New York Giants rookie Cam Skattebo may have just entered the NFL spotlight, but not for anything he’s done on the field—yet. Instead, the young running back found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy after a viral video showed him struggling to identify some of the league’s most iconic players during a trivia quiz.
In the now widely circulated clip, Skattebo—who was selected by the Giants in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft—was shown photos of NFL legends and asked to name them.
When a picture of Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson, known to fans as “Megatron,” popped up, the rookie appeared puzzled. The moment sparked a frenzy online, with fans reacting across social media platforms, especially Reddit, where opinions ranged from outrage to reluctant understanding.
One user wrote, “Not knowing Calvin is wild, but an NFL player not knowing Brett Favre is crazy ffs,” expressing disbelief that a professional player could miss such recognizable faces. Others, however, rushed to Skattebo’s defense.
Some pointed out that Johnson retired in 2016, when the rookie was likely in his early teens, and that not all greats remain in the public eye via commentary or commercials.
The incident has reignited a broader debate about generational gaps in sports fandom. Many fans acknowledged that younger players, especially those focused on college development or training, may not grow up watching the NFL closely.
One Redditor explained, “A lot of these guys don’t even follow the NFL until they’re drafted. Some of them are locked into their own grind.”
Skattebo, who played college football at Sacramento State and Arizona State, has yet to comment publicly on the viral moment. But the response from New York fans has been swift and passionate. While some expressed embarrassment on behalf of the Giants, others saw it as a reminder of how fleeting fame can be—even for legends.
“Outside of quarterbacks and major stars, most players wear helmets all the time. You can’t expect every rookie to recognize every great by face alone,” said one fan on X (formerly Twitter), bringing a dose of perspective to the heated conversation.
Still, many longtime Giants and NFL fans see it as a teaching opportunity—not just for Skattebo, but for the younger generation of players entering the league. As one New Yorker put it, “Legacy matters in this city. You’re not just playing for the team—you’re stepping into a tradition. Know your history.”
As Cam Skattebo prepares for his rookie season at MetLife Stadium, his on-field performance will ultimately determine how he’s remembered. But for now, his moment of historical amnesia has served as a surprising reminder of how quickly even NFL legends can fade from memory.