New York Giants veteran kicker Graham Gano opened up Thursday about the harrowing toll of fan vitriol, revealing he’s endured death threats and vile wishes like “get cancer and die” since sports betting’s rise.
“Ever since sports betting started happening, I get people telling me to kill myself every week. You know, because I’ll hit a kick that loses them money. I’ll miss a kick, and it loses them money. It was the other day somebody told me to get cancer and die,” Gano said, his voice heavy with frustration after a herniated disc in his neck sidelined him yet again.
The 38-year-old, who’s appeared in just five of nine games this season due to recurring injuries, described the pain as “unbelievably frustrating,” exacerbated by a Monday lifting session that pressed the disc against his spinal cord. A Wednesday spinal injection offers hope, but Gano skipped practice and may miss Sunday’s Chicago Bears clash.
The abuse — via DMs, letters, and face-to-face — crosses lines, Gano admitted, but he’s built “thick skin” over 15 NFL years, predating social media’s venom. He shuts it off during the season, though it stings, especially amid mental health crises like the recent Dallas tragedy.
“Check on your people,” he urged, echoing team talks. “You never know” the difference it makes.
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Gano keeps his struggles private, confiding in teammates, but the hate ripples to his family. Still, passion fuels him.
“I’m proud to be a Giant. I want to make every kick,” he said.
As woes persist, the Giants worked out undrafted rookie Ben Sauls on Thursday, eyeing practice-squad options like Younghoe Koo amid kicking instability since 2022.
