University of Massachusets Athletics
Hall of Fame
Victor Cruz
- Induction:
- 2025
During a standout career at UMass, Cruz established himself as one of the program’s all-time greats. He earned First Team All-CAA honors twice, in 2008 and 2009, while also garnering national recognition as an Honorable Mention All-American by College Sporting News in 2008 and a Preseason Third Team All-American in 2009. That same year, he received preseason accolades from the CAA coaches and Phil Steele Magazine.
An Afro-American Studies major, Cruz’s name is etched in the UMass record books. In a legendary performance against James Madison in 2008, he posted a school-record 262 receiving yards on 13 catches—tying the school mark for single-game receptions and ranking fourth all-time in CAA history. That game also marked his first multi-touchdown game. Over the course of the 2008 season, he became just the sixth player in UMass history to record over 1,000 receiving yards in a single season, finishing with 1,064 yards on 71 receptions. His 5.92 receptions per-game ranked among the program’s top single-season marks at the time as well.
Cruz continued his dominance in 2009, tallying 868 yards on 59 receptions across 11 games—averaging 78.9 receiving yards per-game, which ranked third in the CAA and 27th nationally. His consistency was unmatched, closing out his college career with a 22-game reception streak dating back to September 6, 2008. He finished his collegiate career with 131 receptions for 1,958 yards, placing him eighth all-time in both categories at UMass, and fifth in receptions per-game (4.23). In addition to his receiving prowess, he contributed on special teams as UMass’ primary punt returner in 2009.
Following his collegiate success, Cruz signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He proved himself at the professional level, playing for the Giants from 2010 to 2016. In 2011, he helped lead the team to victory in Super Bowl XLVI and was named a Second-Team All-Pro. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2012 and made NFL history with a record tying 99-yard touchdown reception in 2011—gaining 89 yards after the catch, the most ever on such a play at that time.
In the NFL, Cruz accumulated 303 receptions, 4,549 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns, leaving a legacy as an exciting, dynamic playmaker and Super Bowl Champion.
An Afro-American Studies major, Cruz’s name is etched in the UMass record books. In a legendary performance against James Madison in 2008, he posted a school-record 262 receiving yards on 13 catches—tying the school mark for single-game receptions and ranking fourth all-time in CAA history. That game also marked his first multi-touchdown game. Over the course of the 2008 season, he became just the sixth player in UMass history to record over 1,000 receiving yards in a single season, finishing with 1,064 yards on 71 receptions. His 5.92 receptions per-game ranked among the program’s top single-season marks at the time as well.
Cruz continued his dominance in 2009, tallying 868 yards on 59 receptions across 11 games—averaging 78.9 receiving yards per-game, which ranked third in the CAA and 27th nationally. His consistency was unmatched, closing out his college career with a 22-game reception streak dating back to September 6, 2008. He finished his collegiate career with 131 receptions for 1,958 yards, placing him eighth all-time in both categories at UMass, and fifth in receptions per-game (4.23). In addition to his receiving prowess, he contributed on special teams as UMass’ primary punt returner in 2009.
Following his collegiate success, Cruz signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He proved himself at the professional level, playing for the Giants from 2010 to 2016. In 2011, he helped lead the team to victory in Super Bowl XLVI and was named a Second-Team All-Pro. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2012 and made NFL history with a record tying 99-yard touchdown reception in 2011—gaining 89 yards after the catch, the most ever on such a play at that time.
In the NFL, Cruz accumulated 303 receptions, 4,549 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns, leaving a legacy as an exciting, dynamic playmaker and Super Bowl Champion.
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