Running into telephone poles with football pads on helped Cam Skattebo prepare for life in the NFL, after his mother shared his unusual training routine as a child
11:50 ET, 20 Oct 2025
Cam Skattebo used to run into telephone poles to simulate contact in football
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Cam Skattebo used to run into telephone poles to simulate contact in football(Image: 2025 Cooper Neill)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has become a fan favorite for his relentless running and fearlessness heading into tackles, but he's prepared for this his entire life.
Skattebo is enjoying a stunning rookie season with six touchdowns (one receiving) and 398 rushing yards in seven games for the Giants. His breakout game was against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he rushed for 98 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-17 win.
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While his physicality is admirable, Skattebo's style has led to concerns over his long-term health due to taking repeated heavy hits. However, Skattebo's mother confirmed that he's been inflicting damage on his body from an early age.
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Skattebo has shown that dedication and hard work can get you to the NFL, after struggling to land a major college role despite a stunning high school career. However, according to Becky Skattebo, he was willing to push the boundaries more than other children.
The running back starred for Sacramento State before finally earning a spot on the Arizona State roster, and an interview from his college days has resurfaced. Due to Skattebo's surge in popularity, fans have turned to the archives for more infortmation.
"He would put his brother's shoulder pads on and he would run into telephone poles," Becky Skattebo said to ESPN while her son was on the Sun Devils. "Once he got onto the field, it was no surprise the punishment he inflicted on his own body and everybody else."
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Skattebo then added: "I'm the best running back in the country. I used to put my brother's helmet on all the time and we used to play football in the living room together."
The rookie has stunned fans with his running style and ability to get out of tight spaces. Even when pressured by several defensive stars, Skattebo somehow finds a way to wriggle himself out of trouble and pick up extra yards.
According to his mother, he was nicknamed 'Houdini' after the famous escapologist and illusionist. If Skattebo didn't want to be somewhere as a child, he'd find an escape.
Skattebo is one of the most physical running backs in the NFL
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Skattebo is one of the most physical running backs in the NFL(Image: 2025 Jim McIsaac)
"Cameron's always been able to figure out how to get up, over or through things," Becky Skattebo said. "He would get out of every car seat you could find.
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"That's how he ended up with the Houdini nickname. If he didn't want to be somewhere, he'd find a way to get out."
Skattebo is now seen as one of the most exciting running backs in the NFL, but he's had to overcome adversity on his journey. After starring for Rio Linda High School, rushing for 3,550 yards and 42 touchdowns in his junior year, Sacramento State was the only Division I school to offer him a place.
Other programs began to notice Skattebo, and Arizona State signed him throught the NCAA transfer portal in 2023. In his senior year, Skattebo rushed for 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns, and he finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting.