Victor Cruz is a former NFL wide receiver best known for his explosive performances with the New York Giants. He rose through the ranks as an undrafted free agent to become a Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowl player.
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Cruz’s signature salsa dance after scoring a touchdown became popular among fans, further cementing his status as an NFL icon.
Table of Contents
Who is Victor Cruz?
Victor Michael Cruz was born on November 11, 1986, in Paterson, New Jersey. His father was African-American, and his mother is Puerto Rican. He faced hardship early in his life when his father sadly passed away when Cruz was a young man.
Victor Cruz Bio
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Victor Michael Cruz |
| Date of Birth | November 11, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Paterson, New Jersey, USA |
| Parents | Michael Walker (father), Blanca Cruz (mother) |
| Ethnicity | African-American and Puerto Rican |
| Education | University of Massachusetts (UMass) |
| NFL Career | 2010-2017 |
| NFL Team | New York Giants |
| Position | Wide Receiver |
| Key Accomplishments | Super Bowl XLVI Champion, Pro Bowl Selection (2012), NY Giants single-season receiving yards record |
| Family | Daughter, Kennedy Cruz, with Elaina Watley |
| Post-NFL Career | NFL analyst, entrepreneur, philanthropist |
How old is Victor Cruz?
As of February 26, 2024, Victor Cruz is 37 years old.
Career
- College: Cruz attended the University of Massachusetts (UMass) where he was a standout wide receiver.
- Undrafted: Despite his strong collegiate career, Cruz went undrafted in the 2010 NFL Draft.
- New York Giants: He signed as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants. It was here that Cruz would make his mark on the NFL.
- Breakout Success: Cruz’s breakout season came in 2011, where he set a Giants franchise record with 1,536 receiving yards in a single season.
- Super Bowl XLVI Champion: He was a key contributor to the Giants’ Super Bowl XLVI victory over the New England Patriots.
- Injuries & Later Career: Sadly, injuries plagued Cruz in the subsequent years, eventually leading to his retirement after the 2017 season.
Victor Cruz Career NFL Stats
| Year | Team | GP | Rec | Yards | Avg | Rec TD | Rush Att | Rush Yds | Rush Avg | Rush TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | NYG | 3 | 3 | 82 | 27.3 | 1 | 3 | 16 | 5.3 | 0 |
| 2011 | NYG | 16 | 82 | 1536 | 18.7 | 9 | 2 | 15 | 7.5 | 0 |
| 2012 | NYG | 16 | 86 | 1092 | 12.7 | 10 | 4 | 30 | 7.5 | 0 |
| 2013 | NYG | 14 | 73 | 998 | 13.7 | 4 | 6 | 23 | 3.8 | 0 |
| 2014 | NYG | 6 | 23 | 337 | 14.7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 |
| 2016 | NYG | 15 | 39 | 586 | 15.0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2.0 | 0 |
| 2017 | CHI | 5 | 1 | 9 | 9.0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 0 |
| Total | 7 Seasons | 76 | 303 | 4549 | 15.0 | 25 | 28 | 147 | 5.3 |
How did Victor Cruz get famous?
Victor Cruz’s rise to fame came during his sensational 2011 season with the New York Giants. His explosive playmaking ability, record-breaking performances, and his salsa touchdown celebration endeared him to fans worldwide.
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Does Victor Cruz have kids?
Yes, Victor Cruz has a daughter, Kennedy Cruz, with his long-time partner, Elaina Watley.
Victor Cruz Net Worth
Victor Cruz has an estimated net worth of approximately $20 million.
Does Victor Cruz have a ring?
Yes, Victor Cruz won a Super Bowl ring with the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI.
How many years did Victor Cruz play in the NFL?
Victor Cruz played in the NFL for a total of 7 seasons.
What language does Victor Cruz speak?
Victor Cruz speaks English and likely some Spanish, due to his Puerto Rican heritage.
Why was Victor Cruz important?
Victor Cruz is important due to his inspiring story of overcoming the odds. He was an undrafted player who achieved remarkable success. His infectious personality and community involvement made him a role model both on and off the field.
Conclusion
Although injuries shortened his career, Victor Cruz’s legacy in the NFL will always be remembered. He’s a prime example of perseverance, hard work, and the ability to dance your way into the hearts of fans. Since retiring, Cruz has been an NFL analyst and remains active in the community.
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FAQs about Victor Cruz
- Where did Victor Cruz go to college? He attended the University of Massachusetts.
- What is Victor Cruz’s ethnicity? Cruz is of African-American and Puerto Rican descent.
- When did Victor Cruz retire? He retired from the NFL in 2017.
- What is Victor Cruz’s signature celebration? Doing the salsa dance after scoring touchdowns.
- What is Victor Cruz doing now? He works as an NFL analyst and is involved in various business ventures.
