Must be nice to be Victor Cruz from the New York Giants. He had a spectacular first year season and has a Super Bowl ring to show for it. However, Cruz is expected to be paid only $540,000 for 2012. The contract does not reflect what he deserves after the type of season he had. True, the Giants didn’t know what kind of player he was before the initial contract, but now he has proven to be a star player that is a crucial piece to the team’s offense.
Signed as an undrafted free agent in the 2010 offseason. Cruz made a good impression with a three-touchdown preseason game against the Jets on “Monday Night Football”. However, his rookie season ended abruptly with a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the season.
His 2011 breakout season was well documented in the Giants record books. Cruz had a big game against division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys, with 178 yards and a 74-yard touchdown that helped the Giants clinch the NFC East. He also caught a 99-yard touchdown pass against the New York Jets, which is the longest play ever in Giants history. In the playoffs, whenever the Giants needed a big play, Cruz was always there to step up and deliver.
Cruz ended the 2011 season with 82 receptions, 1,536 yards, and 9 touchdowns, which is the best by any first-year wide receiver in Giants history. He was one of the big reasons why the Giants season was saved which ultimately lead to playoffs and the Super Bowl.
Like any young star, Cruz is taking advantage of opportunities coming his way. Cruz has a successful clothing company called Young Wales, which I hope expands to a women’s line. He signed with IMG, the global sports, fashion, and media company. Reports say that Cruz even got asked to be on Dancing with the Stars to no doubt showcase his salsa dance moves. He declined the offer, which makes Giants fans very happy.
With all this new found fame it seems Cruz is still staying level headed. Even though he admits he deserves to get paid more, Cruz says he won’t hold out for a new contract. He will be at training camp and play the regular season even if the contract stays the same. The Giants should reward Cruz with a new deal and quickly so it doesn’t turn into unwanted distractions closer to the season.
I am a Texans fan but love absolutely love Victor Cruz. Being a fan of an underpaid superstar (ahem *Arian Foster*) and seeing how hard he worked to prove himself last year to REALLY earn the contract, then seeing the payoff when he wept at his press conference. WOW. Seriously, I would consider taking a bullet for the man. I complained all of last year about how underpaid he was but he, the team and I ended up rewarded with the outcome. Hope Victor gets his due!
Let’s not forget how adorable this cat is! I remember him and Mario with their matching silver suits during the Grammys. His smile is so electric! He could go to the bank with that alone. I hope he keeps taking advantage of the opportunities presented before him. He totally deserves it.