Haynes King - Player, panthers Event: Press Conference | Date: 2026-08-04 | Full transcript (primary source).
On August 4, 2026, Haynes King, a quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, addressed the media during a press conference following a summer training camp session. The event focused on his development as a player, his observations of teammates, and the competitive atmosphere as the team prepares for the upcoming NFL season.
Transcript
Unknown: Team Reed's had a lot of success catching the ball from you and Kenny. What have you seen from him and why has he been so successful this summer?
King: One of the reasons, I mean, he's just a consistent guy. He comes in, goes about his business the right way. And when you're looking at Reed's and all that stuff, when he's at the right place at the right time, you're gonna get the ball. Especially when you're creating separations and making plays like that.
Unknown: What are you trying to get most out of this game atmosphere with everybody kind of competing for spots?
King: Really just try to make the most of my opportunity. And also, I'm very lucky of being a part of QB room like this. A lot of vets and just learning from them. And not even half the time is just soaking in what they're saying and talking about it. It's like just trying to get on their level and learning just about the game. Whether it's the operation aspect, the reads, just anything like that. Just the small little details of what they know that I don't know yet or I haven't been through yet.
Unknown: And you talked to us back in the spring about how despite the mobility in that part of your game, you wanted to be here as a quarterback.
King: I felt like I've been developing pretty good. A lot of it is transitioning through progressions, whether it's second, third, or checked down. When you're moving smoothly through those and knowing where everybody's at and how things progress, and how fast things progress as well. I feel like you get better as a quarterback and your completion percentage gets up because you're finding the right guys at the right time and after that it's just about accuracy.
Unknown: I'm excited are you for Thursday? Nervous, how are you feeling?
King: Yeah, I'm very excited. I hadn't played at this level yet and just to go out there and showcase my ability and to do it with the guys that we've been working hard. Whether it's training camp, OTAs, all that stuff. And just getting to know the guys and to finally go out there in a game setting is gonna be pretty exciting.
Unknown: Do you feel comfortable taking steps from both Sam and Nick at this point, having worked with them for a few weeks?
King: Yes, yes, each and every day it gets better. The more experience, the more reps you get, the more comfortable you're gonna feel.
Unknown: How's the complication been with them calling you and them on protection?
King: It's been pretty good, so far so good. We've had limited reps on certain things, but for the most part, the transitioning and the operation aspect, it's been really good.
Unknown: Building off Ashta's question about Thursday. This may end up being the most pre-season reps you get over the next month. How important do you think this opportunity is for you on a personal level as you try to make the 50-year?
King: It's very important, and it's not just 53 as well. All the teams get to watch this film. So it's almost kind of like a cool little tryout for everything. Whatever you put on film, it's gonna be there forever. And I hide in the sky, don't lie, as everybody says. But I feel like it'll be fun, but also at the end of the day, it's important for me and whatever is for me in the future.
Unknown: Do you have any pre-game rituals that you want?
King: Pray to God. And then other than that, I kind of just hit check marks. Hey, did I warm up or did I do this? Do I have this? Rather than, I'm not real anal about things like that. I just kind of go with the flow, cuz at the end of the day, how you feel going into the game is what's gonna happen. Sometimes that changes, sometimes you have to do a little bit more to get ready. You're not feeling as good, or sometimes you have to do a little bit less, because you're like, I'm feeling ready to roll. And I think that's probably gonna be what it is Thursday, ready to roll.
Unknown: Do you have a pre-game playlist or a snack before you go out there?
King: Not really, like I said, it just kinda depends what's going on. Like I said, if I feel down or whatever, it might be a little sugar, it might be some carbs, some protein just carry you through. And snacks during the game is snacks during the halftime, really. But at the end of the day, it's like I said, whatever it is that I feel my body needs in order to get through the day.
Unknown: The events around this game are a little different going into the Hall of Fame. How much of that is on the mind of those things?
King: You know, I didn't even think about it, honestly. But I just kinda go with the flow and go day by day. And that's just kinda how I've been living right now, because at the end of the day, I'm just trying to be where my feet are and go from there.
Unknown: Did will retiring change things for you in practice like snap was?
King: I've gotten a couple more reps, yes. I mean, yes, I guess you'd say that. I mean, getting more reps, obviously, you feel good about it. And especially if it goes good and you execute well, it's gonna boost your confidence.
Unknown: You obviously talked about wanting to go through all the impressions, but I think making some plays with your feet Thursday, something you do anyway. But a lot of times in the exhibition games with different combinations of offensive lines and so forth, that ends up being a reality.
King: Yes, just like you said it. I mean, your legs are gonna be one of the answers in preseason games. With a lot of different groups, a lot of guys rotating, stuff happens. And I'm not prepared to take off and run every play. I'm gonna go through my progressions and just kind of play football, play smart football. And if it means for me to take off and run, I'm gonna do it. Or if it means for me to extend the play and try to get a big pass down the field, then I'm gonna do that just at the end of the day and try and play quarterback.
Unknown: Thanks.
King: Thank you.
Unknown: I know Luke Kinkley spends a lot of time around this facility. Have you had a chance to meet him going into Thursday?
Unknown: I couldn't hear the first part of it.
Unknown: I know that Luke Kinkley spends a lot of time just around this facility in the building with the guys. Have you had a chance to meet him yet? And are you excited to maybe be able to do that on Thursday?
King: I'm very excited to do that on Thursday. I have not met him yet. I know he's a big part of this place here, and his name is Pictures or Everywhere, and I'm excited to meet him for sure.
Unknown: I know this is a business trip, but do you know if the coaches are gonna give y'all a chance to go through the hall?
King: I have no clue. I have no clue. All I'm doing, I just know we're playing Arizona.
Unknown: Thank y'all.
King: Thank you.