Controversies and Cam Skattebo? That seems to be a recurring pattern, with the most recent addition being the one being on March 10. Back then, he made controversial comments about brain trauma. Now, nearly two weeks later, those remarks are going viral again, only this time Skattebo’s words have seen a tonal shift.

The New York Giants running back issued a clarification about his recent comments on CTE and asthma on the Bring the Juice podcast.

“I recently did an interview and had a lapse in judgment, which resulted in me making a tasteless joke about CTE and asthma,” Cam Skattebo shared via X. “It was never my intention to downplay the seriousness of head injuries or asthma. I sincerely apologize to anyone that was offended by my remarks, and I assure you that I’ll be more mindful and respectful going forward. Much love !!!”

In the interview, host Frank Dalena had asked Skattebo directly whether he believed CTE was real. “No,” Skattebo responded while shaking his head. “It’s an excuse,” he said, before taking a similar stance on asthma.

“Yeah, asthma’s fake too,” Skattebo said, adding at one point that people should “just breathe air.”

The comments have drawn criticism, as both issues are serious health concerns, not only in the NFL space but on a global level. CTE, or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, is a progressive neurological disease caused by repeated blows to the head. A buildup of abnormal tau protein in the brain, which can damage blood vessels while disrupting functions tied to memory, mood, and impulse control, causes the condition. One can only definitively diagnose the condition posthumously.

Furthermore, a 2023 Boston University study revealed that roughly 92% of former NFL players whose brains were examined were dealing with CTE, while the league finally acknowledged a link between football and the condition in 2016. Hall of Fame linebacker Junior Seau, tight end Aaron Hernandez, and wide receiver Vincent Jackson are some players who suffer from CTE.

Boston University’s CTE Center specified that 345 of 376 former NFL players studied showed signs of the disease, further showing how strongly the condition has been associated with repeated head trauma in football. The league has since introduced multiple safety measures in recent years, including rule adjustments and the use of guardian caps in practice, as part of broader efforts to reduce concussion risk.

On the other hand, Chronic respiratory disease, asthma, is also a life-threatening condition for the NFL players. Players like Emmitt Smith and Cam Heyward use inhalers and are under strict medical management to help them manage breathing challenges. The seriousness of these health concerns can’t be ignored. In fact, former NFL players have already started calling him out.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, asthma affects roughly 8.6% of adults in the United States and 6.5% of children, with thousands of deaths reported annually from asthma-related causes. Medical organizations including the American Lung Association identify risk factors such as allergies, respiratory infections, air pollution, smoking exposure, and family history as contributors to the condition.

“I’m sorry, but this is probably the most ignorant statement made by both of these guys!” wrote Damontre Moore on the footballforever post on Instagram. “I get it, you’re young. It might not have affected you yet, but if you’re fortunate enough to play past five years, just pay attention to your friends and the people around you. I guarantee you he’ll be singing a different tone in a few years.”

Neither the New York Giants nor the NFL issued an official response to Skattebo’s remarks following the backlash.

Meanwhile, as the controversy unfolds, Cam Skattebo is focusing on his recovery after his first season with the New York Giants was cut short. Addressing his progress, the Arizona State product shared a positive update for Giants fans.

Cam Skattebo issues a positive update after his gruesome injury

After starting his career with 410 rushing yards and five touchdowns in seven games, Cam Skattebo suffered a gruesome injury during his eighth game of the season against the Philadelphia Eagles that required emergency surgery.

The running back tore his ligament while dislocating his ankle, causing a compound wound. However, with the 2025-26 season concluding, Skattebo shared a positive update on his recovery, four months after the injury.

“I feel good. Getting healthy, a couple months out, so I’m starting to put it in the past and get over the hard part and get back to work,” Skattebo said, as per Fox News Digital.

The former Arizona State standout had been selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft (No. 105 overall) and quickly emerged as a contributor in New York’s backfield before the injury brought his rookie campaign to an early end. He also added receiving production during that stretch, recording 24 receptions for 207 yards and two additional touchdowns across his first eight appearances.

Despite a rocky rookie year marked by injury and controversy, Cam Skattebo has shown maturity by owning his mistakes and focusing on his recovery. Giants fans will be eagerly awaiting his return next season.