"It's definitely a surreal feeling to come from where I came from and to go through the ups and downs and to come out the other end and have this brilliant opportunity to succeed," Cruz said, "and be on the team, close to home, that has a winning tradition is truly a blessing and I'm just thankful for everyone in the Giants organization who gave me a chance and believed in me."
Hard-working Cruz beats Giant odds
Last Updated: 5:37 AM, September 6, 2010
Posted: 2:17 AM, September 6, 2010
Victor Cruz is going to move.
"Sooner than later, but I'm still going to be home so I'm not going too far away," he told The Post yesterday.
Cruz currently lives in his family home in Paterson, N.J., with his mother, Blanca, and 15-year old sister, Andrea Mann. It's been an exciting time in the Cruz household, with Victor capping off a breakthrough summer by hearing on Saturday that he made the Giants' 53-man roster as a receiver and special teamer.
"It's definitely a surreal feeling to come from where I came from and to go through the ups and downs and to come out the other end and have this brilliant opportunity to succeed," Cruz said, "and be on the team, close to home, that has a winning tradition is truly a blessing and I'm just thankful for everyone in the Giants organization who gave me a chance and believed in me."
There weren't many believers when Cruz arrived as an undrafted free agent out of UMass, facing extremely long odds.
"During OTAs I was kind of tentative, just trying to learn the plays and get everything down pat," he said. "Halfway through training camp when I was really understanding the playbook and understanding the things they wanted out of me, that's when I knew I was fit for this league and fit for this offense."
Cruz didn't even go out to celebrate, and stayed home with family and friends. Today is a milestone day for him: "When I start my official first day of work," he said. "It's definitely going to feel different, going to feel like home a little bit and just to know I've secured a spot a little bit and get ready to just work hard and get ready to have a good season."
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