Undrafted Rookie Haynes King Sparks Panthers’ Hall of Fame Game Comeback
Undrafted rookie quarterback Haynes King led the Carolina Panthers to a 33-30 comeback victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio.
Charlotte, NC, August 6, 2026 —
Undrafted rookie quarterback Haynes King orchestrated a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback, leading the Carolina Panthers to a 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the annual Hall of Fame game. The preseason opener, held in Canton, Ohio, saw King make a significant impression in his first taste of NFL action.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows throughout the initial stages. However, the Cardinals appeared to be in control as the game entered its final quarter. It was then that King, who was not selected in the recent NFL Draft, took the reins of the Panthers’ offense.
King’s performance was highlighted by his ability to lead the team on a decisive scoring drive. Details regarding the specific plays or statistics that defined King’s comeback performance were not provided in the trend summary. The final score indicates a close contest that ultimately favored the Panthers.
The Hall of Fame game traditionally serves as the unofficial start to the NFL preseason, offering a first look at teams and players, particularly rookies and those vying for roster spots. King’s emergence as a game-changer in this high-pressure, albeit exhibition, environment is a noteworthy development for the Carolina Panthers as they prepare for the upcoming regular season.
The Arizona Cardinals were unable to hold onto their lead in the closing moments, succumbing to the Panthers’ late-game surge. The specific circumstances that led to the Cardinals’ inability to maintain their advantage were not detailed.
Story summarized from the original created by ROB MAADDI, Associated Press on www.qcnews.com, see more information here.
