The Carolina Panthers staged a dramatic 33-30 comeback win against the Arizona Cardinals during the 2026 Hall of Fame Game, anchored by the late-game performance of undrafted rookie quarterback Haynes King. King, a former Georgia Tech standout who signed with the team following the 2026 NFL draft, became the focal point of the victory after scoring the game-winning rushing touchdown in the second half.
Reflecting on the milestone, the 25-year-old rookie described the experience as a dream come true. King noted the significance of showcasing his talent in front of NFL legends, stating that seeing first-ballot Hall of Famers walking onto the field before the game was an amazing experience. Throughout the contest, King threw for 180 yards and two touchdowns, completing 21-of-34 passes while adding 39 yards on three carries.
While King’s performance captured headlines, NFL analyst Pat McAfee shifted attention to the play of Kenny Pickett, who started the game for the Panthers. Pickett completed 8-of-11 passes for 62 yards. McAfee offered a bold assessment of Pickett’s style during the game, comparing his movement to Pittsburgh Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger. "He was spinning like he was Ben Roethlisberger back in the day," McAfee remarked, adding that he appreciated the effort and suggested the performance was a significant storyline that had been overlooked.
The quarterback room in Carolina remains a point of interest, as King competes for a roster spot alongside Pickett, who is widely considered the favorite to serve as the primary backup to starter Bryce Young for the 2026 season. Despite the praise from analysts, Pickett’s performance during the Hall of Fame Game also drew criticism from fans on social media, who mocked his ability to read opposing defenses and his early-game sacks.
