3 hours ago
New York Giants’ Cam Skattebo Goes Viral After Shirtless Celebration
READ TIME: 10 MIN.
Cam Skattebo, a rookie running back for the New York Giants, electrified both the football world and LGBTQ+ social media after a standout performance during Thursday Night Football on October 10, 2025. Skattebo rushed for 98 yards and scored three touchdowns, leading the Giants to a pivotal win. However, it was his exuberant celebration—ripping off his jersey to reveal his muscular, hairy-chested physique—that truly set the internet ablaze.
The moment was quickly captured and disseminated across platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where hashtags like #Skattebo and #NFLBear trended throughout the night. The display resonated especially with LGBTQ+ fans, who celebrated the unapologetic show of masculinity and body positivity, drawing comparisons to iconic moments in sports history where athletes have become unexpected queer icons.
Within hours of the game’s end, LGBTQ+ sports media outlets and social media users began hailing Skattebo as a new “muscle bear icon,” a term of endearment within gay culture for muscular, often hairy men who embody both strength and approachability. Memes, fan art, and appreciative posts proliferated, with some fans expressing that Skattebo’s confident display helped make the traditionally hyper-masculine world of the NFL feel more inclusive and welcoming to queer viewers.
The viral celebration also caught the eye of New York’s nightlife industry. According to TMZ Sports, at least two major Manhattan strip clubs extended public offers to Skattebo in the wake of his shirtless display. Wonderland Gentlemen’s Club offered the rookie $10,000 worth of complimentary lap dances, while Larry Flynt’s Hustler NY issued an open invitation for Skattebo to join their stage performances, stating, “I think he’d fit right in”.
The offers, while tongue-in-cheek, reflect the growing trend of athletes crossing over into entertainment and nightlife, as well as the media’s fascination with athletes who break the mold of traditional sports stardom. This phenomenon has precedence: past NFL players have occasionally parlayed viral moments into lucrative endorsement deals or appearances, though such offers directed at an active player in the midst of a breakout season remain rare.
In post-game interviews, Skattebo focused on the team’s progress and the importance of fostering a positive culture within the Giants’ locker room. “The franchise has been a losing franchise the last couple years, but that’s not who we are right now,” Skattebo told reporters. “We need to continue to build and build and build each and every day and have these guys with positive mindsets, and get away from that losing mindset”.
While Skattebo did not address the viral reaction directly, his focus on teamwork and resilience resonated with many fans. Sports commentators noted that his breakout performance and charismatic celebration have given the Giants—and their supporters—renewed optimism during a season marked by transition and rebuilding.
As the Giants prepare for their next matchup, Skattebo’s profile—and the inclusive fandom it has inspired—shows no signs of fading. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have praised the positive attention around the viral moment, suggesting it may help encourage other athletes to express themselves authentically and challenge lingering stigmas in professional sports.
With his combination of athletic prowess, charisma, and a willingness to celebrate unapologetically, Cam Skattebo has not only revitalized the Giants’ season but also offered a powerful symbol for LGBTQ+ fans seeking visibility and affirmation in the world of sports.
