a 26‑yard run, extending the drive that would eventually lead to the game‑winning score.
"These are the kinds of plays he's made throughout his career," Canales observed, referring to King's knack for moving the chains and making big plays when it matters most. "Bottom line: he knows how to keep the offense moving." Beyond the on‑field action, the event featured a visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum by Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett and All‑Pro tight end Trey McBride. Both players stopped by to see their jerseys on display, commemorating the record‑setting achievements they posted last season.
McBride shattered the NFL single‑season reception record for a tight end, hauling in 126 catches, while Brissett set a new benchmark for completions in a single game with 47 against the San Francisco 49ers in November. The Panthers' victory, while achieved without many of their regular starters, serves as a promising indicator of depth and potential for the upcoming regular season. King's performance, in particular, suggests that the Panthers may have uncovered a hidden gem capable of contributing meaningfully to their offensive scheme. His ability to both pass accurately and make decisive runs adds a dual‑threat dimension that defenses will need to respect.
For fans who missed the live broadcast, the game is available for replay on the Sky Sports app. Those without a Sky subscription can gain instant access through the NOW platform, ensuring that supporters can relive the dramatic finish and study King's breakout performance.
Overall, the Hall of Fame game delivered a showcase of emerging talent, record‑breaking moments, and a reminder that preseason contests can produce excitement comparable to regular‑season showdowns. The Panthers' resilience, guided by a rookie quarterback who turned a last‑second scramble into a winning touchdown, sets an optimistic tone for the team's preparation as they head toward the regular season. Meanwhile, the Cardinals will look to build on the promising debut of Carson Beck and the steady play of Kedon Slovis, aiming to refine their offense ahead of the next challenge. In summary, Haynes King's four‑yard rushing touchdown on the final play encapsulated the drama of the night, cementing his place in the preseason narrative and giving the Panthers a morale‑boosting win to carry forward.
The game also highlighted individual milestones for players like McBride and Brissett, whose record‑setting achievements were celebrated at the Hall of Fame, underscoring the blend of past excellence and future promise that defines the NFL preseason experience.