The Carolina Panthers secured a thrilling 33-30 win over the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame game, marking the start of the NFL preseason in Canton, Ohio. Rookie quarterback Haynes King emerged as a standout performer, sealing the victory with a decisive 5-yard touchdown run on the game’s final play.

King, who earned the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year title while at Georgia Tech, completed 21 of 34 passes for 180 yards and delivered two touchdowns. He also contributed 39 rushing yards, including the crucial game-winning score.

“Well, that was a lot of fun. Just the back and forth of it. Just a really good game,” stated Panthers coach Dave Canales. “The guys were resilient and finish is what we preach as a team. We practice for these situations, end of half, end of game. … Haynes did a fantastic job, just keeping the play alive, doing whatever he had to do, run it, throw it. Really proud of the group.”

Arizona’s Carson Beck showcased his talents in his debut. After Beck left the field, quarterback Kedon Slovis connected with Bryson Green for a 1-yard touchdown pass, granting the Cardinals a 30-27 lead with under two minutes remaining. Yet, King led a successful rally for Carolina. Notably, Bryce Young offered enthusiastic support from the sideline.

King initially put the Panthers ahead with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Tyus III at the start of the fourth quarter. He also connected with Ja’seem Reed on a 15-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter and completed a vital 26-yard run on a third-and-14 during the decisive drive.

“These are things that he did throughout his career,” Canales praised King. “The bottom line is move the chains.”

Both teams opted to give their backup players ample opportunity to show their skills. Beck, chosen in the third round from Miami, impressed with 15 completions out of 19 passes, gaining 188 yards and one touchdown. Despite a loss to Fernando Mendoza and Indiana in the national championship game, Beck displayed poise on the field.

Rookie Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur shared, “It was a cool environment and for him to just kind of, it’s just another game and that’s the way he took it, and he’s been in big ones, and that’s how his mindset works.” Slovis completed 9 of 10 passes for 106 yards.

Veteran Jacoby Brissett remains the starter for the Cardinals, backed by Gardner Minshew. In the competitive division with the Seahawks, Rams, and 49ers, Arizona holds modest expectations. However, Beck might find playing opportunities under LaFleur’s guidance. Canales spoke highly of Beck, acknowledging his professional demeanor and skills.

King stands as Carolina’s third-choice quarterback behind Young and veteran Kenny Pickett. The Panthers finished last season atop the NFC South but bowed out in a wild-card clash against the Rams.

Pickett started the game, going 8 of 11 for 62 yards before King took the helm. Beck showcased pinpoint precision in his effort, completing all passes in a 98-yard touchdown drive that involved a 35-yard pass to Jalen Brooks and a deep 49-yard throw culminating in a 5-yard touchdown pass to Simi Fehoko.

Although running back Jeremiyah Love, Arizona’s No. 3 overall draft pick, abstained from playing, the game still brimmed with remarkable performances from both sides.

Additional highlights include key figures in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026: Drew Brees, Roger Craig, Adam Vinatieri, Larry Fitzgerald, and Luke Kuechly. On the broadcast front, former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin debuted with NBC’s “Football Night in America” after concluding a 19-year stint in Pittsburgh.

Jacoby Brissett and Trey McBride visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame Museum, highlighting their record-breaking achievements from the previous season. Brissett set a record for completions in a single game, while McBride surpassed tight end reception records with 126 catches in one season.

The Cardinals honored Larry Fitzgerald by donning T-shirts with his iconic No. 11 during warmups. Expressing gratitude, Fitzgerald said, “It’s a great feeling to know your organization stands behind you.”

Looking ahead, the Panthers will face Buffalo on August 15, while the Cardinals will meet Las Vegas on August 13.