New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has issued a public apology after making controversial remarks during an interview, minimizing the significance of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma. The incident has sparked immediate backlash, prompting the 24-year-old to address the situation on social media.
During an appearance on the Bring the Juice podcast, host Frank Dalena questioned Skattebo about the validity of CTE. According to reports, Skattebo responded, “No, it’s an excuse.” Later, when Dalena brought up asthma, Skattebo reportedly agreed, stating, “Yeah, you make a good point. Asthma is also unreal. You’re just weak.”
Skattebo quickly responded to the criticism, posting an apology on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday. “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. I sincerely apologize to anyone that was offended by my remarks and I…,” he wrote in a post on March 21, 2026.
The apology came as medical studies continue to highlight the dangers of CTE, particularly for athletes involved in contact sports. A 2023 study by the CTE Center at Boston University found that over 40% of young athletes—primarily football players—who had experienced repeated head impacts and died before the age of 30 had been diagnosed with CTE. This research was based on the examination of 152 donated brains.
The issue of CTE has gained prominence in recent years following the deaths of several former NFL players, including Junior Seau, Conrad Dobler, and Dave Duerson, all of whom were later diagnosed with the condition post-mortem. These cases brought increased attention to the long-term neurological consequences of football-related head trauma.
Beyond CTE, Skattebo’s comments regarding asthma also drew criticism, given the widespread impact of the respiratory condition. The World Health Organization estimates that around 262 million people worldwide were affected by asthma in 2019, resulting in 455,000 deaths.
Skattebo entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick in the 2025 draft, selected 105th overall. Prior to joining the Giants, he played college football at both Sacramento State (2020-2022) and Arizona State (2023-2024). His collegiate career was marked by significant achievements, including being named a First-team All-American in 2024 and First-team All-Big 12 that same year. He also earned the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year award in 2022.
During his rookie season with the Giants in 2025, Skattebo appeared in several games, rushing for 410 yards on 4.1 yards per carry and scoring 5 touchdowns. He also contributed as a receiver, hauling in 24 passes for 207 yards and 2 touchdowns, according to data available at Pro Football Reference. He currently weighs 215 lbs and stands at 5’11”.
The Giants have not yet released an official statement regarding Skattebo’s comments, but the team is likely to address the situation internally. The incident raises questions about player education and awareness regarding serious medical conditions like CTE and asthma, and the importance of responsible public discourse.
For a team building momentum after a promising offseason, This represents an unwelcome distraction. The Giants’ running back room, which includes Skattebo, has been quietly gaining attention for its potential. This incident could overshadow those positive developments, at least in the short term.
The NFL has taken steps in recent years to improve player safety, including rule changes aimed at reducing head injuries and providing resources for players dealing with the long-term effects of concussions. However, the league still faces ongoing scrutiny regarding its handling of CTE and its impact on players’ health.
Skattebo’s next opportunity to contribute on the field will come during the Giants’ upcoming training camp, scheduled to begin in late July. The team will be looking for him to build on his rookie season and establish himself as a key contributor to the offense. Whether this incident will affect his role remains to be seen.
The Giants will open their 2026 regular season on September 13th against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The game is scheduled for 8:20 PM EDT (00:20 UTC September 14th).
Fans can stay updated on Cam Skattebo and the New York Giants through the team’s official website, Giants.com, and official social media channels.
