Over the past several years, research has shown a connection between football and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease. New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo is apparently not particularly concerned about the issue.
In an episode of the “Bring the Juice” podcast with Frank Delana released last week, Skattebo said he doesn’t believe CTE is real.
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Early in the episode, Delana asked Skattebo if he thought CTE was “a real thing.” Skattebo said he did not: “No. It’s an excuse,” Skattebo said.
Delana then added that he thought asthma was “an excuse too,” with Skattebo agreeing.
“Is that a hot take?” Delana asked.
“No, that’s a good take,” Skattebo said. “Yes, asthma’s fake.”
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“Is there anything worse than when you’re in fourth grade and someone’s huffin’ and puffin’?” Delana continued. “You’re just soft.”
“Yeah, just literally breathe air,” Skattebo said.
Research shows CTE is prevalent in NFL players
Recent research has indicated that CTE is real, with brain damage directly tied to contact sports and repeated hits to the head. A 2023 study of former NFL players at the Boston University CTE Center found evidence of CTE in nearly 92% of the players.
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Also, per the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, approximately one in 12 Americans has asthma.
CTE denials have been a slight touchpoint recently, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers getting duped by an apparently fake Emeka Egbuka account on X. The Buccaneers quickly denounced the account after it posted, “Is CTE even real?”
From his days at Arizona State, Skattebo has been known for his hard-nosed running style on the field (and for headbutting the wall.) The running back’s rookie season came to an early end last year after he suffered a dislocated ankle; a few weeks later, he was mixing it up with WWE wrestlers at “Monday Night Raw.”
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Skattebo’s recovery has been ongoing. He told Rich Eisen earlier this month that he was at about 75% of his running speed, which he admitted was “not very fast.” Still, he appears likely to return to the field for the Giants next season.
Skattebo rushed for 410 yards and caught 24 passes for 207 yards while totaling seven touchdowns in eights during his rookie season. He was a fourth-round draft pick of the Giants in 2025.
