Cam Skattebo Reacts to Unfortunate News on Thursday

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Cam Skattebo Reacts to Unfortunate News on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Will Chesanek | Last updated Jul 9, 2026 1:54 PM ET

Cam Skattebo and the New York Giants are in the offseason preparing for the 2026 NFL season. Skattebo broke onto the scene as a fan favorite for New York with his tough running style, but the 5-foot-11 running back's season came to an end in Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles due to a gruesome ankle injury.

The Rio Linda High School graduate played in eight games for the Giants during the 2025 season, tallying 410 yards on 101 carries for five touchdowns. The rookie had his best game in a Week 6 34-17 win over Philadelphia. The 24-year-old carried the ball 19 times for 98 yards and three touchdowns.

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) and quarterback Jaxson Dart (6).© Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey&period;com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

With new head coach John Harbaugh arriving after spending 18 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, fellow 2025 rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart gaining experience, and Skattebo recovering from his injury, hopes are high for the Giants. On Thursday, Skattebo revealed unfortunate news disentangled from his professional career.

Skattebo went to social media to celebrate the life of a former Sacramento State Hornets teammate. Ivan Garza was an offensive lineman who played for Sacramento State and reportedly died in a tragic car crash. Skattebo and Garza overlapped as teammates during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

The Robert F. Kennedy High School graduate played in 38 games for the Hornets. The 6-foot-5 offensive lineman and Skattebo helped lead Sacramento State to two Big Sky championships (2021, 2022), with the 2022 season being the program's first undefeated season in history. Garza was named an All-Big Sky honorable mention in 2023.

In his Instagram Story, Skattebo honored the legacy of his former teammate. Skattebo posted a photo of Garza showing his face, name, college football team, and the years 2001-2026. Skattebo captioned the post, writing, "R.I.P brutha garz ❤️wasnt your time at all "

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We give our deepest condolences to Ivan’s friends and family. He will be remembered as a wonderful teammate, player, and Hornet. pic.twitter.com/zWmyfUNEuG
— Sac State Football (@SacHornetsFB) July 8, 2026