Victor Cruz

Cruz was born in Paterson, New Jersey, on November 11, 1986, to Blanca Cruz and Michael Walker, a firefighter. His father was African American and his mother is Puerto Rican. Cruz's father died by suicide in 2007.{{Cite web |last=Barker |first=Barbara |date=February 1, 2012 |title=Cruz will never forget his late father |url=http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/giants-receiver-victor-cruz-will-never-forget-his-late-father-1.3497341 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140926031659/http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/giants-receiver-victor-cruz-will-never-forget-his-late-father-1.3497341 |archive-date=September 26, 2014 |access-date=September 25, 2014 |website=Newsday}}

Cruz attended Paterson Catholic High School in Paterson.{{Cite news |last=Idec |first=Keith |date=April 25, 2010 |title=Paterson's Victor Cruz gets a chance with the Giants |work=The Record |url=http://www.northjersey.com/sports/042610_Patersons_Victor_Cruz_gets_a_chance_with_the_Giants.html |access-date=August 17, 2010 |archive-date=October 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111005171416/http://www.northjersey.com/sports/042610_Patersons_Victor_Cruz_gets_a_chance_with_the_Giants.html |url-status=live }} He completed a post-graduate semester at Bridgton Academy in North Bridgton, Maine. Cruz put up 47 catches for 869 yards and eight touchdowns in his single season at Bridgton Academy. At Paterson Catholic, Victor played wide receiver and defensive back for coach Andrew Slome, who he credits for his success.Idec, Keith. [http://www.northjersey.com/sports/hs_sports/139944173_Hackensack_expected_to_name_Wimberly.html "Hackensack expected to name Benjie Wimberly"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203030315/http://www.northjersey.com/sports/hs_sports/139944173_Hackensack_expected_to_name_Wimberly.html |date=December 3, 2013 }}, The Record (Bergen County), February 22, 2012. Accessed November 6, 2013. He earned All-State honors as a senior in 2003, when the team went undefeated at 11–0 and captured the New Jersey Parochial Group I championship. That season, Cruz caught 42 passes and scored 19 touchdowns—15 on receptions.

Cruz initially struggled to successfully combine his college studies with his football career, and was twice sent home from the University of Massachusetts for academic reasons. He only became eligible to play for the Minutemen in 2007, but went on to have both a solid college football career and to complete a BA in Afro-American Studies from UMass.{{Cite web |last=Chimelis |first=Ron |date=September 21, 2009 |title=UMass receiver Victor Cruz now runs the right patterns academically, just as well as on the field |url=http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ssf/2009/09/umass_receiver_victor_cruz_now.html |access-date=October 13, 2014 |website=MassLive |archive-date=October 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017225632/http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ssf/2009/09/umass_receiver_victor_cruz_now.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Arthur |first=Bruce |date=February 4, 2012 |title=Super Bowl 2012: The evolution of New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz |url=http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/02/04/super-bowl-2012-the-evolution-of-victor-cruz/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411110346/http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/02/04/super-bowl-2012-the-evolution-of-victor-cruz/ |archive-date=April 11, 2013 |access-date=October 13, 2014 |website=National Post}}

Cruz finished his career at UMass with 131 catches ranking him fourth on the all-time UMass receptions list, despite the fact that he didn't start a game until his junior season.{{Cite web |last=Chase |first=Chris |date=August 17, 2010 |title=Video: Undrafted rookie steals MNF show with one-handed catch |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Undrafted-Giants-rookie-steals-the-show-gets-at?urn=nfl-263003 |access-date=August 17, 2010 |website=Yahoo! Sports |archive-date=August 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821084603/http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Undrafted-Giants-rookie-steals-the-show-gets-at?urn=nfl-263003 |url-status=live }} He scored 11 touchdowns in his career and had just under 2,000 receiving yards. Cruz was named a first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association wide receiver for the years 2008 and 2009. He is fifth all-time at UMass in career receiving yards (1,958).

