In a dramatic conclusion to the Hall of Fame preseason showcase, undrafted rookie quarterback Haynes King delivered a clutch performance that propelled the Carolina Panthers to a 33‑30 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The game, which marked the official start of the NFL preseason on Thursday night, saw King seize the moment on the final play, rushing into the end zone for the decisive touchdown. King arrived in Carolina after a standout collegiate career at Georgia Tech, where he earned Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year honors. Transitioning to the professional ranks, he completed 21 of 34 pass attempts for 180 yards and two touchdowns, while also contributing 39 rushing yards.
His most pivotal contribution came on the last play of the contest, when he scrambled past the defensive line and crossed the goal line, securing the three‑point margin that clinched the victory. Panthers head coach Dave Canales praised the young signal‑caller’s poise and the team’s overall resilience.
"It was a lot of fun – the back‑and‑forth, the intensity. It was a great game," Canales said. "Our guys showed the toughness we teach them. We practice for those end‑of‑half and end‑of‑game situations, and Haynes executed perfectly.
He kept the play alive, whether it meant throwing or taking off on his feet. I’m extremely proud of this group." Arizona’s rookie Carson Beck also made his debut, delivering a solid performance before exiting the game.
After Beck’s departure, backup quarterback Kedon Slovis 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 swiftly, with King orchestrating a late‑game drive that culminated in his own rushing touchdown, flipping the lead back to Carolina. The matchup featured several notable moments beyond the final heroics. Early in the fourth quarter, King found wide receiver Anthony Tyus III for a four‑yard touchdown pass, giving the Panthers a 24‑20 edge.
Earlier, in the second quarter, King delivered a 15‑yard strike to Ja’seem Reed, extending the lead. On a critical third‑and‑14 situation, King scrambled for a 26‑yard gain, keeping the drive alive and setting the stage for the eventual game‑winning sequence. While the Panthers’ starters were not all on the field – notably, quarterback Bryce Young watched from the sidelines, cheering on his teammate – the performance underscored the depth of Carolina’s roster.
Young’s presence on the sideline served as a morale boost for King, illustrating the supportive culture within the organization. The game also offered a glimpse into the broader NFL narrative.
Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett and All‑Pro tight end Trey McBride visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum after the contest, where their jerseys were displayed in recognition of record‑setting achievements from the previous season. McBride had 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. Coach Canales highlighted King’s consistency throughout his football journey, noting that the rookie’s ability to move the chains has been a hallmark of his play. "These are things he’s done all his career," Canales said.
"The bottom line is moving the chains, and he did that tonight when it mattered most." The Panthers’ victory, achieved without a full complement of starters, offers an encouraging outlook for the upcoming regular season. It demonstrates the coaching staff’s ability to develop talent and the players’ readiness to step up in high‑pressure scenarios.
For King, the performance serves as a compelling audition for a larger role, showcasing his dual‑threat capability as both a passer and a runner. As the preseason progresses, both teams will look to refine their strategies and evaluate depth.
The Panthers, buoyed by King’s heroics, will aim to build on this momentum, while the Cardinals will regroup after a hard‑fought loss despite the contributions of their own rookie quarterbacks. The Hall of Fame game, often a showcase for emerging talent, delivered exactly that – a thrilling contest highlighted by an undrafted rookie’s rise to the occasion.
Fans who missed the live action can catch the highlights on the Sky Sports app, or gain immediate access via the NOW platform. The game’s excitement, dramatic lead changes, and standout individual performances make it a must‑watch for anyone following the preseason developments.