Education and High School Achievements

Gano developed a keen interest in football at a young age. In addition to football, he participated in track and field events where he earned several accolades. He attended J.M. Tate High School in Florida, where he played as a kicker and punter for the school’s football team. His performances were pivotal in securing numerous victories at the high school level. Concurrently, his participation in track events, particularly in hurdles and sprinting, further showcased his athletic versatility.

College Football Career at Florida State

After high school, Gano enrolled at Florida State University, from which he graduated in 2008. He played college football for the Florida State Seminoles, contributing significantly to the team’s success. His senior year was particularly notable—he won the 2008 Lou Groza Award, which is presented annually to the top placekicker in college football. His consistent performance at the collegiate level drew attention from professional teams as he approached graduation.

Professional NFL Career

Gano began his professional career in 2009. Though he initially signed with the Baltimore Ravens, he did not appear in a regular-season game for them. That same year, he played for the Las Vegas Locomotives in the United Football League (UFL), where he helped his team win the UFL Championship.

Later in 2009, Gano was signed by the Washington Redskins. He served as the team’s primary placekicker until 2012, earning recognition for his strong leg and consistent play. In 2012, he joined the Carolina Panthers, where he continued to be a reliable performer and one of the league’s prominent kickers. Notably, he was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2017. According to NFL statistics, Gano has successfully converted over 85% of his field goal attempts, a testament to his precision and reliability.