New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has issued a public apology for comments he made on a podcast that dismissed chronic traumatic encephalopathy and asthma as excuses.
Skattebo addressed the issue in a post on his Instagram story Saturday, acknowledging a lapse in judgment. He described his earlier statements as a tasteless joke and stressed that he did not mean to minimize the dangers of head injuries or breathing conditions. The 24-year-old also shared the message on X, promising to show more respect in the future.
The controversy stemmed from Skattebo’s appearance on the Bring the Juice podcast with Frank Dalena. There, he responded to a question about CTE by calling it an excuse rather than a real condition tied to repeated head trauma. He went further on asthma, labeling it fake and suggesting people simply breathe air to handle it. Clips from the interview spread quickly online, sparking backlash from fans and observers who pointed to extensive medical research on both issues.
CTE, a degenerative brain disease, has been documented in numerous former NFL players through posthumous studies. Research from Boston University found it in 92 percent of analyzed cases from ex-pros. The NFL formally recognized the link between football and CTE in 2016, and the league has since introduced measures like guardian caps on helmets to cut concussion rates. Asthma, meanwhile, affects millions and can stem from factors including genetics, allergies and pollution, according to health organizations.
Skattebo, a fourth-round pick out of Arizona State in the 2025 draft, quickly won fans during his rookie year. The 5-foot-11, 215-pound back played eight games, rushing 101 times for 410 yards at 4.1 yards per carry with five touchdowns. He added 24 catches for 207 yards and two scores as a receiver before a season-ending ankle dislocation sidelined him in October. His physical style drew comparisons to old-school power runners.
Neither the Giants nor the NFL has issued a statement on Skattebo’s remarks as the team wraps up a 4-13 campaign, finishing last in the NFC East behind Philadelphia’s 11-6 mark. Skattebo heads into his second season projected as part of a backfield committee alongside Tyrone Tracy Jr., with analysts noting his tackle-breaking ability from college but cautioning on his adjustment to pro defenses. The incident serves as a reminder of the sensitivity around player health discussions in a league still addressing its concussion legacy.
🚨JUST IN: Cam Skattebo has apologized for called CTE fake and an excuse.
— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) March 22, 2026
He says he had a lapse in judgement which led to the statement. pic.twitter.com/RiCLYGKZ4N