{{NFL predraft

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| weight = 206

| dash = 4.45

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| twenty split = 2.60

| shuttle = 4.17

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| vertical = 41.5

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| bench = 16

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| arm span =31

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| note = All values from Boston College's Pro Day.{{Cite web |title=Victor Cruz - Massachusetts, WR : 2010 NFL Draft Scout Player Profile |url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=19548&draftyear=2010&genpos=WR |access-date=October 13, 2014 |archive-date=October 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021025317/http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=19548&draftyear=2010&genpos=WR |url-status=live }}

}}

Cruz went undrafted in the 2010 NFL draft and was signed the day after the draft by the New York Giants.{{Cite web |last=Citak |first=Matt |date=July 24, 2020 |title=Giants Now (7/24): Victor Cruz chosen as one of greatest undrafted free agent stories |url=https://www.giants.com/news/victor-cruz-undrafted-free-agent-good-morning-football-evan-engram-top-tight-end |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=Giants.com |language=en-US |archive-date=October 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001051847/https://www.giants.com/news/victor-cruz-undrafted-free-agent-good-morning-football-evan-engram-top-tight-end |url-status=live }}

In a preseason game against the New York Jets on August 16, 2010, Cruz helped the Giants win 31–16 by catching six passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns.{{Cite web |last1=Keeley |first1=Sean |last2=Thorman |first2=Joel |last3=Tunison |first3=Michael |date=August 16, 2010 |title=Cruz Control: Giants Claim 31-16 Victory Over Jets, Victor Cruz Hauls In 3 TDs |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2010/8/16/1626463/giants-jets-preseason-new-meadowlands |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=SBNation.com |language=en |archive-date=September 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100927080419/http://www.sbnation.com/2010/8/16/1626463/giants-jets-preseason-new-meadowlands |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Schneier |first=Dan |date=August 24, 2016 |title=TBT: When Victor Cruz broke out vs. Jets in the preseason |url=https://247sports.com/nfl/new-york-giants/article/new-york-giants-victor-cruz-breakout-game-new-york-jets--46951646/ |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=247Sports |language=en |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715012417/https://247sports.com/nfl/new-york-giants/article/new-york-giants-victor-cruz-breakout-game-new-york-jets--46951646/ |url-status=live }} He finished the preseason leading the NFL with 297 receiving yards, tied for the preseason lead with four touchdown catches, and was selected to the Giants' 53-man regular season roster.{{Cite web |last=Rock |first=Tom |date=August 12, 2011 |title=Preseason phenom Cruz wants big season |url=https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/preseason-phenom-cruz-wants-big-season-h79192 |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Newsday |language=en |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715012438/https://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/preseason-phenom-cruz-wants-big-season-h79192 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Gross Jr. |first=Bob |date=September 5, 2010 |title=Here is the 2010 53 man roster! |url=https://www.nj.com/giants_fan_blog/2010/09/here_is_the_2010_53_man_roster.html |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=NJ.com |language=en |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715012430/https://www.nj.com/giants_fan_blog/2010/09/here_is_the_2010_53_man_roster.html |url-status=live }} He was praised and highlighted by critics for his performance throughout the preseason. He played in three games at the start of the season, before a hamstring injury placed him on injured reserve for the remainder of the year.{{Cite web |title=Victor Cruz 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CruzVi00/gamelog/2010/ |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |archive-date=October 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005040820/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CruzVi00/gamelog/2010/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Garafolo |first=Mike |date=October 30, 2010 |title=Giants WR Victor Cruz staying positive despite season-ending hamstring injury |url=https://www.nj.com/giants/2010/10/giants_wr_victor_cruz_staying.html |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=NJ.com |language=en |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813151433/https://www.nj.com/giants/2010/10/giants_wr_victor_cruz_staying.html |url-status=live }}

After the Giants lost Steve Smith to free agency, Cruz began the season as the team's fourth wide receiver, before injury to Domenik Hixon led to him receiving a larger role in the Giants win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3. Against a heavily favored Eagles team Cruz made a huge impact. Most highlighted was a Cruz reception made between two defenders in which he took to the end zone for a touchdown. Cruz finished that game with three catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns, the first and second of his career.{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles - September 25th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109250phi.htm |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |archive-date=April 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404073809/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201109250phi.htm |url-status=live }}

