The New York Giants unearthed a diamond in the rough when they selected Cam Skattebo 105th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. The 23-year-old wrecking ball exploded onto primetime Thursday night, bulldozing the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles for three touchdowns in a stunning 34-17 upset.
Oct 5, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; A detail view of a New York Giants helmet on the sideline during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Oct 5, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; A detail view of a New York Giants helmet on the sideline during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
But Skattebo’s bruising running style didn’t materialize overnight. It was forged through years of unconventional training methods that would make most mothers cringe.
Cam Skattebo’s Mother Says He Grew Up Smashing Into Telephone Poles to Get Stronger
His mother, Becky Skattebo, revealed in a January ESPN interview that’s now circulating social media how her son would strap on his brother’s shoulder pads and ram himself into telephone poles.
The footage, filmed during Skattebo’s time at Arizona State, shows his mom laughing as she recalls his strange way of building toughness.
“He would put his brother’s shoulder pads on and he would run into telephone poles,” Becky said, per People. “Once he got onto the field, it was no surprise the punishment he inflicted on his own body and everybody else.”
🚨🚨CRAZY🚨🚨#GIANTS ROOKIE RB CAM SKATTEBO USED TO RUN INTO TELEPHONE POLES TO PREPARE HIMSELF FOR FOOTBALL.
“He would put his brother’s shoulder pads on and he would run into telephone poles,” Cam’s mother said earlier this year.
Skattebo is truly one of one. Crazy. pic.twitter.com/MlrqRn8TND
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) September 15, 2025
Skattebo’s brother, Leonard, played fullback at Bowling Green in 2016 and 2017. The younger Skattebo didn’t just borrow his gear. He also picked up his brother’s fearless mindset that contact was something to embrace, not avoid.
Mama Skattebo added that Cameron earned the nickname “Houdini” as a toddler for constantly wriggling free from carts and seats. That same determination now manifests in breaking tackles and dragging All-Pro linebackers into the end zone.
The Mentality That Makes Cam Skattebo Elite
The telephone pole drills weren’t just physical workouts but mental tests. Skattebo used them to build toughness, training his body to take hits and keep moving.
“I’m the best running back in the country,” Skattebo said in an Arizona State video. “I used to put my brother’s helmet on all the time and we used to play football in the living room together.”
@espn #ArizonaState’s #CamSkattebo has always been a menace 😂 #cfbpostseason #football #Texas #CFP ♬ original sound – ESPN
That confidence showed up at MetLife Stadium with a shirtless celebration. Skattebo ran for 98 yards on 19 carries against Philadelphia, with 79 yards coming after contact and 47 against stacked boxes.
He became the second rookie running back in the Giants’ franchise history to make three rushing touchdowns in a single game.
Alongside fellow rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, Skattebo injects life into a franchise starved for identity. His backflipping touchdown celebrations and unfiltered energy have Giants fans believing again.