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Out of The Blue, Young Reader's Edition
From the beloved and charismatic wide receiver for the 2012 Super Bowl–winning New York Giants comes a root-for-the-underdog memoir about always believing in yourself.
Victor Cruz, the Super Bowl-winning and record-breaking wide receiver, is best known for his explosive plays and salsa touchdown celebrations. While his meteoric rise in the NFL looked like the result of a magical year, it was actually a lifetime in the making.
Raised in Paterson, New Jersey, Victor overcame numerous setbacks through hard work, perseverance, and the support of his loving family—from his grandmother who gave him his signature dance moves; to his late father, a former firefighter, who introduced him to football and taught him how to play; to his hard-working, single mother who never let him give up in the face of a challenge. They all helped to keep him on the right path, as did his coaches, but Cruz’s journey was never easy. There were academic struggles, injuries, and more. In this inspiring, never-before-seen account, Cruz pays tribute to the people and places that made him the man he is today, recounts his most defining moments, and illustrates how his hardships ultimately unleashed his impenetrable will to win.
Victor Cruz, the Super Bowl-winning and record-breaking wide receiver, is best known for his explosive plays and salsa touchdown celebrations. While his meteoric rise in the NFL looked like the result of a magical year, it was actually a lifetime in the making.
Raised in Paterson, New Jersey, Victor overcame numerous setbacks through hard work, perseverance, and the support of his loving family—from his grandmother who gave him his signature dance moves; to his late father, a former firefighter, who introduced him to football and taught him how to play; to his hard-working, single mother who never let him give up in the face of a challenge. They all helped to keep him on the right path, as did his coaches, but Cruz’s journey was never easy. There were academic struggles, injuries, and more. In this inspiring, never-before-seen account, Cruz pays tribute to the people and places that made him the man he is today, recounts his most defining moments, and illustrates how his hardships ultimately unleashed his impenetrable will to win.
- GenresBiography
272 pages, Hardcover
First published June 27, 2013
9 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 18, 2016
Love the message - if you want something, you have to earn it! Cruz didn't always make the best choices, but he learned from his mistakes. Great story!
October 22, 2015
Imran Razack
Book Review
Out of the Blue
By: Victor Cruz
Victor Cruz’s Out of the Blue is a fast moving biography that details the rise of New York Giant’s receiver Victor Cruz. The general public knows Victor Cruz for his highlight real catches and trademark salsa dance. But behind all the glamor and fame is a man who has overcame all odds to achieve greatness. That is where the meat of the story focuses on, the rise of Victor Cruz.
Cruz is from Patterson, NJ and makes it clear that not many kids come out of that rough neighborhood. Cruz spends a great deal of the book exercises humility. He is quick to give credit to those who have helped him along the way in his journey. The acknowledgment that he did not do it alone makes Cruz come across and humble and likable to the reader. Sometimes its easy to make rich, spoiled athletes the villain, but Cruz manages to steer the readers away from that by recounting touching stories of a boy who had to fight to survive.
Cruz’s relationship with his mother and grandmother are what make the book truly special. His mother never let Cruz give up, despite any obstacle that was in his way, it was his mother that gave him the strength to preserve. This relationship highlights the tone of the book, as you can’t help but feel motivated and uplifted.
While you are being entertained, you are secretly learning about the things that shaped Victor Cruz’s identity. The reader gets to learn about the man behind the mask. Cruz could not have survived his upbringing if it wasn’t for solid relationships and focus. Although he had his struggles, like bad grades that kept him from an elite college, he always found a way to come ‘out of the blue’ to get the job done. Victor’s identity was shaped by his upbringing, and this book is about Victor’s climb to prominence and stardom.
If I had to rate this book a 4 out 5 simply because it catches the reader into his story and his upbringing into becoming the NFL star he is today. I would recommend this book to young sports fans who want to hear a great story of a great player and his journey to becoming great. Victor Cruz really came Out of the Blue and this book just proves any athlete can succeed under even the toughest circumstances.
Book Review
Out of the Blue
By: Victor Cruz
Victor Cruz’s Out of the Blue is a fast moving biography that details the rise of New York Giant’s receiver Victor Cruz. The general public knows Victor Cruz for his highlight real catches and trademark salsa dance. But behind all the glamor and fame is a man who has overcame all odds to achieve greatness. That is where the meat of the story focuses on, the rise of Victor Cruz.