In Week 4, with the Giants trailing 27–24 to the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth quarter with under three minutes left to play, Cruz made a reception and went down without being touched at the Cardinals 29-yard line and released the ball as he got up. Believing that Cruz had fumbled since he was never touched, a Cardinal picked up the ball as if it was still alive.{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2011 |agency=Associated Press |title=Former UMass Minuteman Victor Cruz in middle of controversy over 'fumble' in New York Giants-Arizona Cardinals game |url=https://www.masslive.com/umassfootball/2011/10/former_umass_minuteman_victor_1.html |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=MassLive |language=en |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715012429/https://www.masslive.com/umassfootball/2011/10/former_umass_minuteman_victor_1.html |url-status=live }} The play was whistled dead, but further replay after the game showed Cruz did appear to fumble.{{Cite web |last=Floyd |first=Brian |date=October 2, 2011 |title=VIDEO: Victor Cruz Appears To Fumble; Did The Refs Miss The Call? |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/10/2/2464854/victor-cruz-fumble-video-giants-vs-cardinals |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=SBNation.com |language=en |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628004646/https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2011/10/2/2464854/victor-cruz-fumble-video-giants-vs-cardinals |url-status=live }} On the next play, Eli Manning threw the game-winning touchdown pass to Hakeem Nicks.{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals – October 2nd, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201110020crd.htm |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901070432/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201110020crd.htm |url-status=live }}

In a Week 5 36–25 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Cruz caught a one-handed 68-yard touchdown reception off a tipped pass. Later in the game, Cruz also lost a fumble, allowing Seattle to tie the game at 22. With the Giants down 29–25 inside the 20, Cruz slipped on his route with the ball in the air and in an attempt to catch the ball, tipped it into the arms of Brandon Browner, who returned it 94 yards for the game clinching touchdown.{{Cite web |date=October 10, 2011 |title=Giants Receiver Makes Outstanding One-Handed TD Catch |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/victor-cruz-catch-giants-seahawks-touchdown_n_1003091 |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=HuffPost |language=en |archive-date=April 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410055657/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/victor-cruz-catch-giants-seahawks-touchdown_n_1003091 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Seattle Seahawks at New York Giants – October 9th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201110090nyg.htm |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217020425/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201110090nyg.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 11, against the Philadelphia Eagles, he had six receptions for 128 receiving yards and one touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants - November 20th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111200nyg.htm |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304001636/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111200nyg.htm |url-status=live }} In the following game, on the road against the New Orleans Saints, he had nine receptions for 157 yards and two touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at New Orleans Saints - November 28th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111280nor.htm |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009133434/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201111280nor.htm |url-status=live }} In the next game against the Green Bay Packers, he had seven receptions for 119 yards in the 38–35 loss.{{Cite web |title=Green Bay Packers at New York Giants - December 4th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201112040nyg.htm |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115084037/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201112040nyg.htm |url-status=live }}

In Week 16, he tied the NFL record with an explosive 99-yard touchdown catch against the New York Jets.{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at New York Jets – December 24th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201112240nyj.htm |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014045/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201112240nyj.htm |url-status=live }} His 89 yards after the catch on the play is the most by a receiver on a 99-yard reception. This catch has constantly been highlighted as the turning point of the Giants 2011 season. In the same game, Cruz also surpassed Amani Toomer as the record holder for the most single-season receiving yards by a Giant.{{Cite web |title=New York Giants Single-Season Receiving Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nyg/single-season-receiving.htm |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |archive-date=January 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230122171317/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nyg/single-season-receiving.htm |url-status=live }}

In Week 17, in a do-or-die game against the Dallas Cowboys for the final playoff slot in the NFC, Cruz had six receptions for 178 yards, including the game's first score with a 74-yard touchdown catch, as well as a fourth quarter, 44-yard catch on third and seven that put the Giants in position to make a field goal that put the Giants up by two scores. The Giants added another touchdown, a 4-yard pass from Manning to Hakeem Nicks, setting a record of 15 fourth quarter touchdown passes in one season for Manning and beat the Cowboys 31–14.{{Cite web |title=Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants – January 1st, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201010nyg.htm |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027180242/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201010nyg.htm |url-status=live }} Cruz was praised for terrific route running and decimating the Cowboys defense. Cruz finished the season with a single season franchise record 1,536 receiving yards on 82 receptions and nine touchdowns. Cruz was named a Second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press.{{Cite web |last=Mazzeo |first=Mike |date=January 6, 2012 |title=JPP named AP first-team All-Pro |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york/giants/post/_/id/10531/jpp-makes-ap-first-team-cruz-second-team |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=December 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205144542/https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york/giants/post/_/id/10531/jpp-makes-ap-first-team-cruz-second-team |url-status=live }} He was named as the Most Improved Player by the PFWA.{{Cite web |title=PFWA Most Improved Player Winners |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/pfwa-most-improved-player-award.htm |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317021322/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/pfwa-most-improved-player-award.htm |url-status=live }}

