CAM SKATTEBO'S BACKFLIP HINTS AT FUTURE TOUCHDOWNS

If there is one thing I've learned about Cam Skattebo, it's this: the kid doesn't just run through defenders—he also runs straight into headlines.

A few weeks ago on NYS Sports Loud Mouth, we had Cam's father on the show, and he was as honest as any football dad could be. He told us Cam absolutely loves the spotlight. He loves entertaining fans. He feeds off the energy. But he also admitted that the Fanatics Fest backflip—coming off a season-ending ankle injury—probably wasn't the smartest decision.

Well, it turns out Dad was right.

Now Giants coach John Harbaugh had to pull Cam aside for what I'm sure was the NFL version of, "Son...can you please stop trying to give me a heart attack?"

I can only imagine Joe Schoen watching that backflip. Somewhere in the Giants front office, every executive simultaneously grabbed their chest like they were watching their stock portfolio crash.

Cam says he does "dumb things" sometimes, but he learns from them. Listen, we've ALL done dumb things. For example, I once thought the Jets would finally figure out the quarterback position, so we all make mistakes. The difference is that when I make a mistake, nobody puts it on ESPN every fifteen minutes.

In truth, I love this kid's personality. Seriously. The NFL needs characters. We complain players have no personality, then the second somebody does something entertaining, everyone starts wrapping them in bubble wrap like they're Grandma's china cabinet. But Cam, maybe let's wait until AFTER you score a touchdown before attempting your Olympic gymnastics routine.

The Giants didn't draft Simone Biles. They drafted a running back. Imagine tearing your ankle apart, spending months rehabbing, fighting your way back to training camp, only to risk it all while doing a backflip because somebody at Fanatics Fest yelled, "DO A FLIP!" That's like buying a brand-new Ferrari and immediately entering it into a demolition derby.

The best part? Cam says he'll save the backflips for "touchdown time." Now THAT I can get behind. Score six? Flip all you want. Win the NFC East? Do TWO backflips. Beat the Eagles in Philadelphia? I'll personally help spot you. But in July before pads are even on, how about we keep BOTH feet on the ground?

I will say this, and this is why Giants fans are going to love him: Cam hasn't changed who he is. He still wants to sign autographs, high-five kids, make fans smile, and be "the people's guy." You can't coach that. That's genuine, and it's refreshing in today's sports world.

Just remember one thing, Cam: The only flip Giants fans want to see this season is the scoreboard flipping in New York's favor. Everything else can wait until you're dancing in the end zone. Because if you do another backflip before Week 1, then John Harbaugh might need a chiropractor more than you do.

And Cam, your dad already called it on NYS Sports Loud Mouth. He told us you love the spotlight, but after that ankle injury, this wasn't the time to test your luck. Fathers usually know best, especially when they're trying to stop their son from turning training camp into an episode of America's Funniest Home Videos.

Now go be the wrecking ball the Giants drafted you to be. Truck linebackers, stiffen defenders, dive into the end zone, then stick the landing. Because Giants fans would much rather celebrate your touchdowns than hold their breath every time you decide to audition for the Olympic gymnastics team.