Cam Skattebo had a really bad season with the New York Giants, as they finished last in the NFC East with a 4-13 record. They missed the playoffs for the third consecutive season, last making a playoff berth in the 2022 regular season.
There has been much disappointment from the fans, who feel that the franchise and the players need to do better. Skattebo has found himself under criticism recently and has responded to it as well.
Cam Skattebo responds to critics after failed backflip attempt
Skattebo recently faced much criticism after a failed backflip attempt during an appearance at WWE’s Fanatics Fest in New York. The failed move caused him to land in an awkward manner, though he quickly got up with no trouble.
Dec 14, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) on the field before the game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
As the player is still recovering from a severe 2025 ankle injury, many felt that it was an irresponsible decision from him to undertake such a dangerous move. His season-ending injury came in Week 8 of the 2025 season against the Philadelphia Eagles, and required emergency surgery. Many fans and analysts criticized him for the move, with Skip Bayless calling for Giants head coach John Harbaugh to punish the player.
Speaking at the Fanatics Fest, he responded to his critics. He said, “I totally enjoy that part. I think I less enjoy the brain-dead kind of guy. But it is what it is. I mean, the New York people love it. So, I’m just gonna keep being me and if they wanna say I’m brain-dead and I don’t have no brain, then, who cares! F— it!”
This is not the first time Skattebo has attempted to do a backflip while being injured. He previously did it during Brian Burns’ charity softball game, though it was successful. He has a history of doing backflips since his childhood. While he has said he will continue to do backflips, he has also recognized his fans’ worries.
Cam Skattebo makes public promise to Giants fans
Skattebo also attempted to calm down the worrying Giants fans with a public promise of not getting hurt before the next season. He said, “I’m gonna address the elephant: I will not hurt myself before the season.”
He went on to explain why the backflip failed, “When I took off, I was mid-air like, ‘holy cow, I’m not gonna land this, I’m way too high. Landed, but it had too much cushion. It wasn’t a stiff, firm ground. Nothing came out from that, I’m perfectly fine. Nothing happened. We’re good.”
Cam Skattebo will now work on recovering, and will target a return to the field ahead of the next season.
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