A gruesome ankle injury cut short Cam Skattebo's rookie season, but his cult status continues to grow. To become a true legend, though, the running back knows more wins need to be part of the story.
"Everywhere I've been I've kind of been the rah-rah just because I'm loud and obnoxious," said Skattebo, reflecting on a reporter's question about becoming a phenomenon. "But we still went 4-13. So, if you're the face of the franchise and you're not a good franchise, then there's still an issue and it's not that big of a deal (to be a fan favorite). But if I'm the face of the franchise when we're winning the Super Bowl, then you can ask me that question in a year or two."
It was a wise response by a member of the young core looking to reverse the team's fortunes. Skattebo, along with close friend and quarterback Jaxson Dart, will take on even bigger roles now that the "rookie" label has been officially shed.
"It's hard to lead a team full of vets," Skattebo said. "Vets look at rookies as rookies, so you have to kind of fight through that if you are a true leader and you fight through that for your rookie year. Things start to change when you're a leader and start to be able to step up and take the role they're supposed to."
View photos of the Giants' rookie class throughout the 2025 season.
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), G Jon Runyan Jr. (76), RB Cam Skattebo (44) and QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
DT Darius Alexander (91), OLB Abdul Carter (51), OLB Brian Burns (0) , DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)G Jon Runyan Jr. (76)
A fan holds up a shirt for New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo before an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the Giants in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) runs against Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers during the second half of an NFL football game in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
OLB Abdul Carter (51), OLB Brian Burns (0)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6) , WR Beaux Collins (81)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)TE Theo Johnson (84)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6) , RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6) , TE Theo Johnson (84)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
WR Beaux Collins (81)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
WR Beaux Collins (81)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
TE Thomas Fidone II (86)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
New York Giants defensive tackle Darius Alexander (91)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)QB Jaxson Dart (6)
WR Beaux Collins (81)
S Tyler Nubin (27), OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
New York Giants guard Marcus Mbow (71)
RB Cam Skattebo (44) and QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
DT Darius Alexander (91), DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44), C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61), TE Theo Johnson (84)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44), QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44),QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OL Marcus Mbow (71)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51), OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
TE Thomas Fidone II (86) Goal Line Catch New York Giants vs New England Patriots Preseason Week 3
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
TE Chris Manhertz (85), OL Marcus Mbow (71), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
TE Thomas Fidone II (86)
RB Cam Skattebo (44) and OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
TE Thomas Fidone II (86) Goal Line Catch New York Giants vs New England Patriots Preseason Week 3
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
TE Thomas Fidone II (86) Goal Line Catch New York Giants vs New England Patriots Preseason Week 3
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OL Marcus Mbow (71)
OL Marcus Mbow (71)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
TE Thomas Fidone II (86)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
TE Thomas Fidone II (86)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
WR Beaux Collins (8)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
TE Thomas Fidone II (86)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51), CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
OLB Brian Burns (0) , OLB Abdul Carter (51), DT Darius Alexander (91)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44) and TE Theo Johnson (84)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6),TE Theo Johnson (84), T Andrew Thomas (78)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) reacts after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Kevin Sabitus via AP)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
A fan holds up a sign for New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo before an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the Giants in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks to pass as Denver Broncos defensive end Zach Allen (99) applies pressure during the first half of an NFL football game in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey, middle, is tackled by New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter, left, and cornerback Cordale Flott during the first half of an NFL football game in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo, bottom, scores past Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian (29), cornerback Riley Moss, middle left, and safety Brandon Jones during the first half of an NFL football game in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) rolls out to pass as Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) applies pressure during the first half of an NFL football game in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo, bottom, scores against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) reacts during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, right, gestures during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo, middle, runs against the New York Giants during the second half of an NFL football game in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) reaches for the goal line to score a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos safety Brandon Jones (22) and safety Talanoa Hufanga, middle, break up a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Beaux Collins (81) during the second half of an NFL football game in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) signs autograph before an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) warms up before an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) joins teammates in huddle during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks to pass the ball under pressure form Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J.Jones (93) an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
New York Giants' Jaxson Dart, left, and Beaux Collins celebrate after Dart's touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)DB Korie Black (38)CB Deonte Banks (2)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51), OLB Brian Burns (0)
DT Darius Alexander (91), OLB Abdul Carter (51), OLB Brian Burns (0)
DT Darius Alexander (91), ILB Bobby Okereke (58), LB Swayze Bozeman (54), DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches (93)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
New York Giants at New England Patriots Week 13,New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51),New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6)
New York Giants at New England Patriots Week 13,New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51), DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Brian Burns (0) , DT Darius Alexander (91), OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6), RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OL Marcus Mbow (71)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
OLB Abdul Carter (51), DL Chauncey Golston (57)
OLB Abdul Carter (51), DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6),New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44)
New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
New York Giants defensive tackle Darius Alexander (91), New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51), OLB Tomon Fox (45)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
DT Darius Alexander (91), OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OL Marcus Mbow (71)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
RB Cam Skattebo (44)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
OL Marcus Mbow (71)
OL Marcus Mbow (71)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
DT Darius Alexander (91), QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
QB Jaxson Dart (6)
New York Giants defensive tackle Darius Alexander (91)
New York Giants offensive tackle Marcus Mbow (71)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
First, Skattebo needs to get healthy.
