Heading into the 2025 season, one of the New York Giants players fans weren’t sure about was starting place kicker Graham Gano. Over the last two seasons, Gano has dealt with injuries that forced him to miss time. At one point, he was even considered a potential roster cut given his contract and age.
However, in Saturday’s 34-25 win over the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium, fans may have changed their tune on Gano, who looked like the kicker we all saw from 2020-2022 when he posted a 91.8 field goal percentage, rather than the one slowed by multiple lower body injuries in 2023 and 2024.
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The opening drive saw the first of several field goals from Gano, as he drilled a 53-yarder to give New York an early 3-0 lead. He wasn’t done in the first half, going 3-for-3 overall, with makes from 50 and 51 yards as well.
Graham Gano looks like he’s back to his old form for the Giants
While some thought Gano was past his prime and close to the end of his run in New York, others felt the veteran could have a bounce-back season in 2025. If Saturday’s game is any indication, it’s a great sign of what could be ahead.
Before a knee injury and a hamstring issue sidelined him for a total of 16 games in 2023 and 2024, Gano was considered as automatic and clutch as any kicker in the league. In the 2022 playoff season, his third year with the team, he posted a 90.6 field goal percentage and earned a three-year, $15.6 million extension just before the 2023 campaign. But the knee trouble dropped his success rate to 64.7 percent and eventually led to season-ending surgery.
Gano improved to 81.8 percent in 2024, but missing seven games with a hamstring injury in Week 2 left many wondering if he could still be relied on. The Giants tried several replacements, but none matched his production.
Now at 38 years old, the team still needs to be cautious with their kicker. But Saturday’s performance should be an inspiring vote of confidence for those questioning whether he can still deliver. If New York wants to compete and win close games this season, Gano will need to be his usual self, which depends on him staying healthy. His outing in Buffalo was a strong first step in that direction.