Against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship, Cruz had 10 catches for 142 yards—all in the first half—as the Giants edged the 49ers, 20–17, in overtime to advance to Super Bowl XLVI.{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship – New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers – January 22nd, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201220sfo.htm |access-date=December 16, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108032552/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201201220sfo.htm |url-status=live }} The Giants advanced and won the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots for another Super Bowl title. Cruz had four receptions for 25 yards and a touchdown in the game.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl XLVI – New York Giants vs. New England Patriots – February 5th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201202050nwe.htm |access-date=December 6, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323020537/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201202050nwe.htm |url-status=live }}

Cruz has been popularly known for celebrating nearly every touchdown with a salsa dance. He has stated that it was in honor of his deceased grandmother who taught him how to dance salsa and loved touchdown dances.{{Cite web |last=Youngmisuk |first=Ohm |date=October 10, 2012 |title=Cruz: Salsa dance imitation would be insult |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8487589/victor-cruz-new-york-giants-says-salsa-dance-imitation-insult |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402115719/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8487589/victor-cruz-new-york-giants-says-salsa-dance-imitation-insult |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last1=Sandoval |first1=Edgar |last2=Hutchinson |first2=Bill |date=January 24, 2012 |title=Giants fan fave Victor Cruz busts out salsa moves in Times Square |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/giants-fan-fave-victor-cruz-busts-salsa-moves-times-square-article-1.1011466 |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=New York Daily News |archive-date=October 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001214629/https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/giants-fan-fave-victor-cruz-busts-salsa-moves-times-square-article-1.1011466 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Vacchiano |first=Ralph |date=February 1, 2012 |title=NY Giants salsa-dancing wide receiver Victor Cruz elevates to stardom, but family keeps him humble heading into Super Bowl XLVI against New England Patriots |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-giants-salsa-dancing-wide-receiver-victor-cruz-elevates-stardom-family-humble-heading-super-bowl-xlvi-new-england-patriots-article-1.1015770 |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=New York Daily News |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715012503/https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/ny-giants-salsa-dancing-wide-receiver-victor-cruz-elevates-stardom-family-humble-heading-super-bowl-xlvi-new-england-patriots-article-1.1015770 |url-status=live }} Cruz's touchdown dance led to him receiving an offer to appear on Dancing with the Stars, which he turned down.{{Cite web |last=Dyer |first=Kristian |date=January 8, 2012 |title=Victor Cruz won't dance with the stars; it's all for the Giants |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/shutdown-corner/victor-cruz-won-t-dance-stars-giants-151953544.html |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Yahoo! Sports |archive-date=March 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324003240/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/shutdown-corner/victor-cruz-won-t-dance-stars-giants-151953544.html |url-status=live }} He was ranked 39th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2012-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322201849/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2012-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live }}

In Week 2 of the 2012 season, Cruz had 11 receptions for 179 receiving yards and one touchdown in the 41–34 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Giants - September 16th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209160nyg.htm |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203050254/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209160nyg.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, he had nine receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown in the 19–17 loss.{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles - September 30th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209300phi.htm |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131144636/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209300phi.htm |url-status=live }} In the following game, a 41–27 victory over the Cleveland Browns, he had three receiving touchdowns.{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at New York Giants - October 7th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210070nyg.htm |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407050428/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210070nyg.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 7, against Washington, he had seven receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown in the 27–23 victory.{{Cite web |title=Washington Redskins at New York Giants - October 21st, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210210nyg.htm |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006203437/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210210nyg.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 14, against the New Orleans Saints, he had eight receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown in the 52–27 victory.{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at New York Giants - December 9th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212090nyg.htm |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014180105/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201212090nyg.htm |url-status=live }} Overall, Cruz finished with 86 receptions for 1,092 receiving yards and ten receiving touchdowns in 16 games and starts.{{Cite web |title=Victor Cruz 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CruzVi00/gamelog/2012/ |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007155608/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CruzVi00/gamelog/2012/ |url-status=live }} He was named to the Pro Bowl for the 2012 season.{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/probowl.htm |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023449/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/probowl.htm |url-status=live }} He was ranked 58th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2013-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=May 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527175924/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2013-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live }}