The fourth-round pick was on his way to a memorable debut campaign with seven total touchdowns in eight games, including a three-score performance during a Thursday night victory over the Eagles at MetLife Stadium.
Skattebo and the Giants were on top of the football world, but two games later, everyone witnessed his dislocated ankle in Philadelphia. Skattebo had to be taken to a local hospital for further evaluation and ultimately surgery.
Ten weeks later, Skattebo said he is on schedule and will soon start "upping" his speed. The main thing is getting back the upward movement of his foot, known as dorsiflexion, after being "stuck" in a boot for eight weeks.
Training camp is his ultimate goal for a return date, if not earlier for spring practices.
"I've kind of found different ways to show myself and be who I am (in that time), Skattebo said. "The opportunities that have come from that have been awesome. Obviously, the main thing is football, so I'll get back to that when I'm ready to go. It's football from there on out."
There is no doubt that he will be back to 100 percent.
"That's not even a question," Skattebo said. "I'm going to be back. I've played seven games in the NFL and I got hurt. There's a long road ahead. That is not going to stop me."
Then he can start helping his team on the field again as opposed to providing just moral support.
"It sucked because you can't be out there to help," Skattebo said. "When you can't do something to make sure that your team is in a better position to win or you can't contribute at all other than having the energy on the sidelines and making sure the guys in the building have a positive mindset, it's hard to be in that situation. But I tried to take it as best as I could."
The rookies will also move ahead with a new head coach. A common question in the final locker room session of the season was what are players looking for in the next man to lead the team.
Skattebo turned the question inward.
"No matter who the coach is, the players have got to step it up," he said. "We have to lead an example for each other. Even (interim head coach Mike Kafka) just touched on it. We have to step up to each other and show that we care and have those hard conversations with each other."
Skattebo added: "This place is special. They're doing a good job drafting and I'm excited about this upcoming draft and seeing who stays around. I'm excited to build something here. No matter who is in this building, we have our quarterback, so I'm excited for that simply. We build the pieces around him to be successful, and I'm juiced to see what this franchise can be within the next five years."
Click through every 1,000-yard receiving season in Giants history.
Mark Bavaro (1986) – 1,001 receiving yards
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (2025) - 1,014 receiving yards
Plaxico Burress (2007) - 1,025 receiving yards
Lionel Manuel (1988) - 1,029 receiving yards
Homer Jones (1966) - 1,044 receiving yards
Hakeem Nicks (2010) - 1,052 receiving yards
Odell Beckham Jr. (2018) - 1,052 receiving yards
Amani Toomer (2001) - 1,054 receiving yards
Amani Toomer (2003) - 1,057 receiving yards
Homer Jones (1968) - 1,057 receiving yards
Victor Cruz (2012) - 1,092 receiving yards
Amani Toomer (2000) - 1,094 receiving yards
Del Shofner (1961) - 1,125 receiving yards
Del Shofner (1962) - 1,133 receiving yards
Earnest Gray (1983) - 1,139 receiving yards
Del Shofner (1963) - 1,181 receiving yards
Amani Toomer (1999) - 1,183 receiving yards
Hakeem Nicks (2011) - 1,192 receiving yards
Malik Nabers (2024) - 1,204 receiving yards
Homer Jones (1967) - 1,209 receiving yards
Plaxico Burress (2005) - 1,214 receiving yards
Steve Smith (2009) - 1,220 receiving yards
Odell Beckham Jr. (2014) - 1,305 receiving yards
Amani Toomer (2002) - 1,343 receiving yards
Odell Beckham Jr. (2016) - 1,367 receiving yards
Odell Beckham Jr. (2015) - 1,450 receiving yards
Victor Cruz (2011) - 1,536 receiving yards
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