The controversy sparked by Cam Skattebo after he labeled Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and asthma as “fake” during a podcast conversation continues to generate a lot of discussion. Now, Cris Carter has joined the critics of the New York Giants running back by sharing his personal perspective on the topic.
Cris Carter Weighs in on Cam Skattebo’s Comments on CTE and Asthma
During a recent segment on the “Fully Loaded” podcast, Carter expressed serious concerns about CTE and reiterated that players should take this issue even more seriously. This comes after all the negative backlash and criticism from various NFL analysts; as a result, the Giants running back took to social media to apologize.
Even though Skattebo stated he did not intend to downplay the severity of head injuries or respiratory problems when calling CTE and asthma “fake,” he continues to face significant criticism from the NFL community. This ongoing reaction highlights the seriousness with which these issues are viewed.
“So as far as CTE, the thing that I know is ever since I’ve been in the Hall of Fame, it has hit closer, and it’s hit very, very different because I can see annually guys deteriorate,” Carter said. “I can see the greatest athletes in the world psychologically, mentally, and physically succumb to age, dementia, CTE, and some of them have died, and the studies came back immediately with them.”
“I’m going out of my way so that I can be the healthiest version of myself, but I’m terrified,” Carter added. “I don’t live life terrified, but I’m terrified of the potential.”
CTE is a progressive brain disease found in many athletes (and military personnel) with a history of repeated head injuries. Currently, this disease can only be definitively confirmed through an autopsy (examination of the brain after death), but symptoms include memory loss, confusion, aggression, depression, and dementia. Understanding these symptoms is key to recognizing the risks that athletes like Skattebo face.
High-profile cases in the NFL, such as those of Junior Seau and Aaron Hernandez, have led to significant changes in contact rules during league games, making the sport safer from this disease.
Understand Why Skattebo Deserved Criticism After His “Joke”
Skattebo had a standout college football career at Arizona State University. Drawing attention for a very aggressive and physical style of play, he was drafted by the Giants in 2025. In his rookie season, the Skattebo, who, according to PFSN’s RB Impact Metric, finished the season as the 34th-ranked running back in the league, was sidelined by an ankle injury and quickly lost the immediate impact he had been making.
Although the RB said he was joking when he told people to “just breathe,” asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways that affects millions of people. Especially in high-performance sports, exercise-induced asthma is common and requires close monitoring, as severe attacks can be fatal if not treated with bronchodilators.
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Precisely because of the seriousness of conditions such as CTE and asthma, denying the existence of brain and respiratory injuries in a high-contact sport goes against all health protocols established by the league to protect players from permanent damage. These protocols exist to ensure player safety remains a top priority.
