Training Camp Profiles: Victor Cruz

An undrafted free agent from the University of Massachusetts, Victor Cruz burst on to the scene came in 2011. As a rookie the 6’0″ 204 pound wide receiver had 82 receptions for 1,536 yards and 9 touchdowns. In 2011 Cruz’s 18.7 yards per reception played a huge part in the New York Giants Super Bowl run.

In 2012, Cruz proved that his 2011 performance was no fluke. He caught 86 passes for 1,092 yards and 10 touchdowns. Cruz quickly developed a special chemistry with quarterback, Eli Manning and it paid huge dividends on the field.

Cruz wasn’t just a favorite of Manning’s but the entire fan base of the Giants. The salsa dancing-touchdown scoring Cruz became a superstar for the Giants.

In the 2013 season he missed two games due to injury but still had a strong season. His numbers dipped mildly with just 73 receptions for 998 yards and 4 touchdowns. Many people questioned if Cruz had lost a step, if he had lost what made him so special. Though to be fair, everyone struggled that season as evidenced by Manning’s 27 interceptions and a 7-9 record.

Cruz was injured in the sixth game of the 2014 season. He suffered a torn patellar tendon which he is still rehabbing. Cruz is expected to participate in training camp in a limited basis and the Giants hope that he will be ready for the beginning of the season.

As we are about to enter training camp, we must wonder what we will see from the Giants star receiver. It seems likely that we will see limited amounts of Cruz in the beginning of the season, as he will work his way back to full strength. If Cruz can play at full strength this season it will make a huge impact on this team.

Last season while Cruz was sidelined, Odell Beckham Jr. became the star receiver of the Giants. Beckham Jr. did things in his rookie season that were just unheard of and one catch in particular made him a household name. The thought of a healthy Cruz and Beckham Jr. is an amazing possibility. We’ll have to wait and see if Cruz can restore his superstar status.

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