Victor Cruz Ethnicity: Where Is The Former NFL Player From?

This article was last updated by on

Victor Cruz has mixed ethnicity and grew up in a Spanish household. The 2011 Super Bowl champion Cruz’s mother has Puerto Rican roots, and his father came from an African-American background.

After his dad passed away in 2007, the former New York Giants wide receiver was brought up by a single mother. Cruz is native to Paterson, New Jersey, with his father being a retired firefighter. 

Victor Cruz Pictured Holding The Super Bowl Trophy As The Giants Defeat The Patriots
Victor Cruz Pictured Holding The Super Bowl Trophy As The Giants Defeat The Patriots (Source: Instagram)

After going undrafted in the 2010 NFL Draft, a scout named Chris Pettit recommended Victor to the Giants. He told the Giants they wouldn’t regret giving Cruz a chance.  

In his six seasons with the Giants, Cruz played 70 games, totaling 4,549 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns. Cruz won the Super Bowl XLVI with Eli Manning leading the offense and the New Jersey native being his top target. 

Victor Cruz Ethnicity: Where Is The Former NFL Player From?

The former NFL player Victory Cruz comes from a family with mixed ethnicity. His father, Mike Walker, was a man of African-American background, and his mother, Blanca Cruz, comes from Puerto Rican heritage.

Victor’s father, Mike Walker, was a retired Paterson, New Jersey firefighter and committed suicide in 2007. In a 2015 documentary, I Am Giant: Victor Cruz, the former NFL player talked about his father’s demise. 

In the documentary, Cruz broke down while talking about his father. He said his father’s demise kept a chip on his shoulder and made him focus on his craft.

Victor Cruz Shares A Throwback With His Mother, Blanca On Mother's Day 2021
Victor Cruz Shares A Throwback With His Mother, Blanca On Mother’s Day 2021 (Source: Instagram)

Raised by his single mother, Blanca, Victor grew up in a Spanish household. In an interview, Victor said when he was a kid, his fashion sense was influenced by his mom’s side family.

But as a teenager, the influence of his African-American background started catching up. His mother, Blanca, worked at the Benjamin Moore customer service department and worked hard to put food on the table. 

During a conversation with AQ, Cruz said his mother would always find a way to surprise him, and if he wanted to wear something special, she would always figure out a way to get it for him on the holidays.

Victor Cruz Partner: Who Is The NFL Player Dating?

Earlier this year, Victor Cruz and a mystery woman enjoyed a downtime in Barbados. In his interview with The New York Post, the former NFL star didn’t confirm his relationship status.

He only referred to the mystery woman as a “lovely lady.” On his Instagram, the one-time Super Bowl Champion hasn’t shared any picture that would give hints about his relationship. 

Victor was previously engaged to Elaina Watley, with whom he shares his daughter, Kennedy. The two began dating in 2008 and welcomed their daughter in 2012. 

The wide receiver proposed to his longtime girlfriend in 2014 during a baby dedication ceremony for his daughter. The proposal video was later shared on the internet, with Cruz saying he was nervous before he dropped the bomb.  

Victor Cruz Pictured With His Daughter, Kennedy For A Photoshoot In 2022
Victor Cruz Pictured With His Daughter, Kennedy For A Photoshoot In 2022 (Source: Instagram)

But their engagement only lasted a year, with Elaina finding out Victor cheated on her with multiple women. In his interview with E!, Cruz said his toxic relationship with Elaina made it harder for them to co-parent their daughter positively. 

After breaking up with Elaina, Cruz dated actress Karrueche Tran. Victor and Karrueche began dating in 2017 but went their separate ways in February 2021. 

In an episode of The Pivot Podcast, Cruz said it was nothing malicious, and they felt they needed to do things separately. 

On his Instagram, Cruz has shared several photos and videos with his daughter, Kennedy. The father-daughter duo can be seen doing photoshoots for various brands. The two also enjoy playing golf, with Victor sharing a sweet photo of them on Father’s Day.  

Sriyukta Pradhananga
Sriyukta Pradhananga
Sriyukta Pradhananga is a versatile writer with a keen interest in exploring the multifaceted dimensions of sports. Her articles offer readers a dynamic blend of insightful analysis, engaging storytelling, and thought-provoking commentary that sheds light on the diverse experiences within the athletic realm.

Expertise:

Sports Technology Global Sports

Highlights

  • Sriyukta keeps abreast of the latest advancements in sports technology.
  • She examines issues related to sports ethics, fair play, and integrity.

Experience

With a background in journalism and a passion for sports, Sriyukta approaches each article with a blend of curiosity, rigor, and creativity. She strives to illuminate the complexities and nuances of the sports world, sparking meaningful conversations and inspiring readers to engage more deeply with the athletic endeavors that unite us all.

Related articles

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Share article

Ex-Charlotte Hornets Montrezl Harrell’s Parents, Samuel And Selena, Shaped His Journey From Tarboro To Global Basketball

Montrezl Harrell, a strong basketball player with the Gigantes de Carolina in the NBL, has a story strongly connected to his family.His parents, Samuel...

Randy Orton Once Shocked WWE By Kissing Stephanie McMahon While She Was Unconscious, Making This A Wave Of Controversy!

Randy Orton revisited the infamous 2009 WWE segment where he kissed Stephanie McMahon for the first time in years. Back in 2009, WWE fans witnessed...

Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey Deactivates Instagram After Alleged Leaked Video With Woman Not His Partner Stephanie Hope

Leon Bailey is facing controversy after a video showing him in a compromising position with a woman was leaked online. A Jamaican professional footballer, Leon...

Mukwonago HS Coach Jerry Swan, 92, Is Survived By His Wife Of 69 Years, Jeannine, And His Three Sons, Scott, Mark, And Jeff

Gerald “Jerry” Swan, a revered coach, educator, and mentor who shaped generations of young athletes in Wisconsin, has passed away at age 92. The...

Mississippi Dirt-Car Racer Trey Rickman, 28, Dies, Survived By Parents Rick and Charlotte, Partner Alexandra Jackson

Trey Rickman, a Columbus, Mississippi, native and local dirt-car racer, passed away at an untimely age of 28, leaving his family and loved ones...