New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo’s individuality and enthusiasm aren’t for everyone, though he’s definitely earned a fan in Eli Manning.
Whether he’s backflipping only months after a severe leg injury or dancing following a touchdown, Skattebo has drawn his fair share of backlash over the last year. His critics have accused him of immaturity, and the national media — perhaps in part because of his personality — embarked on an anti-Skattebo crusade this past offseason.
But when Manning watches Skattebo, he’s reminded of former Giants star tight end Jeremy Shockey. Speaking on Colin Cowherd’s podcast this week, Manning explained that Skattebo and Shockey are both a “little off,” though that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
In fact, the two-time Super Bowl champion believes Skattebo and Shockey properly understood how to best maximize their intensity and competitive mindsets.
“When he runs over somebody or you can see it in the fourth quarter [when] guys get tired of hitting him or being in there, like he’s not letting up,” Manning said. “So you got to know you better bring it against him.”
New York Giants fans should love Eli Manning’s praise of Cam Skattebo
Skattebo opened his sophomore season by rushing for 81 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries last Sunday. He’s all but officially cemented his place as the Giants’ top running back, even with Najee Harris’ recent attempted surge up the depth chart.
Jaxson Dart was the only other Giants player with at least seven carries last week. Devin Singletary finished with 16 yards on six carries, and he also turned four catches into 22 yards and a touchdown.
Skattebo didn’t need long to remind MetLife Stadium why he became a fan favorite last year, giving the Giants a 7-0 lead on his first-quarter touchdown. His 81 yards marked the second-most of his career, trailing only the 98 he rushed for in an October 2025 victory over the Eagles.
As for those who were concerned Skattebo would dial it back following last year's severe injuries, Manning put those fears to rest.
“He only has one way of practicing, and it’s the same way he plays,” Manning said.
Skattebo runs with an aggressive playstyle that Giants fans typically don’t see from their lead backs. We’d argue the organization hasn’t had a true bruising running back since Brandon Jacobs’ prime, and his first seven years in New York resulted in two championships.
Manning had a front row seat for Jacobs’ eight total years with the Giants, and he had Shockey as an invaluable weapon for his first four seasons. What’s stopping history from repeating itself with an Ole Miss quarterback, a physical running back, and a potentially explosive tight end in Isaiah Likely?
Defeating the Rams next Monday would certainly help, seeing as the Giants have reached the postseason the last two times they’ve started 2-0.
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