About 200 Giants fans gathered at the Modell’s store in Times Square on Tuesday to watch New York’s No. 80, Paterson native Victor Cruz, show off his famous salsa moves.
Fans waited for hours to see the Giants star shimmy his way across a makeshift dance floor with a class of novice salsa dancers at Modell’s flagship store. Cruz has become noted for his touchdown celebrations; all nine of his TDs have ended with his sultry hip-swinging moves.
Cruz entered the store flanked by police officers to chants of “MVP! MVP! MVP!” and “Cruuuuz!”
The wide receiver, who attracted the attention of scouts while playing for Coach Benjie Wimberly at Paterson Catholic High School, told the crowd his father was his role model as a child, and that his grandmother taught him to dance.
As salsa music blasted, a wide-smiling Cruz danced across the hardwood with the class of 20 dancers, observing at one point, “You guys are much better than I am.”
Cruz danced with fans for a good three minutes before signing autographs, posing for pictures and hugging fans.
“I’m excited for the Super Bowl,” Cruz said in a brief interview, adding that his phone hasn’t stopped ringing since Sunday’s win. “It’s amazing, especially coming from the small city of Paterson, to have all of those people just being behind you and supporting your career and understanding where you come from.
“I am happy to have the opportunity to play at this level and to have the teammates that I have,” he added. “I am focused; I understand my task and what we have to do. Both teams have good defenses and will come to play.”
Ana Cruz, no relation to the wide receiver, and her 10-year-old daughter, Nicolette, drove from Ridgefield to see Cruz in the flesh.
“He has had an immeasurable impact on the team this year,” Ana said. “Plus he’s a local guy, and he’s very personable and he has everyone psyched up. You gotta love a man who can cha-cha-cha.”
Brad Barksdale of South Brunswick happened to be walking by the Modell’s store when he learned Cruz was inside.
“It was a pleasant surprise,” said Barksdale, a Giants fan. “Victor had a great year, and his dance adds a little spice to the game ... as long as he doesn’t get a flag for it.”
Cruz, a new father of a baby girl, said he’s still changing diapers, “which has been something of an adjustment.” He said he has no plans to change his pre-game routine for the Super Bowl on Feb. 5.
“I’m just going to go out there and go through the same regimen — throw with Eli [Manning] before the game,” Cruz said. “The Patriots are a good team. They have discipline on both sides of the ball, and it’s going to be a challenge for us. But we will be prepared to play a good football game, and it should be a good one.”
Cruz added that his former coach would be his guest of honor for the big game.
Wimberly “is not missing that for his life,” Cruz said with a smile. “He’ll be there. I got him a ticket.”
Email: harrisc@northjersey.com
