New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo turned heads in his 2025 rookie season. He rushed for 79 yards in a 21-18 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, then exploded for 98 yards and three touchdowns in a dominant 34-17 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6. A Week 8 ankle dislocation, open tibia fracture, and ruptured deltoid ligament ended his season early. But what he said off the field stopped everyone cold.
Cam Skattebo’s Budget-Blind Rookie Flex Goes Viral
While many NFL rookies feel pressure to show off new wealth, Skattebo took a completely different path. In a moment that spread fast across social media, verified NFL reporter Dov Kleimanshared that the Giants rookie openly revealed he only wears fake jewelry and watches.
“Everything I wear is fake,” Skattebo said, appearing in sunglasses, a thick chain with a “SKATT” pendant, and a diamond grill, all confirmed as replicas.
"Everything I Wear Is Fake": Giants RB Cam Skattebo's $5M Smart Money Move
“Everything I Wear Is Fake”: Giants RB Cam Skattebo’s $5M Smart Money Move (Imagn Image)
Skattebosigned a four-year rookie contract worth $5.271 million, including a $1.1 million signing bonus, as the 105th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. That is solid money, but far from the massive deals top picks receive. Rather than spending heavily on luxury items, he chose to keep things simple and think long term.
Fans praised the decision fast, and financial observers took notice too. Many NFL players have faced serious money problems after their careers ended, making Skattebo’s choice stand out as mature and responsible. His honest admission quickly became a story about smart money habits in pro sports, showing a grounded mindset rare for any rookie.
Not everyone responded with praise, though. Some of the replies were hard to ignore.
Fans Fire Back at Cam Skattebo
The replies came fast and they were not all kind.
One person hilariouslywrote, “Please don’t rob me”
Anotherjoked, “Only 5 million… oh man how will he survive!”
A thirdargued, “Hes played like three games. How is he a star”
A fourthmocked, “Is he buying his jewelry with fake money too? Like Monopoly money?”
Oneadded, “Smart, because when it’s gets stolen they’ll be mad they can’t sell it. Plus him saying it’s stolen will keep them away too, or at least it might, but he could be bluffing. Who knows”
The reactions show a clear split. Some fans respect his financial thinking while others use humor to question his early standing in the league.
Skattebo finished his shortened rookie year with 410 rushing yards, seven touchdowns, and 207 receiving yards across eight games. Now he is recovering from his dislocated ankle and is expected to return strong for the 2026 season. The Giants face a tough NFC East schedule ahead, including key matchups against the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles.