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New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo caused quite the stir recently when he failed to pull off a backflip during an appearance at Fanatics Fest. Now, Giants head coach John Harbaugh has shared what his initial reaction was.
While we’ve seen Skattebo do backflips before, this one was different.
The 2025 fourth-round pick is working his way back from a fractured tibia and dislocated ankle that he suffered last season, so that’s the last thing anyone wanted to see him do, especially when he didn’t land it.
Harbaugh was a guest on the “Bleav in Giants” podcast and had a funny initial reaction after seeing Skattebo’s backflip fail. Harbaugh also noted he’s going to have a little talk with his running back.
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“My reaction was — I haven’t talked to him yet; I’m going to talk to him, I’m sure. My reaction was this: Dude, at least stick it. I mean, land the thing if you’re going to do it, you know?” Harbaugh said with a laugh. “That was my first reaction.”
When it comes to Skattebo’s injury recovery, he is expected to be ready to go for training camp, Harbaugh said.
“Skat’s going to be ready to go,” Harbaugh said. “He’s been working super hard. He has really been training like crazy. And his mind is on camp. He’s healthy, he’s ready to roll, and I can’t wait to see him out there at practice.”
Cam Skattebo defiant after failed backflip
Skattebo addressed the elephant in the room the following day and was pretty defiant about what many considered a poor decision.
The Arizona State product revealed he was doing just fine after the botched backflip and was not hurt.
The reason for his fall, Skattebo said, had to do with the ground not being sturdy enough, which was all the more reason why he should’ve avoided trying a backflip in the first place.
But Skattebo was also defiant in the face of criticism for his taking such an unnecessary risk.
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“I’m just going to keep being me, and if they want to say I’m brain-dead, and I don’t have no brain, then who cares, f— it,” he said, according to ESPN.
The last thing the Giants can afford is to lose Skattebo, who is slated to lead New York’s backfield after what was a promising rookie campaign that was cut short due to injury.
But Skattebo brings more than just his physical abilities on the field.
He’s also someone who brings a ton of energy to the team and the Giants missed that as much as they missed his bruising running style following his injury.
