New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo recently drew attention after an attempted backflip at a Fanatics Fest event. The incident, captured on video, showed Skattebo failing to stick the landing, which quickly circulated online.
The running back, a former Arizona State Sun Devil, has a history of injuries, including an ankle injury sustained on October 26 of his rookie season that required surgery and limited him to just eight games. This past injury made the backflip attempt a point of concern for many.
Skattebo’s botched backflip was met with criticism from some fans and analysts. For instance, Chris Russo on ESPN’s “First Take” described the stunt as “beyond stupid.”
Skattebo’s Perspective on the Incident
Despite the viral video and subsequent reactions, Skattebo himself stated he was “perfectly fine” after the tumble. During an interview with SiriusXM’s “The Fantasy Footballers” at another Fanatics Fest special event, he explained his perspective.
Skattebo mentioned that he has been performing backflips since he was young, considering it a natural ability. He addressed concerns about potential injury, stating, “I will not hurt myself before the season.”
He attributed the awkward landing to the bouncy nature of the event floor, comparing it to WWE rings. “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. So that’s why I kinda like went back, safely landed, got back up, was good to go. So nothing came out from that. I’m perfectly fine. Nothing happened. We’re good,” Skattebo clarified.
This incident follows an earlier backflip he successfully landed during a charity basketball event this offseason, which was seen as a positive sign in his recovery from a broken tibia last season. His teammate, Jaxson Dart, viewed the miscue positively, noting Skattebo’s explosiveness. “Hey, when I looked at it though, I was like, that’s the most explosive I’ve seen Skat. He over-rotated,” Dart said, adding that Skattebo “looks real good, man. He looks real good.”
Skattebo has become known in New York for his enthusiastic and wild card personality, a trait that has endeared him to Giants fans. When asked about being labeled a “wild maniac,” he expressed enjoyment of that aspect, though less so the “brain-dead kind of guy” moniker. He indicated he would continue to be himself, stating, “the New York people love it, so I’m just gonna keep being me.”
Coach Harbaugh’s Reaction and Skattebo’s Readiness
Giants head coach John Harbaugh also weighed in on the incident during an appearance on “Bleav in Giants.” Harbaugh showed little concern regarding Skattebo’s well-being, but he did offer a lighthearted critique of the execution.
“My reaction was, I haven’t talked to him yet, I’m gonna talk to him, I’m sure, but my reaction was this ‘Dude, at least stick it,’” Harbaugh said. “You know what I mean? Land the thing if you’re going to do it, you know. That was my first reaction.”
More importantly, Harbaugh emphasized Skattebo’s readiness for the upcoming season. “But you know Skatt’s going to be ready to go, and he’s been working super hard. He’s really been training like crazy, and his mind is on camp,” Harbaugh added. He further stated, “He’s healthy. He’s ready to roll, and I can’t wait to see him at practice.”
Skattebo is expected to be ready for Week 1. He is looking to build on an impressive rookie season, despite the injury that cut it short. In his eight games, he rushed 101 times for 410 yards and five touchdowns. He also contributed in the passing game, hauling in 24 receptions for 207 yards and two touchdowns, totaling seven touchdowns and 617 scrimmage yards.
Giants rookies are scheduled to report to training camp on Thursday, with the rest of the roster due by July 28.
Team Preparations for the Upcoming Season
The Giants are preparing for the new season under coach Harbaugh, with several roster moves aimed at strengthening the team. The run game is set to receive a boost with the addition of Patrick Ricard, the former Baltimore Ravens fullback, who is reuniting with his former head coach in New York.
The team has also focused on bolstering its offensive line. They drafted Francis Mauigoa from Miami as the 10th overall pick and re-signed Jermaine Eluemunor to play right tackle, opposite Andrew Thomas, after Eluemunor’s successful first year in New York following his time with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Further additions include tight end Isaiah Likely and several free agent wide receivers, notably the return of Odell Beckham Jr. to the Giants. These moves indicate a concerted effort to improve the team’s performance and potentially return to playoff contention. The Giants have reached the playoffs only twice since 2016, most recently in 2022 during Brian Daboll’s first season as head coach.
Skattebo’s rookie season ended during a road game against the Philadelphia Eagles when he suffered a dislocated ankle due to a hip-drop tackle by linebacker Zack Baun. The NFL considers such tackles illegal. The injury was severe, ending Skattebo’s season and contributing to the Giants’ 4-13 record, which led to Daboll’s mid-season firing.
Skattebo’s rehab has evidently been successful, allowing him to confidently attempt the backflip. Fans are eager to see Skattebo and the new team under Harbaugh this season, with many watching to see if the coach can guide the team back into playoff contention.
Source: sports.yahoo.com