I would never speculate what Joe Schoen's thoughts on backflips are, but if I did -- based on his comments to reporters at Giants training camp Day 1 -- I’d say he falls somewhere between appreciating the artistry and wishing Skattebo would never attempt another one.
When asked about the viral video of running back Cam Skattebo eating it on a stage while trying to perform a backflip, Schoen didn't hide his mixed feelings about the shenanigans:
"He's good to go -- I'm sure you guys saw the video. He's been busting his tail.
He's a young man that's still getting used to the spotlight in New York City, and you gotta be conscious of your actions -- not only from a health standpoint, but a perception standpoint.
He knows we'd rather him not do that, especially this close to camp."
Translated from GM-speak: please stop doing amateur acrobatics after surgery right before camp starts. Save the Cirque du Soleil audition for his post-playing career.
Joe Schoen is already getting the full Cam Skattebo experience
In a poetically twisted way, his viral Fanatics Fest clip served as a public stress test for his surgically repaired right ankle.
Remember, Skatt's rookie year ended in absolute disaster back in Week 8 from an open tibia fracture and a dislocated ankle. Who would have thought that face-planting on a "too soft and cushioned stage" (Skatt's words) turned into one very accidental durability test?
At least the 47-year-old GM found a silver lining in the footage. He jokingly pointed out that surviving an accidental stunt just months after major surgery and still reporting to training camp completely unfazed means the medical staff must have done an incredible job with his rehab.
John Harbaugh set the tone a week earlier on the Bleav in Giants podcast. Rather than draw more attention to the circus, the head coach bypassed the drama to roast the landing. "Dude, at least stick it, you know what I mean?" Harbaugh laughed. "Land the thing if you're gonna do it."
Proving that he remains completely unruffled by the social media firestorm, Skatt delivered the ultimate punchline during Schoen's press conference.
As the GM was calmly laying out the roster's health updates to the media, an ear-splitting "WOOOOOOOOOO!" erupted from offscreen as the 24-year-old jogged out toward the practice field.
Schoen stopped, cracked a smile, and said, "There's Skatt," before shaking his head and rolling right along. The backflips might be on a temporary hiatus for now, but Skatt is putting the "back" in "backflip," and his infectious energy is officially back in full volume.
The best news is the second-year back has no limitations and will be full go for training camp as he ramps back up.
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