Giants Star Cam Skattebo Faces Backlash Over CTE Comments

The running back's viral podcast appearance sparked controversy with his remarks on the serious brain injury.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:51pm

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New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo is receiving significant backlash after making controversial comments about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) during a recent podcast appearance. Skattebo, who had a standout rookie season in 2025 before suffering a severe ankle injury, called CTE an "excuse" and put it in the same category as asthma, drawing widespread criticism from the NFL community.

Why it matters

CTE is a serious and debilitating brain condition that has affected many former NFL players, leading to increased awareness and research around head injuries in football. Skattebo's dismissive comments about CTE could be seen as downplaying the severity of the issue and may damage his reputation within the league.

The details

During an episode of the "Bring the Juice" podcast, Skattebo shared his controversial take on CTE, stating that it is an "excuse" and comparing it to asthma. This sparked immediate backlash from the NFL community, as CTE has been a major concern for the league in recent years. Skattebo's comments come after a standout rookie season with the Giants, where he emerged as a key part of the offense before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in October.

  • Skattebo made the comments during a recent appearance on the "Bring the Juice" podcast.
  • Skattebo's rookie season with the Giants ended in October 2025 due to a severe ankle injury.

The players

Cam Skattebo

A standout running back for the New York Giants who is facing backlash over his controversial comments about CTE.

New York Giants

The NFL team that Cam Skattebo plays for, who may need to address his comments and provide guidance on discussing sensitive topics.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The Giants organization may need to address Skattebo's comments and provide guidance on how players should discuss sensitive topics related to player health and safety.

The takeaway

Cam Skattebo's dismissive comments about CTE, a serious brain injury affecting many former NFL players, have sparked significant backlash and could damage his reputation within the league. This incident highlights the need for players to be mindful and well-informed when discussing sensitive topics, especially those related to player health and safety.