Helena Frye
Victor Cruz is a former wide receiver for the New York Giants, who grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, a city dominated by gangs and drugs. Opportunities were scarce for young boys of colour like Cruz, but he was a standout high school athlete, playing both football and basketball. He played basketball from a young age, and his passion for sports led him to become the first child in his family to attend college. After a successful college football career at the University of Massachusetts, Cruz signed with the Giants in 2010, going on to have a breakout year in 2011 and helping the team win Super Bowl XLVI.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age when started playing basketball | 8 |
| Other sports played | Baseball, tennis, tae kwon do, karate, football |
| High school basketball team | Paterson Catholic's basketball team |
| High school football team | Paterson Cougars |
| High school football position | Running back |
| High school football coach | Benjie Wimberly |
| High school football teammates | Friends |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Victor Cruz played basketball at school
Cruz attended Paterson Catholic Regional High School in his hometown of Paterson, New Jersey. He played both sides of the ball, as a wide receiver and defensive back for the Cougars. He earned All-State honours as a senior in 2003, leading the Cougars to an 11-0 win-loss record. He scored 19 touchdowns that year, catching 42 passes.
Cruz was a standout high school athlete, and his success is partly credited to his coach Andrew Slome. He was the first in his family to go to college, attending the University of Massachusetts on a sports scholarship. He struggled to combine his college studies with his football career and was twice sent home for academic reasons. However, he persevered and had a solid college football career, as well as completing a BA in Afro-American Studies.
Cruz's success in football continued, and he went on to play for the New York Giants, becoming an exciting and popular wide receiver. He helped the Giants win Super Bowl XLVI in 2011, his first full year with the team. He also broke the franchise record for receiving yards in a season and was ranked 58th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.
The Weight of a Basketball: How Heavy is Too Heavy?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
He played for the Tim Thomas Playaz basketball team
Victor Cruz's interest in sports started from a young age. He played Little League football for the PAL North Firefighters, suiting up as a center because he was one of the tallest players on his team. He also played tae kwon do and took lessons at Manny Quile's Martial Arts Studio.
Cruz's passion for basketball also began in his early years. He played for the Tim Thomas Playaz basketball team and participated in basketball tournaments in New York City before his 15th birthday. Tim Thomas Playaz is a basketball academy that emphasizes character building, education, and skill set development as the core principles to maximize a player's full basketball potential.
Cruz's love for sports continued into his high school years at Paterson Catholic Regional High School in his hometown of Paterson, New Jersey. He played football for the Paterson Cougars, both as a wide receiver and a defensive back. He also played for Paterson Catholic's basketball team, where he excelled with 19 touchdowns as a senior in 2003, earning him All-State honors.
Cruz's athletic prowess and academic achievements took him to the University of Massachusetts, where he faced some academic issues but persevered to become a first-team all-conference wide receiver. He also completed his senior thesis, "The African-American Male Athlete as Captured by the Media," and graduated with a degree in African-American studies.
Cruz's football career took off when he was given a chance at the New York Giants training camp. After an impressive performance, he made the team and went on to have a successful NFL career, including winning a Super Bowl.
Beginner's Guide to Starting a Basketball Card Collection
You may want to see also
Explore related products
He played in basketball tournaments in New York City
Victor Cruz grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, a city dominated by gangs and drugs. Opportunities were scarce for young boys of colour like himself. Despite this, Cruz was a child who loved sports. He played martial arts and tae kwon do in his early years, but he was also interested in basketball and baseball.
Cruz played in basketball tournaments in New York City, which was just a 10-minute drive from his hometown. He played in three tournaments before his 15th birthday, and he also suited up for Paterson Catholic's basketball team. In addition to his athletic pursuits, Cruz was the first child in his family to go to college. He attended the University of Massachusetts, where he studied African-American studies and played football as a wide receiver and defensive back.
Cruz had a passion for sports from a young age, and his interest in basketball led him to compete in New York City tournaments. Despite growing up in a challenging environment, he persevered and became a successful athlete, pursuing his passions and excelling in multiple sports.
