Cam Skattebo Meets With John Harbaugh After Fanatics Fest Backflip Incident

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo met with coach John Harbaugh and GM Joe Schoen after performing a backflip at Fanatics Fest while recovering from an ankle injury.

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo met with head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Joe Schoen on Friday to discuss a recent backflip performed at Fanatics Fest. The second-year player, who is currently returning from an open fracture of his right ankle sustained last October, admitted to doing "dumb things" and confirmed he has temporarily ceased the acrobatic maneuvers off the field. Skattebo has been the first running back to participate in live drills during the opening three days of training camp in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va., despite sharing first-team repetitions with Tyrone Tracy Jr., the team's leading rusher from the previous season.

Skattebo described himself as being "99.9% OK" following a lengthy offseason rehabilitation process. He noted that he will consider himself 100% healthy once he puts on shoulder pads and initiates physical contact with another player. This recovery follows a spring return to practice during mandatory minicamp, where Harbaugh previously joked about an agreement that the running back would refrain from flipping. The Giants coaching staff is currently evaluating the workload split between Skattebo and Tracy Jr. as they implement a physical, smashmouth style of play.

History of Off-Field Incidents

The Fanatics Fest incident occurred less than two weeks before the start of training camp and followed a series of controversial actions by the running back. In late May, Skattebo performed a backflip after hitting a home run at the Brian Burns Celebrity Softball Game, marking his first such stunt since the October ankle injury. Last year, while still utilizing crutches for his fractured ankle, he participated in a WWE skit on "Monday Night Raw." Additionally, the player previously issued an apology after making a joke regarding CTE.

Harbaugh and Schoen emphasized that Skattebo must prioritize actions that are best for both himself and the organization. The running back acknowledged the feedback, stating, "Obviously I do some dumb things here or there, but I learn from it." He indicated that while the trademark move is currently "on ice," he may revisit the celebration during the regular season if he reaches the end zone. "If a kid wants a backflip, he'll see a backflip when it's touchdown time," Skattebo remarked.

Training Camp Performance and Role

Despite the off-field distractions, early returns from training camp have been positive for the aggressive ball carrier. The Giants' offensive strategy favors Skattebo’s physical approach, which aligns with Harbaugh’s vision for a smashmouth unit. Although Harbaugh stated he is still "learning our team as we go," Skattebo’s placement at the front of live drill lines suggests a significant role in the upcoming season. The running back spent the majority of the offseason focused on his ankle recovery before being cleared for spring activities.

Skattebo expressed a desire to maintain his public persona, referring to himself as "the people’s guy" and emphasizing his interactions with young fans. He pledged to continue giving high-fives and maintaining a positive attitude while improving his decision-making process. For now, the focus remains entirely on training camp preparation rather than extracurricular stunts. The team continues to monitor his health closely given his value to the roster and the severity of the injury he suffered ten months ago.