New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo caused alarm among fans on Saturday after attempting a backflip at Fanatics Fest, an event that drew criticism due to his recent history of significant injuries. The 24-year-old player, who is working towards a return to the field in September, risked re-injury with the acrobatic maneuver.
Skattebo, whose rookie season was cut short by injury last year, was participating in a WWE-themed activation at the festival. While recreating wrestler Triple H's entrance, Skattebo attempted a signature backflip. However, he failed to land the move cleanly, slipping and twisting his surgically repaired right leg upon falling. This incident immediately heightened concerns among Giants fans about his fitness.
Fans voiced their dismay online, with one commenting, "Honestly, this guy might be the dumbest NFL player to ever live." Another expressed worry about his recovery, stating, "Dude just went through surgery and everything just to flip and tear his s*** up again."
Skattebo suffered a broken right fibula and a dislocated right ankle during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles in October. He underwent surgery and has been in rehabilitation since, with his target return date set for Week 1 of the upcoming season. This latest incident has cast a shadow over his recovery progress.
This is not the first time Skattebo's offseason activities have raised concerns. In May, he celebrated hitting a home run at the Brian Burns Celebrity Softball Game with a backflip. While he landed that flip successfully, the celebration still divided fans, with some seeing it as a positive sign of his recovery and others as a needless risk.
Skattebo has been a frequent topic of discussion while sidelined. Weeks after his surgery, he made a cameo appearance at WWE's Madison Square Garden, prompting further health-related worries.
Earlier this year, Skattebo also faced backlash for controversial remarks made on the 'Bring The Juice' podcast, where he questioned the reality of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) and dismissed asthma as a "fake" breathing disease. He later issued an apology on Instagram for his "tasteless joke" and assured that he would be more mindful and respectful going forward.