Panthers rookie Haynes King wins Hall of Fame game with late TD run

Rookie quarterback Haynes King opened the NFL preseason with a last-play finish, scoring from 5 yards out to give the Carolina Panthers a 33-30 win over the Arizona Cardinals in the annual Hall of Fame Game.

The former Georgia Tech standout ended the night with 180 yards in the air and two touchdowns. He racked up 39 yards on the ground.

On the other sideline, fellow rookie Carson Beck gave Arizona an encouraging first look before his exhibition debut wrapped up.

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Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck (19) celebrates Corey Kiner’s rushing touchdown in the first half of the Pro Football Hall of Fame NFL preseason game against the Carolina Panthers in Canton, Ohio, on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Quarterback Kedon Slovis later put the Cardinals back ahead, throwing a 1-yard touchdown pass to Bryson Green with just under two minutes remaining for a 30-27 lead.

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But King rallied the Panthers on a night when both teams elected to keep their starters on the sideline. Bryce Young was King’s biggest cheerleader throughout the game.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Haynes King passes in the second half of the Pro Football Hall of Fame NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals in Canton, Ohio, on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/David Richard)

King’s 4-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Tyus III in the opening minute of the fourth quarter put Carolina ahead 24-20. He also threw a touchdown pass to Ja’Seem Reed in the second quarter.

Carolina Panthers running back Anthony Tyus III runs to the end zone in front of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Karson Sharar (43) after a catch in the second half of the Pro Football Hall of Fame NFL preseason game in Canton, Ohio, on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/David Richard)

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Beck, a third-round pick from Miami, ended the night with 188 passing yards and one touchdown.

Quarterback Drew Brees, running back Roger Craig, kicker Adam Vinatieri, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and linebacker Luke Kuechly make up the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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