On June 14, 2013, Cruz signed his one-year, $2.879 million restricted free agent tender.{{Cite web |last=Vacchiano |first=Ralph |date=June 14, 2013 |title=Victor Cruz signs his one-year, $2.879M tender with the NY Giants, according to sources |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/source-cruz-sign-one-year-tender-giants-article-1.1372731 |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=NY Daily News |archive-date=June 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618041750/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/source-cruz-sign-one-year-tender-giants-article-1.1372731 |url-status=live }}

On July 8, 2013, Cruz signed a five-year, $45.879 million total, contract extension. This made the total a six-year deal, including the free agent tender.{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=July 8, 2013 |title=Victor Cruz, New York Giants strike $45.879M contract |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/victor-cruz-new-york-giants-strike-45-879m-contract-0ap1000000216712 |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=October 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028033803/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000216712/article/victor-cruz-new-york-giants-agree-to-45879m-deal |url-status=live }} Cruz suffered a heel bruise in an August 18 preseason game. Unlike center David Baas's injury, Cruz's heel bruise was deemed minimal in nature.{{Cite web |last=Benton |first=Dan |date=August 19, 2013 |title=New York Giants' Victor Cruz Suffers Heel Bruise; Tom Coughlin Expresses Concern |url=http://www.sportsmedia101.com/newyorkgiants/2013/08/19/new-york-giants-victor-cruz-suffers-heel-bruise-tom-coughlin-expresses-concern/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823175217/http://www.sportsmedia101.com/newyorkgiants/2013/08/19/new-york-giants-victor-cruz-suffers-heel-bruise-tom-coughlin-expresses-concern/ |archive-date=August 23, 2013 |access-date=August 19, 2013 |website=SportsMedia101}} In the Giants' regular season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, he had five receptions for 118 yards and three touchdowns in the 36–31 loss.{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys - September 8th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309080dal.htm |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201005175900/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309080dal.htm |url-status=live }} In the following game against the Denver Broncos, he had eight receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown in the 41–23 loss.{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at New York Giants - September 15th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309150nyg.htm |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=August 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812173238/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309150nyg.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 4, against the Kansas City Chiefs, he had ten receptions for 164 yards and a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=New York Giants at Kansas City Chiefs - September 29th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309290kan.htm |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114034614/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309290kan.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 11, against the Green Bay Packers, he had eight receptions for 110 yards in the 27–13 victory.{{Cite web |title=Green Bay Packers at New York Giants - November 17th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311170nyg.htm |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=August 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829115603/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201311170nyg.htm |url-status=live }} He finished the 2013 season with 73 receptions for 998 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns in 14 games.{{Cite web |title=Victor Cruz 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CruzVi00/gamelog/2013/ |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |archive-date=October 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007002835/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CruzVi00/gamelog/2013/ |url-status=live }}

On October 12, 2014, against the Philadelphia Eagles, Cruz suffered a torn patellar tendon, prematurely ending his 2014 season.{{Cite news |last=Samuel |first=Ebenezer |date=October 12, 2014 |title=NY Giants WR Victor Cruz can recover from knee injury, but will likely never be the same, doctor says |work=New York Daily News |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/victor-cruz-recover-knee-injury-doctor-article-1.1973081 |access-date=October 14, 2014 |archive-date=October 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014033334/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/victor-cruz-recover-knee-injury-doctor-article-1.1973081 |url-status=live }} In the 2014 season, Cruz produced 23 receptions for 337 receiving yards and a touchdown in six games.{{Cite web |title=Victor Cruz 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CruzVi00/gamelog/2014/ |access-date=December 7, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208005101/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CruzVi00/gamelog/2014/ |url-status=live }}

