Widely known for his glitzy speed and charm across the yard and in daily life, Victor Cruz was the star NFL wide receiver. Cruz has since retired from playing professional football, but his career achievements, business troves, and sound money choices over the years have left him with quite a pile. In this article, we’re going to examine Victor Cruz Net Worth, how he earned his money, and what has contributed to his wealth.
Who is Victor Cruz?
Victor Cruz was born Nov. 11, 1986, in Paterson, N.J. He was already established as a wide receiver in the NFL, playing for the New York Giants from 2010 to 2016. Cruz’s ascension was meteoric, and his salsa dance touchdown celebration captured fans’ hearts nationwide. The fact that he has found a successful career in the NFL, in addition to building a personal brand and creating other business ventures, post football, has made him a unique breed of celebrity and tycoon.
Cruz’s football career had its peaks He was a Super Bowl champion with the Giants in Super Bowl XLVI and was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2012. Although the latter portion of Cruz’s career was waylaid by injuries, he remained one of the most recognizable faces in sports and entertainment.
Victor Cruz’s NFL Career
Victor Cruz’s path to the NFL was not a typical one. He wasn’t picked in the 2010 NFL Draft but impressed the New York Giants during training camp. But his big break was a stint in a preseason game in 2010 when he tore the field up so well it nabbed him a position on the Giants’ roster.
The second year in the league for Cruz came in 2011, with Cruz putting up record breaking numbers, catching 82 passes for 1,536 yards and nine touchdowns. His performance was key to the Giants’ Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI, solidifying his legacy among the best wide receivers in the game. He followed that up with another good year in 2012, which included a Pro Bowl selection. However, injury became a frequent issue for Cruz during the last years of his career, and he retired in 2017.
Although Cruz’s NFL career lasted only seven seasons, he left an indelible mark on the league as a player and as a personality.
Victor Cruz Net Worth: How Much Is He Worth?
As of 2024, Victor Cruz Net Worth is approximately $16 million. This number reflects his earnings during his NFL career as well as his various business ventures after retirement.
NFL Salary and Earnings
Victor Cruz earned a high dollar amount when he played with the New York Giants. His 2010 rookie contract was a three year deal worth approximately $1.5 million. But it was his 2014 extension that set him up for life. The Giants signed Cruz to a five year, $43 million contract extension that included $15.6 million guaranteed. It made him one of the highest paid wide receivers in the game in terms of money at the time.
The contracts were nice, and Cruz posted big numbers at the peak of his career, but injuries and then a release from the Giants in 2017 meant that he left the full rewards of his final years in the league on the table. However, Cruz made millions in NFL salary throughout his career.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Cruz also made a lot of money from endorsements on top of his NFL salary. His combination of an everyman personality, on field success, and popularity made him a natural for brand partnerships. Cruz’s endorsement contracts covered a wide range, from such giants as Adidas and Pepsi to Campbell’s Soup and the like.
Though specific figures on how much he made for these promotional partnerships are not publicly available, one can presume that he made a sizable amount, including in the early years of his career when he was easily one of the most recognizable faces of the league.
Post Football Ventures: Business and Media
As the new co-host of Daily Pop alongside Justin Sylvester, Cruz has made a smooth transition from football to the world of business and media. He’s made strategic investments and launches, helped build his fortune, and is a fixture in some entertainment and lifestyle spheres.
Appearances and Career on Television
Perhaps the most prominent venture undertaken law post football would be Cruz’s work on television. He has been a talk show guest and sports network guest and even hosted his one, Cruz Control, a sports based series on ESPN. He also appeared on shows like Dancing with the Stars, where he flaunted his dancing prowess, a reference to his iconic touchdown celebration. His visibility on television has allowed Cruz to build a strong personal brand, separate from sports.
Fashion and Lifestyle
Victor Cruz is also notable for his style and his strategic steps in the fashion business. He collaborated with brands like Macy’s for his namesake clothing line, a collection of casual and urban inspired clothing. Cruz’s sense of fashion, when you consider how big Cruz is on social media, makes him a prime candidate for fashion collaborations, which boosts his income and therefore his net worth.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Besides the media and fashion focused projects, Cruz has pursued a range of entrepreneurial ventures. Launched to promote various companies, he has various investments, ranging from tech companies to companies related to sports and real estate companies. Being able to diversify his revenue has been key for Cruz to have a solid financial structure after football.
He is also known for his philanthropic efforts, which notably include initiatives supporting local communities and youth, especially in his hometown of Paterson, N.J. His charitable activities give him an extra layer of public cross pollination on his reputation and personal brand that can also mean dollars down the line when it comes to opportunity and partnerships.
Victor Cruz Lifestyle: What Does He Spend So Much Money On?
Like a lot of celebrities, Cruz lives a life of luxury, but he has also made wise choices in spending and investing. He has multiple properties, including a mansion in New Jersey. Cruz often enjoys the finer things in life dining at luxury restaurants, worldwide travel, and high end fashion, which is not unusual for a successful athlete or entertainer.
But Cruz has also shown fiscal prudence, investing judiciously in businesses and endeavours that have continued to pay dividends. The NFL career gave him the means for a nice lifestyle you saw cars and houses from the photos—but his recent business dealings suggest that he’s not merely coasting on his athletic paychecks but rather adding to his accounts in multiple, different ways.
Conclusion
Victor Cruz Net Worth of $16 million, earned through his successful NFL career, lucrative endorsements, and smart investments. He also has a diverse media, fashion, and tech portfolio that showcases him as an athlete and entrepreneur. Cruz’s journey illustrates lessons about money, marketing, and maximizing post career opportunities. Between regular media appearances, business ventures, and endorsement deals, Cruz is set to be a player in entertainment and sports for years, showing a knack for success outside of football.
FAQ About Victor Cruz Net Worth
How much did Victor Cruz make in the NFL?
Victor Cruz earned approximately $50 million from his NFL salary, endorsements, and bonuses over his career.
What Is Victor Cruz Doing Now?
Since retiring, Victor Cruz has focused on media work, TV hosting, tech investments, fashion, and social media.
Does Victor Cruz own any businesses?
Yes, Victor Cruz has made investments in several businesses, such as real estate, fashion, and technology startups. He is also a philanthropist who engages in local New Jersey community work.
What is Victor Cruz’s endorsement income like?
Victor Cruz signed endorsement deals with Adidas, Pepsi, and Campbell’s Soup, likely earning millions over the years.
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