Rookie quarterback Haynes King orchestrated a last-minute drive, scoring from 5 yards out to give the Carolina Panthers a 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. The game marked the traditional start to the NFL preseason.
King, a former Georgia Tech standout, finished his debut with 180 passing yards and two touchdowns, adding 39 rushing yards. He connected with Ja'Seem Reed for a touchdown in the second quarter and with Anthony Tyus III for another early in the fourth quarter, which gave Carolina a 24-20 lead at the time. Tyus III later ran into the end zone to extend the Panthers' advantage.
On the Cardinals' side, rookie quarterback Carson Beck provided an encouraging performance. He threw for 188 yards and one touchdown, a 1-yard pass to Bryson Green that put Arizona ahead 30-27 with under two minutes remaining. Beck, a third-round pick from Miami, led a competitive effort from the Cardinals, who also opted to keep their starters on the sideline.
Both teams chose to rest their primary starters, including Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, who supported King from the sideline. The Hall of Fame Game serves as an exhibition for players on the fringes of the roster and an early look at incoming rookies.
The 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class includes quarterback Drew Brees, running back Roger Craig, kicker Adam Vinatieri, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, and linebacker Luke Kuechly. The enshrinement ceremony is scheduled to take place in Canton, Ohio.