HISTORIC RETURN: Arizona State to Immortalize Cam Skattebo with Stunning Statue at Mountain America Stadium
Tempe, AZ — June 4, 2025
In a moment that blends history, heart, and heroics, Arizona State University has announced a monumental tribute to one of the most electrifying figures in Sun Devil football history. Cam Skattebo, whose bruising runs, unmatched grit, and magnetic personality captivated fans and opponents alike, is set to be immortalized in bronze with a stunning statue outside Mountain America Stadium.
The announcement comes nearly a year after Skattebo’s emotional farewell game in Tempe, where the senior running back delivered a career-defining performance against Arizona, racking up 215 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns. That game capped off a record-shattering season, as Skattebo became the first Sun Devil in history to record 1,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in the same season — a feat that earned him Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year honors and a spot as a finalist for the Doak Walker Award.
Skattebo, a transfer from Sacramento State, became a household name in Tempe not just for his stats, but for the way he played the game. He bulldozed linebackers, hurdled defenders, and energized the entire stadium with his relentless motor and fearless attitude. Fans remember him stiff-arming USC defenders into the turf and breaking away for 70-yard gains against Utah. But it wasn’t just about athleticism — Skattebo was a vocal leader in the locker room and a mentor to younger teammates.
The statue, designed by renowned sculptor Marcus Eldridge, captures Skattebo in his iconic mid-stride pose — cleats tearing through imaginary turf, helmet tilted with purpose, and eyes locked on the end zone. The sculpture stands 9 feet tall and weighs 1,200 pounds, forged from a blend of bronze and copper — a nod to Arizona’s mining roots. The base is engraved with his signature phrase: “Built Different.”
ASU Athletic Director Ray Anderson called the statue “a lasting tribute to a player who defined an era.” Head Coach Kenny Dillingham, who coached Skattebo during his breakout year, added, “Cam didn’t just play football — he lived it. He gave everything to this university, and now we’re giving something back that will last forever.”
Skattebo, now training for a spot on an NFL roster, responded to the news with characteristic humility. “I’m just a kid from Rio Linda who wanted to run hard and make people miss,” he said. “To have a statue here, where I left my heart and soul on that field — it’s surreal.”
The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for September 13, 2025, ahead of ASU’s home opener against Texas Tech. Alumni, former teammates, and thousands of fans are expected to gather as Sun Devil Nation celebrates the legacy of one of its greatest warriors.
With this statue, Arizona State sends a clear message: Legends don’t fade — they rise, cast in bronze, forever sprinting toward greatness.