After a long rehab, Cruz gave an update informing the media he was not yet fully recovered.{{Cite web |last=Reyes |first=Lorenzo |date=June 26, 2015 |title=Giants WR Victor Cruz on rehab: 'It's going to make me, or it's going to break me' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2015/06/26/victor-cruz-patellar-tendon-rehab-make-me-break-me-new-york/29011803/ |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108131854/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/giants/2015/06/26/victor-cruz-patellar-tendon-rehab-make-me-break-me-new-york/29011803/ |url-status=live }} Cruz returned to training camp in the summer of 2015, but unfortunately aggravated his calf. The aggravation of his calf further delayed his comeback.{{Cite web |last=Raanan |first=Jordan |date=October 2, 2015 |title=Victor Cruz: Calf not as bad as original injury |url=https://www.nj.com/giants/2015/10/giants_wide_receiver_victor_cruz_calf_not_as_bad_a.html |access-date=July 14, 2023 |website=NJ.com |language=en |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208224649/https://www.nj.com/giants/2015/10/giants_wide_receiver_victor_cruz_calf_not_as_bad_a.html |url-status=live }} From Week 5, Cruz's return was pushed to play in Week 10 against the New England Patriots, but it was later announced that Cruz would undergo surgery on his left calf, and would miss the entire 2015 season.{{Cite web |last=Graziano |first=Dan |date=November 16, 2015 |title=Victor Cruz to have season-ending surgery on calf |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14144236/new-york-giants-wr-victor-cruz-season-ending-surgery |access-date=November 16, 2015 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=November 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116212724/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14144236/new-york-giants-wr-victor-cruz-season-ending-surgery |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Paul |date=November 16, 2015 |title=Victor Cruz done for the year — and with the Giants? |url=https://nypost.com/2015/11/16/victor-cruz-announces-his-season-is-over/ |access-date=November 16, 2015 |website=New York Post |archive-date=November 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117201943/http://nypost.com/2015/11/16/victor-cruz-announces-his-season-is-over/ |url-status=live }} On November 17, 2015, he was placed on season-ending injured reserve.{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Michael |date=November 17, 2015 |title=Giants sign WR Hakeem Nicks |url=http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Giants-sign-WR-Hakeem-Nicks/8e3dc316-f3b2-4fbc-9fe4-9740b6a2273c |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220104858/http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Giants-sign-WR-Hakeem-Nicks/8e3dc316-f3b2-4fbc-9fe4-9740b6a2273c |archive-date=December 20, 2015 |access-date=December 11, 2015 |website=Giants.com}}

After two years of rehab, Cruz returned to NFL play on September 11, 2016, in the Giants opener against the Dallas Cowboys. That afternoon, he scored a game-winning touchdown and celebrated with a salsa dance, his first in two years.{{Cite web |last=Raanan |first=Jordan |date=September 11, 2016 |title=Giants' Victor Cruz serves as star in his first game in 700 days |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-giants/post/_/id/48096/victor-cruz-serves-as-the-hero-for-the-giants-in-his-first-game-in-700-days |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=October 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003043829/http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-giants/post/_/id/48096/victor-cruz-serves-as-the-hero-for-the-giants-in-his-first-game-in-700-days |url-status=live }} Victor Cruz would follow up his performance against the New Orleans Saints with a game winning catch in the final minutes of the game. The Giants went on to win the game by a score of 16–13.{{Cite web |title=New Orleans Saints at New York Giants - September 18th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609180nyg.htm |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016204245/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609180nyg.htm |url-status=live }} On September 17, Cruz was fined $12,154 for excessive celebration related to dancing in the endzone with fellow wideout Odell Beckham Jr., who was also fined for the same reason.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=September 17, 2016 |title=NFL fines Victor Cruz, Odell Beckham for TD dance |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nfl-fines-victor-cruz-odell-beckham-for-td-dance |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715012434/https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nfl-fines-victor-cruz-odell-beckham-for-td-dance |url-status=live }} Cruz finished the 2016 season with 39 receptions for 586 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Victor Cruz 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CruzVi00/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006103253/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/C/CruzVi00/gamelog/2016/ |url-status=live }}

Cruz had three receptions for 30 yards in the Giants 38–13 Wild Card Round loss to the Green Bay Packers.{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – New York Giants at Green Bay Packers – January 8th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701080gnb.htm |access-date=July 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011073327/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201701080gnb.htm |url-status=live }}

On February 13, 2017, Cruz was released by the Giants.{{Cite web |last=Orr |first=Conor |date=February 13, 2017 |title=New York Giants release wide receiver Victor Cruz |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/new-york-giants-release-wide-receiver-victor-cruz-0ap3000000785509 |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=March 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331020230/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000785509/article/new-york-giants-release-wide-receiver-victor-cruz |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Michael |date=February 13, 2017 |title=Giants part ways with WR Victor Cruz, RB Rashad Jennings |url=http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Giants-part-ways-with-WR-Victor-Cruz-RB-Rashad-Jennings/80a5c4e3-6b8f-4dd6-a440-4dd5ec103278 |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=Giants.com |archive-date=January 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108193410/http://www.giants.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Giants-part-ways-with-WR-Victor-Cruz-RB-Rashad-Jennings/80a5c4e3-6b8f-4dd6-a440-4dd5ec103278 |url-status=live }}

