Former Panthers Kicker Gano Says Team Doctors Almost Cost Him Career
A former Carolina Panther is speaking out about the team and it’s not all positive. Graham Gano spoke out this week and alledges that Panthers team doctors almost cost him his career. Gano was signed to the team in 2012 after being cut by the then Washington Redskins. One of his most memorable moments as a Panther came on a game-winning 63-yard field goal against the Giants in 2018.
When asked about his departure from the team Wednesday Gano called it frustrating.” Shortly after that field goal in the 2018 season Gano suffered an injury to his left leg that kept him out the entirety of the 2019 season. Gano says that Panthers’ team doctors misdiagnosed that injury that only healed thanks to a second opinion.
“It was potentially career-ending,” Gano said according to The Morning Call “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 broke his femur in 2018 and ultimately had knee surgery in 2019. Gano also expressed frustration and disappointment in never having an opportunity to kick for Matt Rhule when he was fully recovered in 2020. Gano was cut from the team in July of 2020. The doctors who were with the organization at the time are no longer on staff.
He was signed by the Giants a month later where he remains. He’s completed over 90% of his field-goal attempts going 43 of 46 and is 27 of 29 on extra points. His current contract is through 2023. In contrast, the Panthers’ kicking game has been less than stellar. It’s been a revolving door with three kickers having taken the field in games for the team. Currently, Zane Gonzalez is the kicker.
The Panthers (3-3) and Giants (1-5) meet this weekend in the Meadowlands. If the game comes down to a field goal for either team you can bet a lot of people will be asking what if.
Gallery: Carolina Panther/NY Giant Graham Gano
