Considering that New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz hasn’t played in a regular season game since Oct. 12, 2014, he’s been making more news and waves off the field than on it in recent months. Cruz insists he’s 100 percent healthy, prepared for the team’s offseason workout program and intends to be ready for training camp.
After hosting a portion of Tuesday’s Sports Emmy Awards in New York City, Cruz spoke to The Comeback about his return to the field, Eli Manning’s progress, rookie cornerback Eli Apple, and the draft criticism Big Blue faced after taking the Ohio State cornerback No. 10 overall.
The Comeback: You were a host at the Sports Emmys this year, you gave out some awards. How was that?
Victor Cruz: It was great. It’s a little intimidating, because you’ve got so many well-esteemed figures in the room, but you just relax and do it and it’s a lot of fun.
TCB: How are you feeling?
VC: I’m feeling great. Obviously it’s been a long journey, but I’ve been feeling good, feeling better as the days go on.
You'll never be able to unsee this Vine of Eli Manning Salsa dancing. https://t.co/Bv3CbOdTFV
— Joe Giglio (@JoeGiglioSports) May 10, 2016
TCB: How’s Eli Manning?
VC: Eli’s great. I was with him earlier today doing some practice stuff and he’s doing well. I think he’s excited about the offense this year, as he is every year. But he’s excited about the things that we can do this year and see what’s to come.
TCB: Did you ask him about not being the only Eli on the team anymore?
VC: [Laughs] I haven’t just yet, but I’m sure that question’s going to come up in the locker room at some point.
TCB: Have you met him [Eli Apple]?
VC: I have. He’s a good kid. I haven’t had an in-depth conversation with him yet, but from what I gather he’s a good kid. Eager, ready to learn. Ready to come in and pick up the defense and see what he can do. So we’ll see.
TCB: Critics have been panning your draft as not so good. What are your thoughts on that?
VC: I think we drafted well. We filled a lot of our needs in free agency, and I think in terms of the draft we just did a good job of picking guys that we needed and getting guys off the board first.
TCB: It’s absurdly early. It’s like insanely early. But, why do you think you guys are going to finally make the playoffs this coming season?
VC: I think because we have a good core of veteran guys, veteran leadership on our team. And I think it’s a matter of putting those veterans [in position] in order to connect with the younger players. I think we have the type of veterans to connect with the younger players and prove to them and show them what it takes to make it to the highest level. We’ve got what it takes so far.
