[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO VICTOR CRUZ AND THE NEW YORK GIANTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 7, 2012

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Victor Cruz 
and the New York Giants on their thrilling victory in Super Bowl XLVI 
on Sunday night, in which they defeated the New England Patriots by a 
score of 21 to 17. As a fan, I am excited that the Giants have once 
again brought a Super Bowl championship and the Vince Lombardi Trophy 
back home to New Jersey. After last winning a championship in 2008, 
this is the second Giants Super Bowl victory in the past five seasons, 
for an impressive all-time total of four Super Bowl wins amongst their 
eight National Football League championships.
  Leading the charge for the Giants was the pride of my hometown of 
Paterson, New Jersey, wide receiver Victor Cruz. Paterson, located just 
a few miles from the Giant's home field, is home to thousands of proud 
Giants fans. Victor Cruz was born in Paterson, attending Paterson 
Public School #21 and Paterson Catholic High School before playing 
football at the University of Massachusetts, where he remains fourth in 
all time receptions. He fought his way off the streets of Paterson, 
finding a path to a college education. Starting as an unknown just two 
years ago, Victor gained the attention of Giants scouts and now 
competes on the highest level. Victor serves as a true inspiration to 
the people of Paterson, who gave him an enthusiastic send-off when he 
revisited School #21 before the team departed for the Super Bowl in 
Indianapolis.
  On Sunday night, Victor Cruz scored the first touchdown of the 
contest on a reception from the game's Most Valuable Player, Giants 
quarterback Eli Manning. With this touchdown, Victor had the 
opportunity to showcase his signature ``Silk City Salsa'' touchdown 
dance, a fan favorite. This move shows Victor's continued connection 
with his home town, since it is named for the city of Paterson, which 
was once the center of a thriving domestic textile industry.
  Since being signed by the Giants, Victor already holds the franchise 
record for single season receiving yards after going undrafted in 2010. 
He has also tied the NFL record for longest touchdown reception of 99 
yards. Now, he can add a Super Bowl title to the long list of 
accomplishments he has already attained in just two years of playing 
professional football. Victor Cruz's story so far proves that anyone 
can achieve greatness with hard work and perseverance. I hope that 
Victor enjoys a long career with continued successes.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet I am especially honored today to recognize and 
commemorate the achievements of the New York Giants and Paterson's 
hometown hero, Victor Cruz.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the citizens of New 
Jersey, and me in recognizing the Giants for their victory in Super 
Bowl XLVI, and in wishing continued success to Victor Cruz, Eli 
Manning, Coach Tom Coughlin, owners John Mara and Steve Tisch, and the 
rest of the team. I am sure that former Giants owner and my fellow 
Fordham University alumnus, Wellington Mara, who passed away in 2005 
after 80 years with the team, was also watching from above with a smile 
on Super Bowl Sunday. Let's Go Giants!

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