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NFL
Panthers Edge Cardinals 33-30 in Thrilling 2026 Hall of Fame Game Walk-Off
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The National Football League preseason began on Thursday, Aug. 6, 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. The exhibition opener featured strong offensive performances, notable rookie contributions, and a dramatic finish.
The Panthers aimed to build on last season’s 8-9 record and NFC South title, while the Cardinals sought improvement after a 3-14 campaign. Both teams rested their primary starters, including Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, allowing backups and rookies to take the spotlight before 18,116 fans.
Fans can commemorate Carolina’s victory with the exclusive Carolina Panthers Hall of Fame Game 2026 Nike Air Force 1 shoes.
A Dramatic Walk-Off Finish by Haynes King
With the NFL’s elimination of overtime in preseason games, the final moments required firm action. Trailing 30-27 late in the fourth quarter, Panthers rookie quarterback Haynes King led an effective two-minute drive.
With two seconds left and the ball on the Arizona 5-yard line, Carolina chose to pursue the win instead of a game-tying field goal. King dropped back, found an opening in the defense, and ran for a game-winning 5-yard touchdown as time expired.
King’s performance capped a strong preseason debut, finishing with 180 passing yards, 39 rushing yards, and three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing).
Quarterback Duel: Rookies Take Center Stage
With starters resting, the quarterback matchup between Arizona’s Carson Beck and Carolina’s Haynes King was a highlight. Arizona fans can commemorate the occasion by getting the Arizona Cardinals NFL Hall of Fame Game Air Force 1 sneakers.
Arizona’s Quarterback Room
- Carson Beck: The rookie quarterback and third-round pick from Miami delivered a bright performance before exiting the game.
- Beck completed 15 of his 19 pass attempts.
- He racked up 188 passing yards.
- He threw one touchdown pass and finished with an elite quarterback rating of 125.4.
- Kedon Slovis: Replacing Beck later in the game, Slovis gave the Cardinals a brief lead with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Bryson Green with under two minutes remaining, making the score 30-27.
Carolina’s Quarterback Room
- Kenny Pickett: The former Steelers and Browns quarterback started for the Panthers after they won the opening coin toss.
- Pickett played briefly, completing 8 of his 11 passes for 62 yards before his night concluded.
- Haynes King: After replacing Pickett, King shifted the game’s momentum. In addition to his game-winning rushing touchdown, he threw two touchdown passes.
- His first passing touchdown was a 15-yard strike to Ja’seem Reed in the second quarter, which tied the game at 14-14.
- His second passing touchdown was a 4-yard throw to Anthony Tyus III, giving Carolina a 24-20 advantage in the opening minute of the fourth quarter.
Play-by-Play Scoring Breakdown
After a slow first quarter, both offenses excelled in the second. The first half ended with six consecutive scoring drives.
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Quarter
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Scoring Play Summary
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Score
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2nd
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Corey Kiner punches in a 1-yard touchdown run on the first play of the quarter, capping a massive 13-play, 96-yard drive. | ARI 7 – CAR 0 |
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2nd
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A.J. Dillon answers with a 1-yard touchdown run, concluding a 10-play, 67-yard response drive for the Panthers. | CAR 7 – ARI 7 |
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2nd
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Carson Beck hits Simi Fehoko for a 5-yard touchdown. The play was heavily set up by a massive 49-yard reception by Jalen Brooks, who absorbed a huge hit from Carolina’s Lathan Ransom. | ARI 14 – CAR 7 |
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2nd
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Haynes King connects with Ja’seem Reed for a 15-yard touchdown pass to tie the game once again. | CAR 14 – ARI 14 |
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2nd
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Chad Ryland hits a 35-yard field goal with 1:46 remaining on the clock. | ARI 17 – CAR 14 |
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2nd
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Ryan Fitzgerald drills a 33-yard field goal with only eight seconds left to tie the game going into the locker room. | CAR 17 – ARI 17 |
Special teams were active in the second half. Arizona kicker Chad Ryland made field goals from 35, 43, and 35 yards. Carolina’s Ryan Fitzgerald added a 37-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, extending the Panthers’ lead to 27-23 with 6:53 left.
Celebrating the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026
The game, broadcast nationally on NBC and Peacock with Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth, opened a weekend of Hall of Fame celebrations.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes quarterback Drew Brees, running back Roger Craig, kicker Adam Vinatieri, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, and linebacker Luke Kuechly. Panthers fans can celebrate Kuechly’s enshrinement by getting the official Carolina Panthers Hall of Fame Class of 2026 hoodie.
Although the 2026 Hall of Fame Game did not sell out, the competitive contest and dramatic finish signaled the return of football and set a high standard for the rest of the NFL preseason.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who won the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game? The Carolina Panthers defeated the Arizona Cardinals by a final score of 33-30.
How did the game end? With two seconds left and trailing by three points, Panthers rookie quarterback Haynes King scrambled and dove for a 5-yard, walk-off touchdown run.
How did rookie quarterback Carson Beck perform for the Cardinals? Carson Beck had a highly successful debut, completing 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and one touchdown, resulting in a 125.4 quarterback rating.
Why didn’t the game go into overtime when the Panthers were down by three points at the end? The NFL no longer features overtime periods during the preseason, which prompted the Panthers to go for the outright victory from the 5-yard line instead of attempting a game-tying field goal.
Who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026? The 2026 class includes Drew Brees, Roger Craig, Adam Vinatieri, Larry Fitzgerald, and Luke Kuechly.
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