Graham Gano's journey in professional football began when he entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2009. Born on April 9, 1987, in Arbroath, Scotland, Gano moved to the United States and eventually attended Florida State University, where he played college football. His college career was marked by a strong performance as a kicker, which set the stage for his entry into the NFL.
Gano's professional career kicked off with the Baltimore Ravens, although his time with the team was brief. He was released before the start of the regular season. However, his skills soon found a home with the Washington Redskins, where he signed in December 2009. Gano quickly established himself as a reliable kicker for the Redskins, playing with the team until 2011. During his tenure, he demonstrated a strong leg and the ability to perform under pressure, which earned him a reputation as a dependable kicker.
In 2012, Gano joined the Carolina Panthers, a move that would define much of his career. Over the next several years, he became a fixture in the Panthers' special teams unit. Gano's time with the Panthers was marked by several memorable moments, including a career-long 63-yard field goal in 2018, which was a game-winner against the New York Giants. This kick tied for the second-longest game-winning field goal in NFL history at the time.
Gano's consistency and accuracy were crucial for the Panthers, especially during their 2015 season when the team reached Super Bowl 50. Although the Panthers did not win the championship, Gano's performance throughout the season was a key component of their success. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations made him a valuable asset to the team.
In 2020, Gano signed with the New York Giants, continuing his career in the NFL. With the Giants, he maintained his reputation as a reliable kicker, showcasing his ability to adapt to a new team environment while continuing to perform at a high level. Gano's tenure with the Giants further solidified his status as one of the league's dependable kickers.
Throughout his career, Gano was known for his strong leg and accuracy, traits that made him a valuable player for every team he was part of.
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