Giants legend Victor Cruz makes a Super Bowl comeback: Here's how
NEW YORK CITY - Inside a bustling studio in New York, a different kind of team huddle is taking shape. This isn’t your typical locker room scene; it's the set for NYU Langone Health's new Super Bowl commercial, featuring former New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz.
During an exclusive behind-the-scenes look with Good Day New York, Cruz shared insights into the parallels between being part of a Super Bowl-winning team and leading a team of top-tier medical professionals.
"It's all about them coming together for the common goal," Cruz explained, drawing from the leadership and unity that propelled the Giants to victory in 2012.
The playbook behind the commercial: Merging football strategy with healthcare teamwork
The backstory:
In the commercial, Cruz playfully suggests that the doctors stick to medicine, yet the underlying message is clear: teamwork is as essential in healthcare as it is on the football field.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Joseph Zuckerman of NYU Langone echoed this sentiment, emphasizing, "When you think about it, you know, NYU is the number one academic medical center in the United States for quality and social safety. 4500 physicians, 50,000 employees. That doesn't happen without a lot of teamwork."
Cruz on team dynamics in healthcare and football
What he's saying:
"It's just been a real treat to get to know some of the doctors and their system, and see how similar it is to playing football and being part of a team," Cruz said, reflecting on his recovery from a knee injury and the team dynamics involved.
Cruz on the Super Bowl and support for former NY Giants star Saquon Barkely
What he's saying:
"When I look at that team (Philadelphia Eagles), I'm torn because I want Saquon to succeed, but not necessarily the team as a whole. It seems impossible for one to win and the other to lose in a game, but that's where I stand," Cruz remarked. He praised the Eagles for their exceptional performance throughout the year, noting, "The defense has been stellar, the top in the league. Offensively, Saquon has been outstanding, going above and beyond what we've come to expect."

Cruz also gave advice to the Giants.
"Bring in a game changer like Travis Hunter, who can be your Swiss Army knife on the field, both offensively and defensively, and then build our roster around him. Next year we've got to go all in on Arch Manning. I think New York City would be thrilled about it. It would rejuvenate the New York-New Jersey area and hopefully put some wins in the win column for us as well," Cruz said.
Community outreach in NJ
Why you should care:
"Paterson, New Jersey, where I grew up, needs a lot of love and continued support. I still run my football camp there and remain closely involved with the Boys and Girls Club, where I have my Aquatic Center. There are so many things that I continue to do and am really proud of in the town," Cruz said.