No Kicker Left Behind: Giants Unite Behind Graham Gano, Led by Daniel Jones, Against Pain Threats and Injury Challenges

No Kicker Left Behind: Giants Unite Behind Graham Gano, Led by Daniel Jones, Against Pain Threats and Injury Challenges

New York Giants kicker Graham Gano has endured a shocking side of professional football: years of death threats from sports bettors. Since legalized betting became widespread in the U.S., Gano has regularly received messages telling him to “kill yourself” or “die of cancer,” mainly from fans upset by missed kicks. Most recently, a missed 45-yard attempt against the San Francisco 49ers sparked another wave of harassment.

Gano, currently on injured reserve with a herniated disc and possibly out for the upcoming game against the Chicago Bears, says the pressure is relentless. “It’s not just the injuries,” he explains. “It’s the messages, the DMs, letters, even people yelling at me from the stands. You learn to grow thick skin, but it’s the hardest part of the job.”

Over the last three seasons, injuries have kept Gano off the field for nine games in 2023, seven in 2024, and already four-plus in 2025. Yet when healthy, he remains a reliable kicker—a crucial piece of the Giants’ offensive puzzle.

Quarterback Daniel Jones, team captain and Gano’s closest on-field ally, made a heartfelt statement ahead of the Bears matchup: “Graham is my brother. He’s kicked us out of trouble countless times. Death threats? Absolutely unacceptable. I told the team: anyone touches Gano, touches all of us. Bettors lose money? That’s on them – leave our family alone. Graham, kick like hell – we’ve got you covered!”

Head Coach Brian Daboll echoed the support in a Thursday press conference: “Graham is a pro. He kicks through pain, through injury. The threats? We’ve reported them to the NFL and the authorities. To anyone thinking about crossing the line: learn to lose. The team is behind Gano 100%.”

Even the defensive locker room has rallied around him. Defensive tackle and captain Dexter Lawrence, known as “Sexy Dexy,” went live on Instagram: “Yo Gano – 54 got the whole D-line behind him. Bettors sending death threats? Send ‘em to me! We destroy opponents on the field and guard our kicker off it. Kick strong, bro!”

Gano’s story highlights the growing negative impact of legalized sports betting on player safety and mental health. Amid injury setbacks and online harassment, the Giants’ solidarity sends a clear message: their kicker is more than statistics—he’s family, and the team will protect him every step of the way.