Carolina Panthers kicker Graham Gano came up big time late in Sunday’s win over the New York Giants.
With his team down by one point late in the fourth quarter following a furious comeback by the Giants, the veteran lined up for a potential game-winning 63-yard field goal.
Having posted a previous career high that didn’t even come close to that mark, no one really expected Gano to hit it. That’s when he saved his team big time, nailing the kick with room to spare. It moved the Panthers to 3-1 on the season while the Giants fell to 1-4.
What could be cooler than this? Well, Gano has already topped himself. The kicker posted this note and photo on social media, telling us a story involving both his kick and NFL history.
— Graham Gano (@GrahamGano) October 8, 2018
“One of the coolest gifts I have ever received years ago was this kickoff tee signed by Tom Dempsey,” Gano wrote. “I remember watching replays of his 63 yard game-winner growing up, wishing I would have an opportunity like that some day. Yesterday, our team made that dream come true. Honored to be able to put the ball from yesterday’s kick onto the tee that he signed.”
This is absolutely amazing stuff. Talk about coming full-circle.
Back in November of 1970, Dempsey — then a member of the New Orleans Saints — nailed a 63-yard game-winning field goal to defeat the Detroit Lions. The kick broke Bert Rechichar’s previous NFL record of 56 yards. This happened some 17 years before Gano was even born. Kudos for knowing your history.
As it relates to Dempsey, he’s known more fore having a club right foot. Certainly a handicap, the kicker spent his entire life without fingers on his right hand and toes on his right foot. He didn’t let that get the best of him.
And now, Gano is out here paying his respects to a great of the past while understanding full well the history-making kick he himself made just a day ago. Job well done, Mr. Kicker.