On May 25, 2017, Cruz signed a one–year deal with the Chicago Bears.{{Cite web |last=Larry |first=Mayer |date=May 25, 2017 |title=Bears agree to terms with Victor Cruz |url=http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-agree-to-terms-with-Victor-Cruz/d7bc4d84-c6f8-4193-9735-aed2d849cb2c |access-date=July 9, 2023 |website=ChicagoBears.com |archive-date=August 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813011117/http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Bears-agree-to-terms-with-Victor-Cruz/d7bc4d84-c6f8-4193-9735-aed2d849cb2c |url-status=live }} On September 2, 2017, Cruz was released by the Bears.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=September 1, 2017 |title=Victor Cruz released by Chicago Bears |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/victor-cruz-released-by-chicago-bears-0ap3000000838661 |access-date=September 1, 2017 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901234046/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000838661/article/victor-cruz-released-by-chicago-bears |url-status=live }}

In 2017, the New York Giants suffered many injuries at the wide receiver position, and there were speculations that the Giants and Cruz would reunite.{{Cite web |last=Benton |first=Dan |date=October 13, 2017 |title=Victor Cruz dreams of returning to Giants in 2017 |url=https://giantswire.usatoday.com/2017/10/13/victor-cruz-dreams-returning-new-york-giants-2017/ |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=Giants Wire |language=en-US |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321115838/https://giantswire.usatoday.com/2017/10/13/victor-cruz-dreams-returning-new-york-giants-2017/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=January 10, 2017 |title=LISTEN: Victor Cruz Says He Prefers To Return 'Home' To Giants In 2017 - CBS New York |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/victor-cruz-giants-2017-season/ |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=CBS News |language=en-US |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715012924/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/victor-cruz-giants-2017-season/ |url-status=live }} However, the deal ended up falling through, and Cruz remained a free agent during the 2017 season.{{Cite web |last=Links |first=Zachary |date=October 13, 2017 |title=Victor Cruz Lobbies Giants To Sign Him |url=https://www.profootballrumors.com/2017/10/victor-cruz-lobbied-giants |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=Pro Football Rumors |language=en-US |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715012918/https://www.profootballrumors.com/2017/10/victor-cruz-lobbied-giants |url-status=live }}

On August 21, 2018, Cruz announced his retirement and joined ESPN as an analyst.{{Cite web |date=August 21, 2018 |title=Victor Cruz retires from NFL, joining ESPN as analyst |url=http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24435166/former-new-york-giants-wr-victor-cruz-retires-joins-espn |access-date=July 13, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109031249/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24435166/former-new-york-giants-wr-victor-cruz-retires-joins-espn |url-status=live }} He intended to sign a one-day contract with the New York Giants to officially retire as a member of that team, but never actually did so.{{Cite web |last=Henry |first=Tyler |date=August 28, 2018 |title=Victor Cruz intends to sign a one-day contract, retire a Giant |url=https://giantswire.usatoday.com/2018/08/28/new-york-giants-victor-cruz-intends-sign-one-day-contract-retire/ |access-date=April 11, 2020 |website=Giants Wire |language=en |archive-date=April 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411150115/https://giantswire.usatoday.com/2018/08/28/new-york-giants-victor-cruz-intends-sign-one-day-contract-retire/ |url-status=live }} Cruz hosted the first season of MTV's The Challenge: Champs vs. Pros.{{Cite web |last=Benton |first=Dan |date=April 25, 2017 |title=Ex-Giant Victor Cruz to host 'The Challenge: Champs vs. Pros' |url=https://giantswire.usatoday.com/2017/04/25/ex-new-york-giants-victor-cruz-host-challenge-champs-vs-pros/ |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=Giants Wire |language=en-US |archive-date=June 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604175715/https://giantswire.usatoday.com/2017/04/25/ex-new-york-giants-victor-cruz-host-challenge-champs-vs-pros/ |url-status=live }}

