New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo has agreed to refrain from performing backflips following discussions with head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Joe Schoen, according to multiple reports.
Skattebo confirmed the agreement during Giants training camp this week, stating he would avoid the maneuver after earlier incidents raised concerns about his safety. The decision follows an unsuccessful attempt at a backflip at Fanatics Fest earlier this month, where he failed to land the stunt. Skattebo underwent emergency surgery on his leg nine months prior, adding to concerns about his physical readiness for such activities.
Harbaugh and Schoen addressed the issue with Skattebo in a meeting, emphasizing the need to prioritize his health and the team’s interests. Harbaugh had previously commented on the matter during a podcast appearance, suggesting Skattebo should avoid backflips during minicamp. “I did mention maybe no back flips out here [at minicamp],” Harbaugh said. “We agreed.”
Skattebo acknowledged the discussions, calling the stunts “dumb things” he does occasionally but emphasized he learns from them. “Obviously I do some dumb things here or there, but I learn from it,” he said. “My coach talked to me, told me how he felt. I learned from it. Will I do a backflip again? Probably not.”
The Giants’ decision reflects broader concerns about player safety and risk management, particularly for athletes recovering from injuries. Skattebo’s backflip attempt at Fanatics Fest drew widespread attention, with fans and analysts questioning whether such stunts were appropriate given his recent medical history. The Giants have not publicly detailed any formal policy changes regarding player conduct but have signaled that Skattebo’s backflip habit is no longer acceptable.
For now, Skattebo and the Giants are focused on training camp, with the running back committing to avoiding further risky maneuvers. “When game time comes around, we'll see when game time comes around,” Skattebo said. “Right now, we're focused on training camp. We'll keep the backflips off the field for now.”