New York Giants rookie Cam Skattebo was a bright spot in an otherwise tough season before a nasty Week 8 injury against the Eagles ended his year. He suffered a dislocated ankle, a broken fibula, and ligament damage that required immediate surgery.
In just eight games, the “bruiser” put up impressive 410 rushing yards, 207 receiving yards, and seven total touchdowns. He looked like the workhorse back the Giants have been looking for.
Giants RB Cam Skattebo
ASU football star Cam Skattebo plays in the second annual alumni and celebrity softball game to kick off the ASU baseball season at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on Feb. 1, 2026.
However, while rehabbing, Skattebo stayed relevant by appearing at WWE events and keeping fans updated on his recovery. He recently said his rehab is going well and he expects to be a major part of the offense in 2026. But that overwhelming fan support hit a major snag this weekend due to a non-football controversy.
Cam Skattebo apologizes for downplaying brain disease and asthma
Skattebodismissed both CTE and asthma as fake on the “Bring the Juice” podcast, hosted by Frank Dalena. The episode aired on March 12, but the comments went viral on Saturday, drawing criticism from the community and medical advocates across social media and already impacting the league’s image.
When Dalena asked Skattebo point-blank whether he believed CTE was real, Skattebo replied, “No, I think it’s an excuse.”
Skattebo then expressed agreement to the notion that asthma is an excuse as well, saying, “Asthma is fake.” Dalena pressed further, mocking kids who struggled to breathe on a playground, and Skattebo’s response was three words: “Just literally breathe air.”
Medical data proves otherwise. Research from Boston University shows that CTE is a progressive brain disease caused by repeated head hits. A 2023 BU study found CTE in 345 out of 376 former NFL players. Even the NFL has admitted there is a link between the game and the disease. As a running back, Skattebo plays one of the positions most at risk for these types of injuries.
Following the immense online backlash, the 24-year-old posted an apology on his Instagram story,writing, “I recently did an interview and had a lapse in judgment, which resulted in me making a tasteless joke about CTE and asthma. It was never my intention to downplay the seriousness of head injuries or asthma.”
I recently did an interview and had a lapse in judgment, which resulted in me making a tasteless joke about CTE and asthma. 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…
— cameron skattebo (@camskattebo5) March 21, 2026
As of now, the league hasn’t made any statement yet, but there is a history of players being fined for undermining safety rules. James Harrison was famously fined over $100,000 in 2010 for his hits and public criticism of the league. More recently, in October 2025, the NFL fined Skattebo $15,000 and coach Brian Daboll $100,000 for entering a medical tent during Jaxson Dart’s concussion evaluation.
Despite this controversy, Skattebo is still on track to return from his Week 8 ankle and leg injuries. He expects to be ready for training camp and the 2026 season opener.