Cruz has a daughter, Kennedy, with Elaina Watley. He was in a relationship with actress Karrueche Tran{{Cite web |last=Penn |first=Alyson |date=April 20, 2019 |title=Is Victor Cruz Planning to Propose to Girlfriend Karrueche Tran? He Says … |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/victor-cruz-talks-future-with-girlfriend-karrueche-tran/ |access-date=August 26, 2019 |website=Us Weekly |language=en-US |archive-date=August 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826202902/https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/victor-cruz-talks-future-with-girlfriend-karrueche-tran/ |url-status=live }} from November 2017 through January 2021. In the summer of 2010, Cruz founded the "Young Whales" clothing line with former teammate Nate Collins. Cruz and former teammate Osi Umenyiora were among the brand's original models.{{Cite web |last=Eisenband |first=Jeff |date=February 1, 2012 |title=Victor Cruz Has Hot Clothing Line On His Hands |url=http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/style-points/201202/giants-receiver-victor-cruz-clothing-line-young-whales |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=Yahoo! Sports |archive-date=August 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814192509/http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/style-points/201202/giants-receiver-victor-cruz-clothing-line-young-whales |url-status=live }}

Cruz's college roommate was then-UMass quarterback and current Jacksonville Jaguars head coach, Liam Coen, whom Cruz credits as one of the first to recognize his talents as a wide receiver.{{Cite web |last1=Feldman |first1=Bruce |last2=Tucker |first2=Kyle |date=December 17, 2020 |title=Next Joe Brady? Kentucky believes it found its man in new coordinator Liam Coen |url=https://theathletic.com/2267488/2020/12/17/liam-coen-kentucky-wildcats-offensive-coordinator-los-angeles-rams-umass-maine/ |access-date=December 19, 2020 |website=The Athletic |archive-date=December 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218161437/https://theathletic.com/2267488/2020/12/17/liam-coen-kentucky-wildcats-offensive-coordinator-los-angeles-rams-umass-maine/ |url-status=live }}

Following the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012, Cruz honored one of the victims, Jack Pinto, age 6. Pinto was a fan of Cruz, who wore a tribute on his shoes in the game against the Atlanta Falcons two days after the massacre. In permanent marker, one shoe read "R.I.P. Jack Pinto" and the other "Jack Pinto My Hero."{{Cite magazine |last=King |first=Peter |date=December 17, 2012 |title=Some statement Week 15 wins, but playoff chase still a tangled mess |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20121217/week-15/?sct=hp_t12_a3&eref=sihp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121230204734/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20121217/week-15/?sct=hp_t12_a3&eref=sihp |archive-date=December 30, 2012 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}{{Cite web |last=Monkovic |first=Toni |date=December 17, 2012 |title=Victor Cruz Comforts Family of Shooting Victim |url=http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/17/victor-cruz-comforts-family-of-shooting-victim/ |access-date=July 11, 2023 |website=New York Times |archive-date=December 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201185822/https://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/17/victor-cruz-comforts-family-of-shooting-victim/ |url-status=live }} On December 19, 2012, he visited the Pinto family in Newtown, saying, "I felt like it was only right that I pay my respects to him and be as comforting to that family as much as I can." Cruz gave the cleats and gloves he wore in the Falcons' game to Pinto's brother, Ben.{{Cite web |last=Youngmisuk |first=Ohm |date=December 19, 2012 |title=Victor Cruz recounts meeting Pintos |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/8762755/victor-cruz-new-york-giants-wide-receiver-recounts-meeting-family-jack-pinto-shooting-victim-newton-conn |access-date=October 13, 2014 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=October 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004161629/http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/8762755/victor-cruz-new-york-giants-wide-receiver-recounts-meeting-family-jack-pinto-shooting-victim-newton-conn |url-status=live }}

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• {{Football stats |nfl=2507855 |espn=13553|yahoo=24553 |pfr= C/CruzVi00}}
• [https://umassathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1310 UMass Minutemen bio]
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Category:1986 births

Category:Living people

Category:American football wide receivers

Category:Bridgton Academy alumni

Category:Chicago Bears players

Category:New York Giants players

Category:Paterson Catholic High School alumni

Category:Sportspeople from Lyndhurst, New Jersey

Category:Players of American football from Paterson, New Jersey

Category:Puerto Rican players of American football

Category:Players of American football from Bergen County, New Jersey

Category:UMass Minutemen football players

Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players

Category:Hispanic and Latino American players of American football