Giants Legend Victor Cruz Talks Career, Fashion & More with Kevin Hart
It has been seven years since Victor Cruz caught a pass for the New York Giants, but he’s still making a splash. The former All-Pro wide receiver and Super Bowl champion hopped into an ice tub on the set of Kevin Hart’s Cold as Balls to discuss his career, life after football, and proposed changes to the big game.
Hart’s show donned a New York theme for episode four of season nine as part of the Laugh Out Loud Network. An Empire State legend, Cruz kicked off the interview by describing life as a Giant after hanging up the cleats.
“I think it is [good]. I think it’s better when you obviously win a Super Bowl here. So, it just hits a little bit different,” Cruz said.
Hart, an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan, seemed less enthusiastic about Giants culture, especially as Cruz recounted the origin of his notorious salsa-dance celebration.
“When I had my first catch, up the sideline…against the Philadelphia Eagles…I’m just like, ‘It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, I’m half Puerto Rican, I get into the end zone, I’ve got to do this salsa dance. It’s the only right thing to do.’”
The production team followed up the story by offering Cruz a snack of chips and salsa.
Later on, Cruz opened up about his wardrobe and passion for fashion. Hart noted that Cruz’s style sets him apart.
“I think I always just had a natural interest as a kid. I always wanted to look a certain way. I always wanted to look presentable. My biggest thing was just dressing for the moment,” Cruz said. “I think it also kind of comes from my dad. My dad was just one of the spiffiest dressers. Always threw it on, and I wanted to take that to the next level.”
Cruz has been a familiar face at New York Fashion Week and even founded the "Young Whales" clothing line with former teammate Nate Collins in 2010.
Hart asked about Cruz’s journalism experience and interest in continuing to work as an analyst. The Giants veteran joined ESPN in 2018 after announcing his retirement from the NFL. Cruz says he wants to continue being an analyst but prefers to stay behind the scenes and has ideas for how to impact current players.
“Players who play in the Super Bowl don’t get to watch the halftime show. Why can’t we give them that experience, maybe before the game, where they walk through and see what it’s going to look like,” Cruz said. “That’s what I’m into. Doing it the right way.”
Always the funny man, Hart teased Cruz by repeating the idea back to him, claiming it as his own.
New episodes of Cold as Balls will air on Thursdays on the Laugh Out Loud YouTube channel and Hart’s Instagram page. Remaining guests this season include Eagles running back D'Andre Swift, NFL legend Randy Moss, and two-time Olympic Gold medalist Carli Lloyd.
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