Star wide receiver Victor Cruz was released from the New York Giants on Feb. 13. Many sports fans are wondering what’ll be next for the 30-year-old free agent. There are some who believe he’ll move on to another team, and Cruz reportedly in talks with teams like the Denver Broncos. But with major leg injuries and a mediocre season in 2016, some critics argue it’s time for him to retire. What do you think?
PERSPECTIVES
It would have cost $9.4 million against the Giants’ salary cap to keep Cruz. So, after a bad season in 2016 and two major injuries — his cut came at no surprise. But after seven incredible years, fans will miss the underdog.
Like ESPN wrote, Cruz became a Giants legend in a short period of time. In fact, many believed he would retire with the team. But Cruz wants to keep playing. And he’s reportedly in talks with the Denver Broncos. Team Vic doesn’t want to see the wide receiver end his career either. He’s an underdog, and fans love a comeback story.
But that’s just it: Many believed Cruz would retire as a Giant. Now that he’s been cut, critics say it’s over for Cruz. He had a major knee injury in 2014 and a calf injury in 2015. He was out for nearly two seasons. He returned in 2016, but with poor performance. Can he really make a comeback from that?
Cruz made it clear that he’ll miss the Giants, but he’s not done.
Here’s his statement:
It’s been an amazing journey. I pretty much grew up in front of the eyes of this entire organization. The Giants fan base, the community, my hometown, my family. I grew up there. It’s very much a family atmosphere and it’s very much like leaving your family. That’s what it feels like. I did some great things there. There are so many experiences, times and moments that I shared in that building with that team in that jersey. Those can’t be replaced or forgotten. I’m happy I have those moments to look back on.
I’m going to miss the people there. Those are the guys that you see day in and day out. Those are the guys that you go to war with and see every day. That’s the family. Those are the people that you look up to, look at, see every day and are most excited about. I definitely miss those guys. I had the chance to see them today before I left the building. I was there for an hour or two just talking to everyone. It’s a good feeling. They’ll always be family. People like that, when you know them that long, they don’t go anywhere.
Victor Cruz opens up on his career with the Giants after being cut. (via @uninterrupted) pic.twitter.com/g5fp1voNgM
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) February 14, 2017
Put some respeck on Cruz’s name.
First the Knicks ban Charles Oakley, now the Giants cut Victor Cruz, New York just does not respect its legends.
— Lil’ Cory From SW [?] (@CoryTownes) February 13, 2017
And he still made somewhat of a comeback from his injuries in 2016. He could’ve been a key asset to the Giants’ 2017 campaign. But maybe he’ll go somewhere else to do that.
That Cruz came back from that injury is incredibly impressive to begin with. https://t.co/UadbqUS0vo
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 13, 2017
And while many fans believe Cruz isn’t done, many wanted him to retire eventually as a Giant.
For reals New York Giants y u gotta release Victor Cruz[?] He Giants legend just let him retire in New York cmon fam #OnceAGiantAlwaysAGiant
— Andrei Arugay (@KinGBob175) February 13, 2017
Some scouts might not want the free agent. This might be the end even if Cruz doesn’t want that.
Victor Cruz, 30, is great guy. A scout told me he is probably done. Numbers last year were like Tajae Sharpe’s. I don’t see #Titans chasing.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) February 13, 2017
Maybe it’s time to find another gig.
Victor Cruz should just retire & work for ESPN or something
— [?] [?] [?] [?] (@_ineverycolor) February 13, 2017
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