Giants' John Harbaugh reacts to viral Cam Skattebo backflip scare

Second-year New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo went viral and also sparked some concerns when he recently failed to land a backflip at the Fanatics Fest event held in New York City.

Skattebo spent the offseason program recovering from the gruesome dislocation of his right ankle that he suffered on Oct. 26, 2025. Thus, some understandably have wondered if first-year Giants head coach John Harbaugh was less-than-pleased to see the young ball-carrier attempt such a stunt before veteran Big Blue players are due to report for training camp on July 28. 

During the latest edition of the "Bleav in Giants" podcast, Harbaugh addressed the Skattebo-related scare. 

John Harbaugh to Cam Skattebo: Land the backflip if you're going to do it

"My reaction was — I haven’t talked to him yet. I’m going to talk to him, I’m sure. My reaction was this: Dude, at least stick it," Harbaugh said, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "I mean, land the thing if you’re going to do it, you know? That was my first reaction."

Shortly after Skattebo's stumble, he somewhat defiantly said that he is "just going to keep being me, and if they want to say I'm brain-dead, and I don't have no brain, then who cares?" Back in June, Skattebo insisted that the injury he suffered as a rookie will not cause him to change his playing style or avoid contact with would-be tacklers during future games. 

John Harbaugh gives Cam Skattebo update ahead of training camp

Last week, Harbaugh revealed that Skattebo would "be ready early on in camp." During the podcast episode, Harbaugh expanded on what Skattebo should look like on the practice field later this summer. 

"But Skat’s going to be ready to go," Harbaugh said. "He’s been working super hard. He has really been training like crazy. And his mind is on camp. He’s healthy, he’s ready to roll, and I can’t wait to see him out there at practice."

The good news for Harbaugh and Co. is that Skattebo seems to be just fine following the backflip incident. That said, perhaps Skattebo will be advised to avoid performing his trademark celebration at least until the Giants open the regular season with a home "Sunday Night Football" game versus the rival Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 13.