January 1, Rookie QB Stuns With Walk-Off Touchdown in Dramatic Hall of Fame Finish

Wyatt’s Take

• Rookie Haynes King led a thrilling comeback drive, scoring the game-winning touchdown on the final play to give Carolina a 33-30 victory over Arizona
• King’s clutch performance — 180 passing yards, 39 rushing yards, and two touchdowns — gave the Panthers faithful plenty to celebrate in the preseason opener
• Both teams kept their starters on the sideline, giving young guns like King and fellow rookie Carson Beck a chance to shine on football’s biggest stage

Rookie quarterback Haynes King opened the NFL preseason with a finish for the ages. The former Georgia Tech standout scored from 5 yards out on the game’s final play, giving the Carolina Panthers a dramatic 33-30 win over the Arizona Cardinals in the annual Hall of Fame Game.

King’s performance showed why Carolina has high hopes for its young quarterback depth. He ended the night with 180 yards through the air and two touchdowns, plus 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. The third-round pick from Miami finished with 188 passing yards and one touchdown, showing flashes of the talent that made him a draft-day investment.

Quarterback Kedon Slovis put the Cardinals back ahead late in the fourth quarter, throwing a 1-yard touchdown pass to Bryson Green with just under two minutes remaining for a 30-27 lead. It looked like Arizona would hold on for the victory.

But King had other plans. With both teams keeping their starters on the sideline, the rookie rallied the Panthers down the field for the game-winning score. Carolina starter Bryce Young was King’s biggest cheerleader throughout the game, watching from the bench as his backup delivered.

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

The Hall of Fame Game kicked off a weekend celebrating football’s greatest. 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.

Why It Matters

Young quarterbacks stepping up when opportunity knocks is what made this country’s greatest pastime what it is today. King showed grit, composure, and the kind of heart that wins football games at any level. That’s the American spirit on full display — when the pressure’s on, you deliver.