Haynes King - Player, panthers Event: Press Conference | Date: 2026-08-07 | Full transcript (primary source).
On August 7, 2026, Haynes King, the quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, addressed the media in a press conference following his impressive debut performance. The event provided an opportunity for King to discuss his experiences during the game, including his approach to teamwork and execution on the field.
Transcript
King: Oh, yeah, for sure. He said, what? No, not really, he just told me to just stay humble, you know? Or he said, at least pretend to stay humble. But he knows I'm going to stay humble.
King: Yeah, we were trying to get Dick Post's action on one side. And we had one on one on the other dropping back. And it just kind of parted. And I was going to try to extend the play, because obviously, it was the last play of the game. And then it just kind of parted. And the linebackers started closing space. And I was like, oh, I can get around him. And that's what happened, and scored the ball.
King: So keep going, or opening the door? Once I got the first down, it was a lot of open space. It was like, keep going, slide, or get out of bounds. And I chose to try to get out of bounds, stop the clock, try to regroup everybody. Because like you said, it's 3rd and 14. Everybody's going to have to get down there. It was a long way.
Reporter: You guys scored on your final six drives as an offense. What do you think that says about your debut and the way you can kind of understand and rock as far as you?
King: I mean, it's not just me. There's 10 other guys that's out there doing it. The linemen with the run game, and pass blocking as well, just allowing me to go out there and also give it to the guys to make plays. And on top of that, I feel like we're going out there as a selfless group as well. There's a handful of guys that made a couple plays on the perimeter, but also was blocking as well.
Reporter: You made two goals a couple days ago. Did this mean you couldn't tape out there forever? That tape would live on forever. What did you think about the tape you put out there?
King: You know, I'm very excited that I got this opportunity. And I feel like that I went out there and operated at a high level. And I feel like I affected a lot of people and improved and allowed everybody around me to play better as well. So I don't know where that ball is, honestly.
Reporter: Did you get a chance at all to meet guys in the team or personally get to talk to the team or anything like that?
King: Maybe a couple guys. I did not. But maybe a couple guys, for sure, especially like on the sideline or anything like that.
Reporter: What was it like playing here in this stadium in the shadow of a hall of fame?
King: I mean, it was a dream come true. Growing up, you hear about all these first ballot hall of famers. And to see some of them even walking in front of you before the game like that is pretty amazing. And then just to be out there and go out there and try to showcase your talent in front of them is a dream come true.
Reporter: And you went like two to two, broke a grill with Carson back tonight who was in the same draft class, won the third round. Do you feel like you showed that you should be in the same conversation as somebody who was drafted as well, pretty high?
King: I just try to do the best I can do. I don't try to compare myself to anybody else or anything like that. I feel like he played a really good game today. But I try to handle and be where my feet are and go from there. But I don't try to compare myself to anybody. And I just try to continue to get better each and every day.
Reporter: Earlier on in the game, you had a throw that kind of sailed to Jimmy. You later went back to him and he made it a really big play on the ball. Did you guys have a conversation after that play at all and go over it, go over the film, or say anything like, hey, my bad?
King: Yeah, I mean, obviously, you know the my bad. Wish I hit him. But other than that, it's just, hey, keep playing. I'm going to get you the ball.
Reporter: What is it about you that actually played in town?
King: I don't know. No clue at all. But he's a great player, tremendous talent. And he's played at the biggest of stages. And he's bowled out. So I have a lot of respect for him as well. Like I said, I just try to be where my feet are and try to play the best I can play and try to win the game that's going on right now.
Reporter: I'll tell you, you're very wonderful. This was also his first game playing golf. Do you feel like that operation went up? How did it go through the game tonight?
King: I feel like it went smoothly. There wasn't a play that I didn't disagree or anything like that. But I'm one of those guys I was coaching this kid growing up. So we talk a lot. And we try to figure out what each of us likes and the reasons why as well. And that helps out a lot as well. But just trying to go out there and play my hardest for him and just do what I can do.
Reporter: What's your thing about the whole team coming out of the end of the top of the year?
King: I'll tell you what, I couldn't breathe. That's one thing. But it was amazing just going out there and being able to celebrate with the guys that you've been OTAs all training camp with and busting your butt and to finally go out there and celebrate with them and just showcase your talent. It's very fun.
King: I don't know. I just didn't tell anybody. I just called. Everybody go deep and it just took off run. I was the only one who knew it.
Reporter: Anything else?
King: It looks like kind of at the end of that run that they were talking about, you realized they're like, we've got to get out of bounds. Was that like going through your head the whole time?
King: Not the whole time. I was like, first get the first down. And then secondly, it was like, I got to do something, either make a decision, stay vertical, and slide, or try to get out of bounds. I chose to try to get out of bounds so everybody can regroup.
King: Thanks, Hanks.
King: Thank you.