Victor Cruz has “something to prove” in Chicago

After playing in 46 of New York’s 48 games from 2011-2013, averaging 80 receptions, 1,209 yards and 8 touchdowns, Victor Cruz only played in six games in 2014. He then missed the entire 2015 season, but he did play in 15 games for the Giants last year. His production was way down however, only making 39 catches, for 586 yards, and one TD.

The Giants may say he wasn’t the same player, but Cruz claims they purposefully cut his playing time in a salary cap conspiracy (Patti explored that here). Where ever the truth lies, Cruz’s injury is now a couple years behind him, so he’s probably healthier than he’s been in a while.

The Bears added Cruz late in free agency, after already signing wide outs Markus Wheaton and Kendall Wright, but they did guarantee him $1.5 million. So I’m guessing that unless he simply falls on his face during training camp, the Bears have him in their 2017 plans.

Cruz was at his annual Pro Camps football and skills exhibition challenge yesterday in his home state of New Jersey, when the media caught up with him and asked if he has something to prove.

“Every day,” Cruz said via ESPN. "Even after a Super Bowl or after an injury-riddled two years, I always feel like I have something to prove. I’ll always strap up my laces and helmet and have something to prove, because you do.”

Cruz’s camp, which hosted nearly 200 kids, is part of his charitable Foundation that helps local youth. Cruz is from Patterson, New Jersey, and he still considers that his home.

"You’re only as good as your last catch, your last game, your last year of production. That is what you’re marketed as. That is what they categorize you as, whatever your last showing is on the field.”