Cruz is from Patterson, NJ and makes it clear that not many kids come out of that rough neighborhood. Cruz spends a great deal of the book exercises humility. He is quick to give credit to those who have helped him along the way in his journey. The acknowledgment that he did not do it alone makes Cruz come across and humble and likable to the reader. Sometimes its easy to make rich, spoiled athletes the villain, but Cruz manages to steer the readers away from that by recounting touching stories of a boy who had to fight to survive.
Cruz’s relationship with his mother and grandmother are what make the book truly special. His mother never let Cruz give up, despite any obstacle that was in his way, it was his mother that gave him the strength to preserve. This relationship highlights the tone of the book, as you can’t help but feel motivated and uplifted.
While you are being entertained, you are secretly learning about the things that shaped Victor Cruz’s identity. The reader gets to learn about the man behind the mask. Cruz could not have survived his upbringing if it wasn’t for solid relationships and focus. Although he had his struggles, like bad grades that kept him from an elite college, he always found a way to come ‘out of the blue’ to get the job done. Victor’s identity was shaped by his upbringing, and this book is about Victor’s climb to prominence and stardom.
If I had to rate this book a 4 out 5 simply because it catches the reader into his story and his upbringing into becoming the NFL star he is today. I would recommend this book to young sports fans who want to hear a great story of a great player and his journey to becoming great. Victor Cruz really came Out of the Blue and this book just proves any athlete can succeed under even the toughest circumstances.
September 18, 2014
This was a true underdog story with a lot of touching parts. It was well written, and was overall a very good book. I continually read it, without wanting to put it down. I liked it a lot because Victor Cruz displays himself as a hard working person, who never gives up. Truly, one of the better novels I have read recently, and definitely a feel good book.
Victor Cruz was a normal kid growing up in the town of Paterson, New Jersey. He loved many sports, and looked up to the same people that the other kids in Paterson did; the local heroes. The athletes who made it to the professionals that were from Paterson. Little did he know, that would be him to many kids growing up in Paterson, New Jersey. Victor always did the right thing, and never got in trouble. By the time he started high school, he was a very good basketball player. He didn't play football until he was a sophomore in high school, because he was already playing a sport he loved. His dad was the one who encouraged Victor to play football. By Victor's senior year in high school, he was being recruited by many colleges for football. He was a very good wide receiver, with a lot of athleticism. Yet, his grades in college got him in trouble. He was kicked out of University of Massachusetts two times before getting his grades together, and becoming one of the best receivers University of Massachusetts ever had. After college, he moved onto the NFL. He became a very good receiver in the NFL, and is still loved today by many NFL fans.
Anyone who enjoys football, or an underdog story, will enjoy this book greatly. It is definitely a book that will inspire many people to not give up.
Victor Cruz was a normal kid growing up in the town of Paterson, New Jersey. He loved many sports, and looked up to the same people that the other kids in Paterson did; the local heroes. The athletes who made it to the professionals that were from Paterson. Little did he know, that would be him to many kids growing up in Paterson, New Jersey. Victor always did the right thing, and never got in trouble. By the time he started high school, he was a very good basketball player. He didn't play football until he was a sophomore in high school, because he was already playing a sport he loved. His dad was the one who encouraged Victor to play football. By Victor's senior year in high school, he was being recruited by many colleges for football. He was a very good wide receiver, with a lot of athleticism. Yet, his grades in college got him in trouble. He was kicked out of University of Massachusetts two times before getting his grades together, and becoming one of the best receivers University of Massachusetts ever had. After college, he moved onto the NFL. He became a very good receiver in the NFL, and is still loved today by many NFL fans.
Anyone who enjoys football, or an underdog story, will enjoy this book greatly. It is definitely a book that will inspire many people to not give up.
October 20, 2014
I really enjoyed this book a lot. If you like football, and are interested in the New York Giants, and an interesting life story, this is the book for you. Sure, it's an autobiography, but this book is amazing. There are a lot of lessons to be learned from this story, and it isn't just about his football life. It's about him succeeding in school, and sports, but also facing challenges in his life, and the way that he lived his life. This is a great story, and I highly recommend that you read it. If you have to read an autobiography, then this is the book to read, because instead of being bored by a regular life, you can go on the roller coaster of Victor Cruz's life.
