Last week, Cam Skattebo went viral after botching a backflip attempt at Fanatics Fest. While the clip amused fans, it also reignited concerns over the tibia fracture he suffered last year. Now, his coach has made it clear he's far from impressed with the rookie's risky antics.

“My reaction was — I haven’t talked to him yet; I’m going to talk to him, I’m sure. My reaction was this: Dude, at least stick it. I mean, land the thing if you’re going to do it, you know?” Harbaugh said with a laugh during an appearance on the Bleav in Giants podcast published Tuesday, July 21. “That was my first reaction.”

Skattebo missed eight games last season after suffering a tibia fracture and dislocated ankle in Week 8. He underwent surgery and is working his way back for Week 1.

While his recovery is progressing well, his coach believes he will be ready for a comeback.

"Skat’s going to be ready to go,” Harbaugh said in his conversation on the Bleav in Giants podcast. “He’s been working super hard. He has really been training like crazy. And his mind is on camp. He’s healthy, he’s ready to roll, and I can’t wait to see him out there at practice.”

Last season, Skattebo recorded 101 carries for 410 rushing yards and 24 receptions for 207 yards and two touchdowns. He led the team's rookie class in PFF grade at 80.5. His presence alongside Malik Nabers will be crucial for quarterback Jaxson Dart, as the Giants' offense depends on all three.

That is why the team wants them healthy, but his recent antics have drawn serious criticism.

Even former linebacker Emmanuel Acho called him out for his antics, saying that the running back needs to man up.

“In the NFL, you give kids millions upon millions upon millions of dollars. And yes, he’s a kid. But the pressure that’s on Cam Skattebo is not that of a kid. You and Jaxson Dart and Malik Nabers, you hold the keys to the Giants’ future in your hands,” said Emmanuel Acho on Speakeasy.

While NFL veterans have offered him a much-needed pep talk, Skattebo has now issued his own statement.

Cam Skattebo shrugs off criticism over failed backflip

Skattebo was quick to answer questions this time after facing criticism. The running back blamed the unstable surface for his awkward landing but admitted the backflip was completely unnecessary.

Still, he stood by his decision and brushed aside the criticism.

“I’m just going to keep being me, and if they want to say I’m brain-dead, and I don’t have no brain, then who cares, f*** it,” he said at another Fanatics Fest appearance Sunday, per ESPN on July 20.

Although he promised to “not hurt myself before the season,” he made it clear that he is not apologetic about his actions.

His presence will be crucial for the team this season, and with his recovery progressing well, the Giants' top management would likely prefer he avoid such antics going forward.

What are your thoughts on Harbaugh's reaction to Skattebo's failed backflip? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar