This next installment of the offseason segment I like to call “Do You Remember” features a young player relatively new to the Giants organization… Victor Cruz.
Out of relative obscurity (via Patterson, NJ) in the summer of 2010 came an exciting walk on receiver with tremendous talent and drive – Victor Cruz became one of several receivers to make the Giants 53 man roster last season. In fact, Cruz impressed the coaching staff so much with his athleticism and consistency that Tom Coughlin would frequently gush about Cruz in his daily recaps, something practically unheard of for a walk on let alone a first or second year star.
Of course, it was one specific set of circumstances during the preseason that sold us on Cruz, the opener of New Meadowlands Stadium against the Jets where Cruz made some spectacular catches and went on to torch the Jets secondary for 3 touchdown receptions. We were all excited, captivated, and elated when Cruz went on to make the final cut and become a member of the NY Giants. But things didn’t stop there — Cruz became the NFL’s marquis player who most embodied the excitement and potential of the 2010 preseason at large.
Cruz unfortunately exited the 2010 season early due to a hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve, but his potential as an exciting WR option for the Giants continues into the 2011 offseason as we look forward to any word about training camps schedules, OTAs, etc. But for Cruz, his story with the Giants had to begin somewhere, and without further ado — here is that flashback you’ve been waiting for.
Victor Cruz lighting up the Jets from the 2010 Preseason opener at New Meadowlands Stadium: