The story of Victor Cruz is one of the most remarkable tales in the history of the NFL. A local kid walks onto the practice field of the New York Giants and becomes an international sensation. Even the folks at Disney would have a hard time greenlighting this one.
Cruz was an undrafted free agent out of UMass by way of Paterson back in 2010 who simply came out of the blue to produce some of the most entertaining and eye-popping moments in the 95-year history of the Giants.
Cruz’ penchant for explosive plays followed by his trademark “salsa” dance celebrations made him an international superstar. He not only had the flair, he had the talent to back it up.
After Cruz was ‘redshirted’ in 2010 due to injury, he became one of the most productive and prolific wide receivers the Giants have ever had. His 1,536 receiving yards in 2011 is a Giants’ single-season record. Cruz was also an integral piece of the Giants’ Super Bowl-winning run that season.
The gang at the NFL Network’s Good Morning Football voted Cruz as one of the greatest undrafted players of all-time along with Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, Antonio Gates and Tony Romo.
“I’m amazed to look back at the footage of Victor Cruz in the preseason as an undrafted rookie free agent because his number was No. 3!” NFL Network’s Peter Schrager said. “This is Rhett Bomar throwing him touchdowns passes against the Jets. This is on Monday Night Football. Victor Cruz had three touchdowns, had the game of his life, national television.
“It was so good that LeBron James tweeted about him during this game. Now, Victor Cruz and LeBron James could probably go get a drink right now and be buddies. At the time, that was unheard of for an undrafted rookie out of University of Massachusetts. Victor’s story is incredible. He’s a Patterson, New Jersey kid. He’s a local legend. For anybody who’s ever met Victor Cruz, they will tell you he’s the same guy that he was during that preseason game that he is now when he’s on these YouTube videos with Cam Newton, Odell Beckham and the rest. I love Victor Cruz as a guy and also love his story. Victor Cruz is my favorite undrafted story.”
It’s a shame that the pandemic has altered the landscape this year, cutting the camp rosters down to 80 players and wiping out the preseason, therefore limiting the opportunities for undrafted players to make the team.
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