Giants’ Cam Skattebo Apologizes for Comments Downplaying CTE and Asthma
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has issued an apology for remarks made during a recent podcast interview where he minimized the significance of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma. The comments sparked immediate backlash, prompting the fourth-round draft pick to address the controversy publicly.
During an appearance on the “Bring the Juice” podcast, Skattebo was directly asked whether he believed CTE was a legitimate medical condition. His response, delivered although shaking his head, was blunt: “No, it’s an excuse.”
Skattebo, 24, subsequently released a statement on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing remorse for his comments. “I recently did an interview and had a lapse in judgment, which resulted in me making a tasteless joke about CTE and asthma. It was never my intention to downplay the seriousness of head injuries or asthma,” he wrote. “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.”
The apology comes amid growing awareness and research surrounding CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to repetitive head trauma. A 2023 study conducted by the Boston University CTE Center found that over 40% of athletes – primarily football players – who had been exposed to repeated head impacts and died before the age of 30 were diagnosed with CTE. The study examined brain tissue from 152 deceased athletes.
The disease has been diagnosed posthumously in several high-profile former NFL players, including Junior Seau, Conrad Dobler, and Dave Duerson, highlighting the long-term risks associated with contact sports. The ongoing research continues to shape conversations about player safety and the future of football.
Skattebo’s comments extended beyond CTE. When asked about asthma on the podcast, and presented with the idea that it could be used as an excuse, he agreed, stating, “No, that’s a good take. Yes, asthma’s fake too.” He further added, “You’re just soft.”
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 262 million people worldwide were affected by asthma in 2019. The condition is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, and can be life-threatening if not properly managed.
Skattebo’s mother, Becky Skattebo, offered a potential explanation for her son’s remarks on X, suggesting they were intended as sarcasm. She wrote, “If people knew how many times Cam had to ‘run to gain mom’s inhaler’ they’d realize the sarcasm… you can’t please everyone, you won’t always say the right thing, and eventually people will inevitably misinterpret something giving it a meaning it never intended to have.”
Cam Skattebo was drafted by the Giants in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Prior to the controversy, he had been gaining attention for his energetic personality and unique on-field demeanor, described by ESPN as “football’s version of the Tasmanian Devil.” He was even carted off the field in October 2025 with a serious ankle injury against the Philadelphia Eagles, a game where he had already scored his seventh touchdown of the season.
The incident underscores the importance of responsible commentary, particularly from professional athletes, regarding sensitive health issues like CTE and chronic conditions like asthma. The NFL and the NFL Players Association have invested heavily in research and safety protocols in recent years, and Skattebo’s remarks stand in contrast to the league’s ongoing efforts to promote player well-being.
The Giants are scheduled to face the Philadelphia Eagles again on Thursday, March 27th, 2026. It remains to be seen whether this incident will have any impact on Skattebo’s role with the team moving forward. The team has not yet released a statement beyond Skattebo’s personal apology.
What are your thoughts on Cam Skattebo’s comments and apology? Share your perspective in the comments below.
