Cam Skattebo’s apology cannot undo his disrespect towards NFL players who have suffered deeply because of CTE, and a former Pro Bowler’s painful admission is proof. 

Gerald McCoy, a former defensive tackle and six-time Pro Bowler, put Skattebo on blast over the comments. He spoke about the friends he lost after they sustained severe injuries and warned him to be careful. 

“I have teammates that passed away. Vincent Jackson... Doug Martin, anybody who knows Doug knows that wasn't Doug. Let's be careful on the things we are saying because you never know who it affects.”

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive degenerative brain disease caused by repeated trauma to the head. It is one of the gravest concerns in football, affecting more players than one can assume.

According to a 2023 Boston University Medical Campus study, around 92% former players had CTE. And the names McCoy cited, unfortunately, highlight the occupational hazard.

Vincent Jackson, a former wide receiver, was diagnosed with stage 2 CTE before he passed away in February 2021. He was 38. 

However, Doug Martin passed away at age 36 after a home invasion. The Police report stated that he “became unresponsive,” and his family asked for a posthumous CTE diagnosis. His death prompted an investigation into whether repeated hits to the head caused his behavioural issues and health crisis. 

And yet, Skattebo made gross comments about the disease.

Earlier in March, the New York Giants’ running back appeared in an episode of the Bring the Juice podcast and said he does not believe in CTE.

“No. It’s an excuse,” he told podcast host Frank Dalena.

Dalena commented that he believes asthma is “an excuse too,” and the 24-year-old agreed. 

After an uproar against him, Skattebo apologized a week later. But the fallout persists, and it appears that he isn’t forgiven yet. 

Skabbeto’s Apology and Injury Update Ahead of the 2026 Season

McCoy is not the first person to slam Skabbeto for his comments. The NFL community spoke against him insistently and compelled him to issue an apology on X.

“It was never my intention to downplay the seriousness of head injuries or asthma. I sincerely apologize to anyone that was offended by my remarks, and I assure you that I’ll be more mindful and respectful going forward,” he wrote.

These comments are even more heartbreaking, considering that Skabbeto is a pro and at risk of sustaining more concerning injuries than his past ones. His rookie season ended with a severe right ankle fracture and torn ligaments. 

He is hoping to recover in the first week of the 2026 season, but hasn’t had much luck so far.

“I can get away from like a baby hippo, maybe,” Skattebo spoke on The Rich Eisen Show. 

The fourth-round pick made 101 carries for 410 yards and scored only five touchdowns. 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das