The New York Giants running back, 24, brought out his trademark backflip after scoring his first touchdown of the season during the team's home opener against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 13.
Skattebo scored a three-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, giving the Giants an early 7-0 lead. He celebrated in classic fashion, performing a roundoff followed by a backflip in the end zone as the home crowd watched.
The Giants went on to defeat the Cowboys 28-20, giving new head coach John Harbaugh a victory in his debut. Quarterback Jaxson Dart threw three touchdown passes as New York secured the win.
For Skattebo, the touchdown and celebration carried extra significance following the difficult end to his rookie season. The second-year running back suffered a severe ankle injury in October 2025 that ended his season prematurely.
His return to the backflip came after questions about whether he would continue the celebration following an incident earlier this year.
During Fanatics Fest in New York City over the summer, Skattebo stepped onto a stage, lifted his pant leg to show the large scar on his right leg and then attempted a backflip in front of the crowd. His landing was unsteady, and he fell awkwardly after completing the move.
The moment raised concerns among Giants fans given the seriousness of the injury he had previously suffered. Skattebo later explained that the unusual surface contributed to the mishap. He said the floor was "bouncy" because Fanatics had installed a WWE-style runway for athletes making wrestling-inspired entrances.
Despite the incident, Skattebo reassured fans that he would not put himself at unnecessary risk when the regular season began.
The 2025 fourth-round pick had made an immediate impact during his rookie campaign before his injury. He recorded 410 rushing yards and five touchdowns prior to being sidelined.
His successful backflip against Dallas provided a memorable moment in his return to the end zone and added to an impressive opening night for the Giants.
New York will look to build on the victory when the team travels to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2 on Monday, Sept. 21.
