Story perspectives

Undrafted QB Haynes King wins Hall of Fame Game

8/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Undrafted quarterback Haynes King led the Carolina Panthers to a 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 6, 2026.
He completed 21 of 34 passes for 180 yards, threw two touchdowns, and added a 5-yard game-winning run after replacing starter Kenny Pickett.
The win marked the Panthers’ first Hall of Fame Game appearance since 1995.
Carolina’s preseason schedule now includes games at Buffalo (Aug. 15), Jacksonville (Aug. 21) and Houston (Aug. 28).

History

Historical Context

In 1999, after Trent Green’s preseason knee injury, undrafted quarterback Kurt Warner became the St. Louis Rams’ starter. He guided the “Greatest Show on Turf” to a 13-3 regular-season record and a 23-16 Super Bowl XXXIV victory on Jan. 30 2000, throwing 414 yards and two touchdowns. Warner’s meteoric rise marked the Rams’ first championship since 1951 and showed that undrafted players could become stars.

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Story summary

Undrafted quarterback Haynes King led the Carolina Panthers to a 33-30 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 6, 2026.
He completed 21 of 34 passes for 180 yards, threw two touchdowns, and added a 5-yard game-winning run after replacing starter Kenny Pickett.
The win marked the Panthers’ first Hall of Fame Game appearance since 1995.
Carolina’s preseason schedule now includes games at Buffalo (Aug. 15), Jacksonville (Aug. 21) and Houston (Aug. 28).

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