Cam Skattebo Considers Retiring After Ankle Injury
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo revealed he thought about quitting football after suffering a season-ending ankle injury in 2025. Speaking with Kay Adams on Up & Adams, the fourth-round pick from Arizona State shared his struggles during the first month of rehabilitation and explained why he decided to return.
Skattebo is expected to play a key role when the Giants kick off their 2026 season against the Dallas Cowboys on September 13 at MetLife Stadium.
Before joining the NFL, Cam Skattebo set a clear rule for himself: if he ever suffered a major injury, he would retire. This decision was put to the test just seven games into his career when he dislocated his right ankle, fractured his tibia, and ruptured his deltoid ligament during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The next day, he underwent surgery, ending his rookie season prematurely.
In eight games and five starts, Skattebo rushed for 410 yards, scored five touchdowns, caught 24 passes for 207 yards, and added two more scores. His performance had fans considering him for Offensive Rookie of the Year before the injury ended his season.
When asked if he considered retiring, Skattebo was honest: “Yeah, definitely,” he said. “I thought about it a lot during the first month of my recovery. I questioned whether I wanted to continue playing. But after seven games, I realized I needed to come back and give it another shot.”
The Giants finished the 2025 season with a 4-13 record, but Skattebo’s doubts about his future were gone by the end of the year. Rehabilitation not only helped him physically but also taught him valuable lessons about himself both on and off the field.
New York has hired John Harbaugh as their new head coach and Matt Nagy as offensive coordinator. The Giants aim to build a physical rushing attack, and Skattebo is seen as the perfect fit for this style of play. He will compete with Tyrone Tracy Jr., Najee Harris, and Devin Singletary for carries in 2026.
Skattebo made his preseason debut but sat out the last two exhibition games as a precaution.