Cardinals, Panthers paired in Hall of Fame Game

Before the 2026 Hall of Fame Class is enshrined in Canton, the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals start the NFL preseason on Aug. 6.

Carolina is playing in the exhibition opener in Ohio for the first time since the inaugural season of the franchise and was chosen to be on hand for linebacker Luke Kuechly's induction two days later.

The Cardinals are also participating in the Hall of Fame Game because of a connection with an incoming enshrinee, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees, kicker Adam Vinatieri (Patriots, Colts) and 49ers running back Roger Craig round out the 2026 class entering the Hall of Fame.

In the 1995 Hall of Fame Game, the Panthers played the Jacksonville Jaguars and won 20-14.

Kuechly scored the final touchdown in the NFC Championship game on Jan. 24, 2016, a 22-yard interception return that capped a 49-15 blowout of Fitzgerald and the Cardinals.

Kuechly was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a five-time All-Pro before retiring after eight seasons because of concerns over his history of head injuries.

Fitzgerald was an 11-time Pro Bowl pick and 2016 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year who ranks No. 2 all-time in catches (1,432) and receiving yards (17,492).

--Field Level Media