The 2026 NFL preseason got off to a dramatic start as the Carolina Panthers defeated the Arizona Cardinals 33-30 in the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

Although the Hall of Fame Game primarily serves as an evaluation opportunity for rookies and reserve players, the contest delivered an exciting finish. Undrafted rookie quarterback Haynes King engineered a late comeback, scoring the game-winning five-yard rushing touchdown as time expired.

King starred in the second half, throwing for 154 yards, two touchdown passes, and adding the decisive rushing score to cap an impressive debut performance.

For Arizona, third-round rookie quarterback Carson Beck also impressed, completing 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and one touchdown, providing optimism for the Cardinals' coaching staff heading into the remainder of the preseason.

Before kickoff, the event honored franchise legends Larry Fitzgerald and Luke Kuechly, who will officially join the Pro Football Hall of Fame alongside Drew Brees, Adam Vinatieri, and Roger Craig during this weekend's induction ceremony.

Random fact: Several future NFL stars first made their names in the Hall of Fame Game. Strong preseason performances in Canton have helped numerous undrafted players earn roster spots and launch successful professional careers, making the annual opener one of the league's most important showcases for emerging talent.

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