Cruz's athletic career began at Paterson Catholic Regional High School, where he played football and basketball. He was a standout athlete, earning All-State honours in 2003 when his team went undefeated at 11-0 and won the New Jersey Parochial Group I championship. He scored 19 touchdowns that season, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.
Cruz's success in high school sports, including basketball tournaments in New York City, paved the way for his later achievements. He went on to have a successful college football career at the University of Massachusetts and then played for the New York Giants in the NFL, becoming a well-known wide receiver.
Strong Wrists: Badminton's Secret Weapon
You may want to see also
Explore related products
He was passionate about martial arts as a child
Victor Cruz was passionate about martial arts as a child, specifically tae kwon do. In his 2012 book, Cruz wrote, "Tae kwon do – not football – was my first true passion". He took lessons at Manny Quile's Martial Arts Studio, located in the same building as his family's apartment in Paterson, New Jersey.
Cruz's interest in martial arts began at a young age, and it was his first introduction to the world of athletics. Growing up in a tough neighbourhood, sports provided an outlet and a means to stay focused and out of trouble. He was also encouraged by his mother, Blanca, who worked hard to provide for the family.
Cruz's father, Michael, was also involved in his early athletic pursuits, serving as an assistant coach when he played Little League football at the age of 12. Cruz excelled in football from a young age, and his natural talent was evident. However, at that time, he was more interested in martial arts and karate, which he practised until he was 12.
Cruz's passion for martial arts laid the foundation for his future success in sports. It taught him discipline, focus, and dedication—values that he would carry with him throughout his athletic career. By the time he was 12, Cruz had quit karate and transitioned fully to football, a sport that he would go on to excel in at Paterson Catholic Regional High School and later, at the University of Massachusetts.
Cruz's early passion for martial arts shaped his character and work ethic, contributing to his success as a professional athlete. He overcame challenges, such as academic issues and injuries, to become a standout player for the New York Giants, helping them win Super Bowl XLVI in 2011.
Nylon Badminton Strings: Pros and Cons
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Football became his dream at age 12
Victor Cruz was a kid from Paterson, New Jersey, who grew up loving sports. While he was interested in martial arts during his early years, football officially became a part of his life when he was 12 years old. He played Little League football for the PAL North Firefighters, taking on the center position as he was one of the tallest players on the team. He loved being in the middle of the action, but as his career progressed, he became more skilled at catching the football.
Cruz's father, Michael, was an assistant coach for the team and envisioned his son as a running back. In his first play as a Little League running back, Victor broke several tackles and scored an uncontested 64-yard touchdown. This moment solidified football as Victor Cruz's dream.
Cruz continued to excel in football throughout his youth, playing wide receiver and defensive back for Paterson Catholic High School under coach Andrew Slome, whom he credits for his success. He earned All-State honors as a senior in 2003, helping his team capture the New Jersey Parochial Group I championship. After high school, Cruz accepted a scholarship to the University of Massachusetts, where he continued to thrive in football and academically, graduating with a degree in African-American studies.
Cruz's journey to the NFL was not without challenges. Despite his impressive college career, he went undrafted and faced academic struggles in high school and college. However, through sheer hard work and determination, he earned a chance at the New York Giants' training camp in 2010. After an incredible performance, he made the team's 53-man regular-season roster, overcoming the odds and silencing his doubters.
In 2011, Cruz started in seven games for the Giants, earning All-Pro honors and breaking franchise records for receiving yards. He became an integral part of the team's Super Bowl XLVI victory over the New England Patriots, tying an NFL record with a 99-yard touchdown reception. Victor Cruz's journey from a 12-year-old boy playing Little League football to a Super Bowl champion in the NFL is a testament to his dedication and love for the sport.
Dixon High School Girls Basketball: What Class Are They?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Victor Cruz first got into basketball at the age of eight. He played in basketball tournaments in New York City before his 15th birthday.
Yes, Victor Cruz played basketball for Paterson Catholic Regional High School in his hometown, Paterson, New Jersey.
No, Victor Cruz did not play basketball in college. He played football for the University of Massachusetts.
