Cam Skattebo set a rule for himself when he graduated from Arizona State. Skattebo decided that he would retire from the NFL if he ever suffered a major injury.
The New York Giants drafted Skattebo 105th overall. Skattebo shared running back duties with Tyron Tracy Jr. Against the Philadelphia Eagles, Skattebo scored his first career brace, becoming the first Giants rookie since Charlie Evans in 1971.
The celebration was cut short. Two weeks later, in the reverse fixture, Skattebo was carted off.
That happened seven games into my career. [The injury] kind of sucked, but I think that really helped me find who I am as a player and as a person.
Cam Skattebo said on the Up & Adams Show
In the second quarter against the Eagles, Skattebo suffered a gruesome ankle injury. He underwent emergency surgery and was subsequently ruled out for the rest of the season.
The first month, I was like, do I really want to do this?
After mulling over what to do next, Skattebo finally decided to continue his career rather than retire.
I was able to sit at home for 14 hours a day, do absolutely nothing, for weeks on end. So, just finding who I was, finding my happiness, finding the person I wanted to be on and off the field. And I think that that’s something that I’ve built over the last nine, 10 months.
Skattebo’s first year in the NFL ended after eight appearances. He rushed 101 times for 410 yards (4.1 yards per carry) for 5 touchdowns. He also caught 24 passes for 207 yards and scored a couple of receiving touchdowns.
Skattebo built his college career around aggressive, borderline reckless running back play. He got away with minor bruises, but the NFL is a bigger fish, and the consequences are far more severe. He quickly discovered it when he hurt his ankle.
Experts advised him to take care of his body. But he did not listen. In the offseason, Skattebo at a Fanatics event. The Giants’ front office .
Skattebo also faced massive CTE (Chronic traumatic encephalopathy) as a medical condition. He was .
It was never my intention to downplay the seriousness of head injuries or asthma. I sincerely apologize to anyone that was offended by my remarks, and I assure you that I’ll be more mindful and respectful going forward.
Skattebo said
Briefly, Skattebo’s career was called into question. Head coach John Harbaugh spoke with the 24-year-old in person. Skattebo recently cleared up the confusion about whether there’s bad blood between him and Harbaugh.
Me and [John Harbaugh] are on the same page, we love each other. Me and him talk every single day, there’s no bad blood between us.
Skattebo told Adams
The Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys on opening day of the 2026 season. Per sources, Skattebo is expected to be ready to take part in the fixture.
Skattebo played the first three years of college football at Sacramento State. He transferred to Arizona State in 2023. In 46 total appearances, Skattebo rushed 709 times for 4386 yards and scored 42 touchdowns. He also caught 112 passes for 1386 yards and scored 8 touchdowns.