In a thrilling conclusion to the Hall of Fame preseason matchup, undrafted rookie quarterback Haynes King surged onto the field for the Carolina Panthers and secured a 33-30 triumph over the Arizona Cardinals. The dramatic finish unfolded on Thursday night, marking the official start of the NFL preseason and showcasing King's poise under pressure.
King, who earned the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year honors while playing for Georgia Tech last season, delivered a solid passing performance, completing 21 of his 34 attempts for a total of 180 yards and two touchdowns. In addition to his aerial contributions, he added 39 rushing yards, including the decisive four‑yard run that clinched the win in the final seconds of the game.
"It was an incredibly fun game, full of back‑and‑forth action," Panthers head coach Dave Canales said in the post‑game interview. "Our guys showed real resilience, and finishing strong is a core principle we emphasize. We rehearse these late‑half and end‑of‑game scenarios every week. Haynes did a fantastic job—he kept the play alive, made the right throws, and wasn't afraid to take off and run when needed.
I'm extremely proud of this group." The Cardinals also featured a noteworthy debut from Carson Beck, who impressed early before exiting the game. Following Beck's departure, Arizona turned to Kedon Slovis, who connected on a one‑yard touchdown pass to Bryson Green with 1:55 left on the clock, nudging the Cardinals ahead 30-27.
However, the Panthers responded with a decisive drive that highlighted King's versatility. Early in the fourth quarter, King delivered a crisp four‑yard touchdown pass to Anthony Tyus III, giving Carolina a 24-20 edge. Earlier in the second quarter, he had already found Ja'seem Reed for a 15‑yard score, and on a critical third‑and‑14 situation, King broke free for a 26‑yard rush that sustained the Panthers' final drive and set up the winning play.
While both squads were missing several starters—most notably Carolina's projected franchise quarterback Bryce Young, who watched from the sidelines and offered vocal encouragement—the game still delivered high‑stakes drama. King's ability to read the defense, make quick decisions, and execute both passes and runs underlined why the Panthers' coaching staff trusts him in clutch moments. "These are the kinds of plays he's been making throughout his career," Coach Canales added.
"Bottom line: he moves the chains when it matters most." Beyond the on‑field action, the event also featured a visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum for Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett and All‑Pro tight end Trey McBride. The duo stopped by to see their jerseys on display, commemorating the record‑setting performances they achieved during the previous season. McBride shattered the NFL single‑season record for receptions by 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 Hall of Fame game, traditionally a showcase for emerging talent and a preview of the upcoming season, offered a perfect platform for King to demonstrate his readiness for a larger role. His composure in the closing moments—dodging pressure, extending the play, and ultimately diving into the end zone—provided a memorable highlight reel for Panthers fans and scouts alike. Looking ahead, the Panthers will likely continue to evaluate King's development alongside their established roster. His performance suggests he could become a valuable backup or even a contender for a starting spot, depending on how the regular season unfolds and how Bryce Young's health and form progress.
For now, King's heroics serve as a reminder that undrafted players can make a significant impact when given the opportunity. The game also underscored the depth of talent across the league, with both teams fielding a mix of veterans, rookies, and players on the fringe of making final rosters. The competitive balance and the willingness of coaches to trust younger players in critical moments bode well for the overall quality of the upcoming NFL season.
Fans who missed the live broadcast can catch the full game on the Sky Sports app, or if they don't have a Sky subscription, they can gain instant access through the NOW streaming service. The excitement of the Hall of Fame game, combined with King's standout performance, sets an optimistic tone for the Panthers' preseason campaign and provides a compelling storyline as the regular season approaches.