Aside from the obvious fact that Cruz remains unsigned and hasn't accepted any of the Giants offers, fans have a reasonable amount of evidence to be concerned with Victor's attitude towards success. Since he joined the team in 2010, the tide has turned drastically for Victor's reputation among Giants fans. Three years ago Cruz was a shot in the dark as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Massachusetts. As a student Victor failed out of school twice for what he deemed in his novel, "Out of the Blue" as a lack of priorities. The novel also portrays Victor's development and maturity as he truly overcomes obstacles in his life to live his dream of being a professional athlete. This book was released following Cruz's record breaking season for the Giants in 2011 as a key member of New York's run to the Super Bowl. The story is nothing short of an inspiring reminder to follow dreams and never give up on goals no matter how distant they may seem.
These details are what make Victor's recent behavior conflicting and disheartening. Cruz recently signed with Jay-Z's agency Roc Nation. For those uninformed, that agency intends to "focus on elevating athletes' careers on a global scale both on and off the field." Roc Nation assists in things like "endorsement deals, community outreach, media relations, and brand strategy." Essentially it's very intent is to further fame and fortune for athletes, as it does musicians. This decision Cruz made to sign with this agency conflicts with the priorities he deemed in his novel about being humble and appreciative for the opportunities at hand. Victor can do what he wants with his money and spare time off the field, but so far this off season his off the field needs have surpassed his on the field needs and that can put him in a bad place. (And as for the reality television rumor,Wellington Mara may have rolled in his grave. Fortunately Victor denied that interest when later asked).
Naturally though, all will be forgiven between Cruz and Giants fans if he is able to simply agree to terms on a contract and continue to be a vital factor to the Giants offensive success. But ironically another factor to the Giants passing game, who's presence allowed Victor his opportunity to break out, is number one wide receiver Hakeem Nicks. Unfortunately Giants fans know all too well that Hakeem remains unhappy with his contract and is looking to structure a new deal before he enters free agency at the conclusion of the 2013 season. Nicks reported that his contract situation would not impact his participation with the Giants, although he disappointingly did not show up for the Giants OTA's. The Giants mandatory camp starts next week, so if Hakeem elects not to show up to those he will be fined. Tom Coughlin recently reported that he, "expects he would be there" (New York Post). Perhaps that time is a good target for Victor to have a deal reached as well. If not, Victor and Hakeem truly need to have their off the field situations handled by the start of training camp. Otherwise their issues will suddenly become everybody's issues, and negatively impact the team.
In fact, the only "on the field" news the Giants have had in a while is that due to a herniated disc Jason Pierre-Paul will be getting back surgery in order to be healthy in time for the regular season. This explains JPP's mere 6.5 sacks after his breakout season the previous year. The only thing peculiar is why Pierre-Paul's surgery was delayed until now? If it's something that had been bothering him it would have made sense to get it properly looked at earlier in the off season. The reason for this hasn't been clear from the Giants or the media. Regardless, getting Jason Pierre-Paul in complete form can really transform the teams pass rush. In the mean time Damontre Moore will have a great opportunity as a rookie to see some time in training camp. Adrian Tracy will be able to see some time as well, and the competition will be good for the inexperience from those players.
This whirlwind of negativity has put Giants fans in an abysmal state. The greed and politics of professional football are a bitterness that can dismay the conditions of any loyal Giants fan. The hold outs, the rumors, and the real lack of appreciation can give fans a disappointed look in their eye at the thought of their heroes. Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks have made some decisions for their own personal benefits that quite frankly just suck to hear. But within these recent times of disappointment Giants fans need to remember that it's only June, and it's still the "deep breath before the plunge" of the NFL regular season.
And if there's one man that can remind Giants fans about personal accountability, appreciation, and never distracting the team in any sort, it's the Giants best player and captain, quarterback Eli Manning. As long as Eli remains under center, any receiver can have an opportunity to have success. And while that's the unfortunate truth that Nicks and Cruz are forgetting, Eli will always remain to be that same ol' Easy E that is determined to do well with any offense, and to never quit regardless of any circumstances.
Yes, politics and greed often tamper with the tradition of football, not just with the Giants but around the league. But no matter what the NFL tradition will be reoccurring in a matter of months; And the loyalty of fans will far surpass any selfishness that individual athletes display. Despite the fact that contract disputes make the headlines, the tradition of football will always be about something far more important than any individual players salary or personal accomplishments. Football has been, and always will be about coming together as a team. So Giants fans, don't let the current news of individual athletes take away what it means to be a Giants fan as a whole. Football will always stand for something more than that.
And whatever you do, don't forget that this golden tradition will be back in just a matter of three short months. Giants Cowboys. September 8th. Buckle up.
No comments:
Post a Comment