October 30, 2014
Ok this is probably the best book I have ever read. Its all about Victor Cruzes life. He is probably one of my favorite players in the NFL. I liked it because Victor Cruz is on my favorite football team the New York Giants. If you like the Giants I would recommend this book to you. But if your not into football at all then do not read this book. Victor Cruz is a Wide Receiver on the Giants and I used to be a Wide Receiver so I thought it was cool reading from a pro football player. That's what I thought of the book and if your into football then read it. :)
March 4, 2015
this was a touching book because it shows no matter where you come from you have a chance to make your dreams come true with hard work and dedication. Its also very inspirational book for me because I can relate to Victor because he did not grow up with a father just like I am even though I'm am more priviledge than Victor was. I can relate to him a lot so I recommend this book o any athlete or any one who needs inspiration in there life great book.
November 4, 2015
Out of the blue
By: Victor Cruz
This book is about the life of Victor Cruz all of his struggles in his life.
I like that he put as much detail about most of the events in his life. I liked victor because he related a lot to most people like me. He felt real to me I mean a guy who went from rags to riches, best book ever!!!!! My favorite part of this book was when victor won the Super bowl XLIX.
I recommend this book to kids ages 10-13
By: Victor Cruz
This book is about the life of Victor Cruz all of his struggles in his life.
I like that he put as much detail about most of the events in his life. I liked victor because he related a lot to most people like me. He felt real to me I mean a guy who went from rags to riches, best book ever!!!!! My favorite part of this book was when victor won the Super bowl XLIX.
I recommend this book to kids ages 10-13
December 26, 2024
I read this book back in 8th grade, it helped me get into reading more. I loved the story and Victor Cruz got me into the NFL more, now I enjoy watching the game of football. Victor Cruz had the swagger and it was cool to read about his story as a young man, it inspired me to aim for more. A great read for anyone really, 10/10. I still have the copy I got back in 8th grade and maybe I will re-read it just for fun.
November 6, 2017
I think that this book is a good book to read for athletes who want to make it to the professionals. On your path to the pros, there will be events in your life where you will want to give up. But this book shows you that you can do anything you want in life as long as you don't give up.
October 22, 2019
This book was vary good. It was about Victor Cruzes life and what he went through. He talked about the people he lost and gained. He talked about how he made it to the NFL and who got home there. Is all this book was very good.
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May 15, 2017I enjoyed the book because it was a
October 11, 2019
It is a good book to read. If you want to read football book that is good. I would recombined it to people who wants to read it.
January 30, 2020
Book was very good, did not know a lot about Victor. He was really good and a good guy. A shame a bad injury ended his career.
January 24, 2023
I now wanna play football the end:)
May 19, 2017
Amazing because of victor Cruz
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October 14, 2016It was a very good book because i love football and it talked about his experience in college and in high school how he overcame very big obsticals and its just very interesting.
September 1, 2016
Victor Cruz Out of The Blue by Victor Cruz and Peter Schrager. Out of The Blue is based on Victor Cruz's ups and downs throughout his life, on and off the field. Victor grew up in Paterson, New Jersey with his parents and grandparents. His family had a huge impact on who he is today. His grandfather, "Papi" and his grandmother, "Abuela" taught him a lot about values and his heritage. His mother and father taught him to work hard and believe in himself.
Victor's first organized sport was basketball but when he was in high school his Dad encouraged him to try football. He was not a starter at first, but he had some great coaches that saw he had talent, so they worked with him throughout high school. Victor also met Elaina while in High School, and they've been together ever since. Victor ended up getting a football scholarship to University of Mass., but was unable to stay their due to bad grades. Victor had to go back to Paterson and attend community college to try and bring his GPA up before being accepted back to UMass. During his time back in Paterson Victor got a job and began to really focus on his future. His hard work paid off because his first year back at UMass he was voted most improved player and in his final year, he was voted most valuable player.
There were still some difficult times for Victor. His grandfather and father both passed away before he made it to the pro football, and he was not drafted into the NFL. His talent and hard work were enough to get him a tryout with the New York Giants. No one except Victor and his family thought he would make the team, but he did. Unfortunately he torn his hamstring early in the season and had to sit out the remainder of his rookie year. Victor came back strong the next year and won a starting position on the team. It was a big year for him, not only did he have a great season, but his daughter Kennedy was born and the Giants won the Super Bowl. Sadly, Victor's abuela passed before the Super Bowl, but he did his famous touchdown salsa dance in the end zone to honor her.
