Credit: Pedman/US Presswire
When you first meet Giants superstar wide receiver Victor Cruz you’ll be greeted with a wide smile and a firm handshake coming from a set of monstrous hands. You’ll feel like you’ve known him for years, even though it’s just a few minutes. Youth Football Online had the chance to meet Victor Cruz at an event in NYC. We walked away saying what everyone says about Victor- ‘What a great guy!’.
And what a football talent.
People across the country know Victor for his ability to make a big play using his breakaway speed and his wildly entertaining salsa inspired end zone dance. But how did this undrafted rookie from the University of Massachusetts, whom the Giants initially saw as a serviceable slot receiver, become a record setting star wide receiver?
Here are 5 amazing facts about Victor Cruz.
Amazing Fact #1:
A solid family foundation. A strict mom that made sure he was at practice everyday. “I was really tough on Victor,” Blanca Cruz said in her interview with NJ.com. “I was just determined, I wasn’t going to let him get caught up in the streets with the drugs and gangs. He knew that when it was time to come home, there was no discussion about it”. Victor learned the game of football and solid work ethic from his late father Mike Walker, a well respected firefighter. He credits his vibrant maternal grandmother with learning salsa, his patented end zone dance. Does Grandma Cruz understand the phenomenon she has created? Check out Laurent Robinson’s end zone salsa celebration fail.
Amazing Fact #2:
Victor played youth football for the Paterson FD Bulldogs, 12 year old league, coached by his dad. Initially he began playing center- after his father persuaded his head coach to give Victor one carry at fullback, Victor made the best of his opportunity. He ran that carry for a 67 yard TD. Patterson Catholic HS went 11-0 with Victor Cruz on their team. Dominance defined.
Amazing Fact #3:
Victor Cruz played college football at the University of Massachusetts. When Victor’s scholarship was lost due to poor grades, Victor displayed incredible resilience (read about resilience in youth football). He did everything he needed to do to earn his scholarship back. UMass certainly isn’t known as a powerhouse football school, but Victor took advantage of his moment. He was an All-Conference 1st Team player. He tied a school record in one game with 13 catches and a record 262 yards receiving against James Madison. Cruz also also had a lot success in college returning kicks and punts. Though he entered the pros undrafted, he shined just enough to get a shot with the Giants.
Amazing Fact #4:
Had Victor not become a football player – he wanted to be a teacher in his hometown of Patterson, NJ. Victor has a creative photography blog site called Areal Standards and a clothing line called Young Whales.
Amazing Fact #5:
Cruz began the season as the team’s fourth wide receiver, before injuries to both Mario Manningham and Domenik Hixon gave Victor his chance. Cruz stepped in and had 1,536 receiving yards which is a New York Giants franchise receiving record. He also led the Giants this season with 9 TD passes received. Victor Cruz was third overall in receiving yards in the NFL (and he didn’t even start the season as a starter). Victor had a unbelievable 99 yard touchdown reception against the NY Jets on 12/24/11- tying for the NFL record.
