New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo has taken the NFL by storm with his physical running style, but Hall of Famer Edgerrin James has warned him to change his ways
15:30 ET, 19 Oct 2025
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 09: Cam Skattebo #44 of the New York Giants celebrates after winning the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on October 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
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New York Giants star Cam Skattebo has been warned he needs to change his running style if he wants to have a long NFL career(Image: Kathryn Riley, Getty Images)
Hall of Fame running back Edgerrin James delivered some stark advice for New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo regarding his NFL future. It comes after Skattebo cleared the air following an alleged college essay leak.
Speaking as a guest on FOX NFL Sunday, James was questioned by analyst Michael Strahan about his thoughts on Skattebo's running approach. "I think his loved ones need to call him and talk to him and let him know, if you want to be around this game long enough, you need to change the way you run the ball," James said.
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"At certain times, if it's 3rd and 1 and we need to get a tough yard, let's get it. But let's not take unnecessary contact." Earlier on FOX NFL Sunday, Strahan was left concerned Terry Bradshaw was "choking over there" after a bold Buffalo Bills claim.
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Skattebo, selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has quickly established himself in his professional career through his trademark head-down, aggressive running approach.
While most running backs seek to shield their head when carrying the ball, Skattebo consistently lowers his helmet, attempting to power through opposing defenders, a tactic he has executed effectively multiple times this season.
Footage of Skattebo ramming his helmet into a brick wall prior to an Arizona State game, apparently mimicking what would unfold during the contest, became a viral sensation after the rookie rushed for three touchdowns in New York's Week 6 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Following the triumph, Skattebo presented his third touchdown ball to his father, Leo, who was seated in the front row of the stadium. "He's going to throw someone off the balcony to get that," Skattebo said about his dad.
"That's where it comes from, right there."
While successful at moving defenders, Skattebo's style is deemed dangerous as it may result in brain injuries and force him to sit out contests. James, who enjoyed an 11-year stint with the Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks, has no documented record of losing playing time due to concussions.
"That's how he played at Arizona State, he knows no other way," Bradshaw told James.
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James responded: "That's college. Now it's the pros, 17 games. How long do we want to play?".
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In 2017, James labeled the NFL's concussion settlement "a beautifully executed scam," following criticism from players and their relatives over unfair qualification standards and a complicated claims procedure when pursuing compensation from the NFL for injuries connected to brain trauma.
James, 47, was the standout running back for the Peyton Manning-led Colts squads of the late 1990s and early 2000s. He topped the NFL in rushing yards in each of his first two campaigns (1999, 2000), and posted 348 carries, 1,407 rushing yards, and nine rushing TDs per season throughout his 11-year career.
According to Football Reference, James sat out 27 of a possible 176 regular-season contests during his career. He hung up his cleats following the 2011 season and presently sits 13th all-time with 12,246 career rushing yards.