Graham Gano

BIOGRAPHY

Graham Clark Gano, born April 9, 1987, is a prominent figure in the world of American football. Gano holds the position of a professional football placekicker, with his talents currently being utilized by the New York Giants, a team in the National Football League (NFL).

Gano’s journey into a prosperous football career began during his college years. He perfected his game as a player for the Florida State Seminoles, steadily improving his skills and gaining recognition. Going undrafted in 2009, he was signed as a free agent by the Baltimore Ravens, marking the commencement of his NFL career.

Over the years, Gano’s football prowess also saw him playing for the Las Vegas Locomotives in the United Football League (UFL), Washington Redskins, and the Carolina Panthers. His tenure with the Panthers witnessed Gano setting the franchise record for the longest field goal – a remarkable 63-yarder in 2018.

Gano’s formative years were heavily influenced by his father, Mark Gano, a United States Navy Master Chief Petty Officer and a Vietnam veteran. Born while his father was stationed at the Canadian Forces Base in Gander, Newfoundland, Gano’s rich family history boasts a line of ancestors who served in the military. This legacy extends back to his great grandfather, Richard Gano and grandfather Raymond, both of Martinsburg, West Virginia.

In contrast to the chill of Newfoundland, Gano grew up in the warmer climes of Cantonment, Florida, near Pensacola. It was here, at the J. M. Tate High School, that Gano’s athletic abilities truly began to shine. Unleashing his prowess in both football and track sports, Gano gained the spotlight as a two-sport star. His excellence in high school football secured him an All-American First-Team selection by USA Today and a costarring role as the nation’s third-ranked kicker by Rivals.com.

Gano’s all-around athletic capabilities saw him dominating the sprinting events on the track. Crowning his performances at the 2005 FHSAA 3A District 1, he clinched three state titles, commanding the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, and 400-meter dash. His tenure at Florida State University from 2005 to 2008 saw him actively participating as a kicker and punter for the Florida State Seminoles.

Success followed him into his senior year in 2008, where he topped the FBS for field goals made, percentage of field goals converted, and 50-yard field goals, earning him the prestigious Lou Groza Award as the nation’s top kicker. His outstanding performance also got him recognized as All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) First-team and he was one of only two kickers to make over 90% of his field goal attempts that season.

Gano further etched his name into the record books of FSU history as the only kicker to convert over 90% of his field goals in a season. He even bagged the MVP of a bowl game honor at the 2008 Champs Sports Bowl—an accolade rarely given to a punter. Gano’s talent in kicking saw him signed immediately by the Baltimore Ravens, post the 2009 NFL draft.

Following stints with the Las Vegas Locomotives, Washington Redskins, and Carolina Panthers, Gano now continues his ventures with the New York Giants. His record-breaking accomplishments include making an impressive three 50-yard field goals in one game in 2020, setting a franchise record for the Giants. In recent years, Gano has received recognition as the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week and in 2021, he was honored with the same award for making all three field goals in a game against the Panthers.

Beyond his successful football career, Gano is also known for his generosity. In May of 2022, Kayvon Thibodeaux donated $50,000 to a charity to get the #5 jersey from Gano, who then switched from #5 to #9. Despite many shifts and transfers in his career, Gano’s performances on the field continue to amaze and inspire football lovers worldwide, cementing his place as a revered and respected figure in NFL history.