Graham Gano is a Scottish-American professional football placekicker known for his precision, consistency, and longevity in the National Football League (NFL). Over his remarkable 15-year career, Gano has played for multiple teams, including the Washington Redskins, Carolina Panthers, and currently, the New York Giants. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a Pro Bowl selection showcases his relentless work ethic and resilience.
Born in Scotland and raised in the United States, Gano’s rise in professional football is a testament to his perseverance and passion for the game. Renowned for his powerful leg and calmness under pressure, he remains one of the league’s most reliable kickers.
Quick Facts of Graham Gano
| Full Name | Graham Clark Gano |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 9, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Arbroath, Scotland |
| Nationality | Scottish-American |
| Education | Florida State University |
| Position | Placekicker |
| NFL Debut | 2009 |
| Current Team | New York Giants |
| Pro Bowl Selection | 2017 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $6 million |
| Spouse | Brittany Gano |
| Children | Five |
Early Life and Family Background
Graham Gano was born in Arbroath, Scotland, and raised in Cantonment, Florida, after his family relocated to the United States. His parents, Mark and Brenda Gano, encouraged him to pursue athletics from a young age, and he soon excelled in both football and track at J.M. Tate High School. Their unwavering support and sports-oriented environment helped shape his competitive drive and ambition.
College Career
Gano attended Florida State University, majoring in criminology while playing for the Florida State Seminoles. Initially a punter, he transitioned to placekicker during his senior year and quickly became one of the top performers in college football. In 2008, he won the Lou Groza Award as the nation’s best kicker and earned second-team All-American honors.
His versatility and accuracy made him a standout prospect for the NFL, despite going undrafted.
Professional Career
Early Career (2009–2011)
After going undrafted in 2009, Gano signed with the Baltimore Ravens, then joined the Las Vegas Locomotives of the UFL, where he won a championship. Later that year, he joined the Washington Redskins, setting a franchise record with a 59-yard field goal in 2011 — one of the highlights of his early career.
Carolina Panthers (2012–2019)
Gano’s career flourished with the Carolina Panthers, where he became one of the NFL’s most reliable kickers. In 2014, he led the league in touchback percentage and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2017. His 63-yard game-winning field goal against the New York Giants in 2018 remains one of the longest in NFL history.
However, a leg injury sidelined him in 2019, marking the end of his Panthers tenure.
New York Giants (2020–Present)
In 2020, Gano joined the New York Giants and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of their special teams. That same year, he signed a three-year, $14 million extension after breaking franchise records, including making three field goals of 50+ yards in one game.
He later tied an NFL record with 37 consecutive field goals and continued to deliver clutch performances. Despite facing injuries, Gano remains one of the most respected veterans in the league.
Personal Life
Graham Gano is married to his college sweetheart, Brittany, and together they have five children. Known for his grounded and family-oriented lifestyle, Gano often shares glimpses of his personal life on social media. His commitment to balancing family and professional responsibilities highlights his strong values and humility.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2025, Gano’s estimated net worth is around $6 million. His income stems primarily from his NFL contracts and performance bonuses, including lucrative deals with the Panthers and Giants. Outside football, he has made smart investments and occasionally partners in endorsement opportunities. Despite his wealth, Gano maintains a humble lifestyle centered around family and philanthropy.
Interesting Facts
- 🇸🇨 Scottish Roots: One of the few Scottish-born players in NFL history.
- 🏃♂️ Multi-sport Athlete: Excelled in both football and track during high school.
- 🏆 Record Holder: Kicked a 63-yard field goal, one of the longest in NFL history.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family Man: Proud husband and father of five.
- ❤️ Philanthropy: Actively supports children’s hospitals and youth charities.
Legacy and Future Plans
Graham Gano’s legacy is defined by precision, perseverance, and professionalism. His journey from an undrafted free agent to one of the NFL’s most respected kickers is an inspiring example of hard work paying off. As he nears the later stages of his career, Gano aims to continue performing at a high level while expanding his philanthropic work and potentially venturing into sports commentary post-retirement.
