Victor Cruz is a retired American professional football player with an estimated net worth of $16 million.
Best known for his time as a wide receiver with the New York Giants, Cruz rose from undrafted free agent to Super Bowl champion and Pro Bowl-caliber star.
At the height of his career, his annual NFL salary peaked at approximately $8.6 million, cementing his status as one of the league’s most compelling success stories.
Cruz played college football at the University of Massachusetts, where he quietly built an impressive résumé before signing with the Giants in 2010.
Despite never starting a game until his junior year, he finished his collegiate career with 131 receptions, ranking fourth all-time at UMass.
His professional journey culminated in a Super Bowl XLVI victory in 2012, followed by a lucrative long-term contract extension with New York.
Victor Cruz’s NFL Salary And Contract History
In July 2013, Victor Cruz signed a five-year, $45.9 million contract extension with the New York Giants, reflecting his emergence as one of the league’s most dynamic slot receivers.
The deal included substantial guarantees and elevated him into the upper tier of NFL wide receiver salaries.
Before that extension, Cruz played under a one-year restricted free-agent tender worth $2.879 million. Unfortunately, injuries significantly impacted the latter half of his career, and he was released by the Giants in February 2017.
He later signed a short-term deal with the Chicago Bears, but his tenure was brief, leading to his retirement announcement in August 2018.
Early Life And Background
Victor Michael Cruz was born on November 11, 1986, in Paterson, New Jersey. He is the son of an African-American father, Michael Walker, a firefighter, and a Puerto Rican mother, Blanca Cruz. Tragedy struck his family when his father died by suicide while Victor was in his early twenties—an event that deeply shaped his outlook and resilience.
Cruz attended Paterson Catholic High School, where he played both wide receiver and defensive back. As a senior, he earned All-State honors, helped lead his team to an undefeated season, and scored 19 touchdowns.
After graduating, he spent a post-graduate year at Bridgton Academy in Maine to further develop academically and athletically.
College Football Career At UMass
Cruz enrolled at the University of Massachusetts, where his college career faced early challenges due to academic eligibility issues.
After twice being sent home, he ultimately stabilized his academic standing and became a key contributor on the football field.
By the end of his collegiate career, Cruz had recorded nearly 2,000 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-Colonial Athletic Association honors in both 2008 and 2009.
He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Afro-American Studies, demonstrating perseverance both on and off the field.
NFL Career With The New York Giants
Victor Cruz went undrafted in the 2010 NFL Draft, but the New York Giants signed him immediately afterward.
He made an immediate impact during the preseason, scoring three touchdowns against the New York Jets and leading all players in receiving yards.
After missing most of his rookie season due to injury, Cruz exploded onto the national stage in 2011. He recorded 1,536 receiving yards, nine touchdowns, and 82 receptions, breaking the Giants’ single-season receiving record.
His iconic 99-yard touchdown reception tied an NFL record and helped define his breakout campaign.
That season culminated in a Super Bowl XLVI victory, as the Giants defeated the New England Patriots. Cruz was named a Second-Team All-Pro by the Associated Press.
Injuries, Comeback, And Retirement
Cruz’s career trajectory shifted in October 2014 when he tore his patellar tendon, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. Complications followed, including calf surgery that caused him to miss the entire 2015 season.
After nearly two years of rehabilitation, Cruz returned in September 2016, scoring a game-winning touchdown in the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
However, injuries limited his long-term return, and the Giants released him in early 2017.
Following a brief stint with the Chicago Bears, Cruz officially retired from the NFL on August 21, 2018.
Media Career And Business Ventures
Since retiring, Victor Cruz has successfully transitioned into media and entertainment. He has worked as an NFL analyst for ESPN, hosted The Cost of Winning Podcast, and made television appearances, including a guest role on HBO’s Ballers.
In 2010, Cruz co-founded the Young Whales clothing brand with former teammate Nate Collins, further diversifying his post-football income and personal brand.
Personal Life And Philanthropy
Victor Cruz is the father of a daughter, Kennedy, whom he shares with Elaina Watley. He was also in a high-profile relationship with actress Karrueche Tran from 2017 to 2021.
Cruz has been widely praised for his philanthropy, particularly following the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in 2014.
He honored victim Jack Pinto during a game and personally visited the family, offering support and donating his game-worn cleats and gloves.
Victor Cruz’s Real Estate Investments
In 2013, Cruz purchased an 8,400-square-foot estate in New Jersey for $2.3 million. The seven-bedroom home sits on nearly three acres and includes luxury amenities such as a spa-style bathroom, Jacuzzi, wet bar, multiple laundry rooms, and en-suite bathrooms in every bedroom.
He listed the property for $2.75 million in 2019, reflecting both appreciation and strategic asset management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Victor Cruz win a Super Bowl?
Yes. Victor Cruz won Super Bowl XLVI with the New York Giants in 2012.
Why did Victor Cruz retire from football?
Cruz retired in 2018 due to recurring injuries that limited his ability to compete at a high level.
What does Victor Cruz do now?
He works as a sports analyst, media personality, podcast host, and entrepreneur.