The running back room for the New York Giants in 2025 may lack star power on paper, but it’s built on promise, competition, and one consistent voice—Devin Singletary.
After carving out a solid NFL career with the Buffalo Bills and most recently the Houston Texans, Singletary arrives in East Rutherford as the de facto veteran leader of a young, reshaped backfield. He’s played in the playoffs, won division titles, and helped steady an offense in Houston during C.J. Stroud’s rookie breakout. Now, in New York, Singletary is doing what veteran backs do best: lead with example and speak with wisdom.
“Man, just to be honest… just to be better than I was last year,” Singletary told Back Sports Page during training camp. “Stay healthy. You know, your best ability is availability. Long as I do better than last year, I’m good.”
Singletary’s 2023 campaign was a reminder of his durability and value—898 rushing yards, 193 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns in 16 games for the Texans. As Houston surged into the playoffs behind their dynamic rookie quarterback, Singletary provided balance and control. He ran with vision, protected the football, and handled pass protection with the confidence of a back who’s been here before.
That experience is now paying dividends in New York, where he finds himself in a teacher’s role—guiding three young backs who are all looking to earn their place on Sundays.
One of the most intriguing names is Cameron Skattebo, the powerful and elusive rookie out of Arizona State who goes by “Scat.” A two-time 1,000-yard producer in college, Skattebo brings a physical, north-south rushing style with an added burst as a receiver. Singletary has taken a clear interest in helping the young back adjust to the pros.
“Just take one rep at a time,” he said of his advice to Scat. “It’s a lot to learn in this offense, but he’s been picking it up. I tell him—just be you. That’s what got you here. And he’s been doing that. He’s fun.”
Skattebo, who rushed for 783 yards and 9 touchdowns last season in Tempe, has already flashed in camp. But for Singletary, the message isn’t about speed or touchdowns—it’s about approach. Repetition. Confidence. And trusting what got you here.
The same growth arc is unfolding for Tyrone Tracy Jr., the former Purdue standout who made a full transition from wide receiver to running back in college. Tracy saw limited snaps as a rookie, but this offseason he looks like a different player, according to Singletary.
“He’s coming in more comfortable. He knows the offense now. Last year it was like playing catch-up. Now he can focus on the little things,” he explained. “It’s not that deer-in-the-headlights look anymore. He had a lot of playing time. Now it’s about fine-tuning the small stuff and bettering yourself.”
Tracy’s collegiate numbers back up his potential: 716 all-purpose yards and 8 touchdowns in his final year at Purdue. With his versatility and improved awareness, he’s making a strong case to earn a role in Kafka and Daboll’s offense.
Then there’s Eric Gray, a 2023 fifth-round pick who is currently on the PUP list but has the raw tools to be a contributor when healthy. Gray had just 48 yards on 17 carries as a rookie, but Singletary emphasized that opportunity in the NFL comes to those who make the most of it—no matter how limited.
“Right now, it’s about getting healthy,” Singletary said. “But once he’s back—whatever opportunity he gets, he has to make it count. That’s the name of the game. Whether you get 30 reps or one—you make plays, that’s how you get more.”
With Saquon Barkley now in Philadelphia, the Giants’ backfield is no longer defined by one dynamic superstar. Instead, it’s defined by layers of opportunity and competition. Singletary, with over 4,000 career rushing yards, is anchoring a group that needs his experience more than ever.
Still, for all the football talk, Singletary maintains a grounded perspective. He smiles when fans approach him about Madden ratings or seeing him on football cards—even if he doesn’t play video games anymore.
“Growing up, I always thought—‘I can’t wait to play with myself on Madden,’” he laughed. “I did it my rookie year, a few times. But I stopped gaming. Still, it’s cool to hear kids or fans say, ‘I play with you on Madden.’ That’s a great feeling.”
“And the football cards? That’s wild too,” he continued. “Just knowing where I came from… I was just a guy before. Now, people collect cards with my name on them. It’s cool. It’s a blessing.”
Born in Deerfield Beach, Florida, Singletary is far from home—but he’s not out of place. The Giants need his leadership. The young backs need his voice. And the offense needs his consistency.
As training camp rolls on and the battles for carries intensify, one thing is already clear: Devin Singletary may not be the flashiest name in the room—but he’s the heartbeat of it.
And that could be exactly what the Giants need in 2025.
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