Giants’ Graham Gano exacts a little revenge on Carolina: ‘Had this game circled’
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano spent seven seasons with the Carolina Panthers but their parting of ways was not exactly amicable.
Early last week, Gano detailed parts of their fractured relationship and blamed the Panthers’ medical staff for completely mishandling his leg injury in 2018 — an injury that nearly ended his career.
“It was potentially career-ending,” Gano told the New York Daily News. “That whole thing was mismanaged. They told me I had one injury when it was actually a lot worse than that. What really needed to be fixed wasn’t. I shouldn’t have missed the full season I did. But there’s no changing it now, so I’m just thankful to be playing here.”
Gano added that the incoming coaching staff cut him the literal moment he walked through the doors in 2020, leaving an additionally bitter taste in his mouth.
On Sunday, in a 25-3 Giants victory, Gano connected on all three of his field goals and both his point after attempts, amassing 11 total points. He enjoyed the sweet taste of revenge.
“I’ve had this game circled since the schedule came out. I knew they were coming here and I was excited about it,” Gano told reporters after the game.
Gano also set an all-time Giants record with his 53-yard field goal on Sunday. He now has 10 from beyond 50 yards in his Giants career, surpassing Joe Danelo.
“People say it coming in, so I hear it, but I went up to the guys and congratulated them because obviously it takes a lot more than me out there on the field kicking those balls. I congratulated those guys and just moved onto the next field goal,” Gano said.
Gano has connected on five field goals of 50 yards or more this season, which also ties a single-season Giants record. Needless to say, his highlight day couldn’t have come at a better time.
