ASU’s Dillingham sends support to Giants’ Skattebo after season-ending injury

The rookie New York Giants running back dislocated his right ankle while attempting to catch a pass from quarterback Jaxson Dart in the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles. He was carted off the field and underwent surgery at a local hospital.

Skattebo was beginning to break out in his first NFL season when he suffered the injury. With 410 yards on 101 carries this season, he was starting to showcase his potential on a national stage.

Instead of continuing his breakout rookie campaign, Skattebo now faces a tough setback in his young career, as he is out for the rest of the season.

Dillingham, who coached Skattebo for two years at Arizona State, doesn’t believe the running back’s early success will wither away. He said the community Skattebo has surrounded himself with, and who he is, will help him get back to where he was.

“[Skattebo has] just worked his butt off his entire life to get to where he’s at,” Dillingham said on Monday, according to Jordan Ham from Arizona Sports 360. “But it’s a great example of if you treat people well, regardless of how he rehabs and regards of his future, he’s gonna be successful based off how he treated people, the passion he played the game… His success in life is still gonna be there.

The former Sun Devil went online to express his gratitude to everyone who reached out and to those who helped him when he was injured.

Although Dillingham and Skattebo no longer represent the same team or colors, Dillingham’s words of encouragement speak volumes about ASU’s culture. There’s love and respect all around, and treating those around you well often comes back when it’s needed most.

Skattebo faces a tough journey ahead, but he has the support system to help him get through it, including in the Valley.