I really liked Out of The Blue. Victor showed that hard work and good values can pay off if you believe in yourself. I also liked that I have some things in common with Victor Cruz. My grandparents live close by us and come to most of my games. I like that they are there with my parents to see me play.
I think most of my friends would like this book and probably anyone that likes sports. It had good lessons about working hard and staying in school, so it would probably be good for a lot of people. It would be great if he wrote another book at the end of his career so I can read about his whole NFL career.
Victor's first organized sport was basketball but when he was in high school his Dad encouraged him to try football. He was not a starter at first, but he had some great coaches that saw he had talent, so they worked with him throughout high school. Victor also met Elaina while in High School, and they've been together ever since. Victor ended up getting a football scholarship to University of Mass., but was unable to stay their due to bad grades. Victor had to go back to Paterson and attend community college to try and bring his GPA up before being accepted back to UMass. During his time back in Paterson Victor got a job and began to really focus on his future. His hard work paid off because his first year back at UMass he was voted most improved player and in his final year, he was voted most valuable player.
There were still some difficult times for Victor. His grandfather and father both passed away before he made it to the pro football, and he was not drafted into the NFL. His talent and hard work were enough to get him a tryout with the New York Giants. No one except Victor and his family thought he would make the team, but he did. Unfortunately he torn his hamstring early in the season and had to sit out the remainder of his rookie year. Victor came back strong the next year and won a starting position on the team. It was a big year for him, not only did he have a great season, but his daughter Kennedy was born and the Giants won the Super Bowl. Sadly, Victor's abuela passed before the Super Bowl, but he did his famous touchdown salsa dance in the end zone to honor her.
I really liked Out of The Blue. Victor showed that hard work and good values can pay off if you believe in yourself. I also liked that I have some things in common with Victor Cruz. My grandparents live close by us and come to most of my games. I like that they are there with my parents to see me play.
I think most of my friends would like this book and probably anyone that likes sports. It had good lessons about working hard and staying in school, so it would probably be good for a lot of people. It would be great if he wrote another book at the end of his career so I can read about his whole NFL career.
March 30, 2015
Out of the blue by Victor Cruz is about a young boy named Victor Cruz. In this book he talks about having to rise up from a little town called Paterson, New Jersey. At the beginning of this book he talks about how his father left him when he was a young child. He also talks about how he had a love for his grandparents. Every day he would go to his grandmothers how and play with his grandfather. He used to wrestle with his grandfather. At first his real love of sports was tae kwon doe. Than he loved basketball. He really loved to play basketball and was good too. He thought that basketball would take him all the way through collage like his idle Tim Thomas. Eventually it didn't. His football career started when he played for the Paterson Firefighters. He played both offense and defense. From that moment on he loved football. In high school he played point guard for his school basketball team team. He was a real stud and had too other good players that was on that team. He and the other two guys eventually transferred to a different school. This was the same school that Tim Thomas went too. The school also had a newly found football team that played. At first hey weren't very good but Victor put up good numbers. That is how he got a scholarship to UMass. He quickly ran into trouble there though. He didn't keep his grades up so he got kicked out of school. Than he got back in and kicked out again. Than he attended a community college where his grades would transfer. When he got back to UMass he hit the books hard and brought his grade point average up! After that he could play football! He had a good four seasons but not enough to get recognized enough. He only got realized because of a a defensive beast. Fast forward to the NFL draft. That night he did not get drafted but many teams liked him. Finally the NewYork Giants signed him to a contract. Finally enough he made the team that he hated as a kid. He finally had made it and was playing pro ball. Than he had a kid and talked about he seasons in the NFL.
I liked this book a ton. It was very interesting for a guy that came out of the places he did. I also liked it because it showed how much heart he had through all of the things that he had to deal with.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes sports books and the NFL.
I liked this book a ton. It was very interesting for a guy that came out of the places he did. I also liked it because it showed how much heart he had through all of the things that he had to deal with.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes sports books and the NFL.
September 21, 2016
it is a really good book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2014
I thought the book was superb in every aspect. The book talks about Victor Cruz's childhood and what he had to do to make himself into an elite football player. After finishing his college career at the University of Massachusetts he barely made an NFL roster his rookie year. After his rookie year Cruz went to the New York Giants to make the team, . Because of his excellent performance in the pre-season the New York Giants singed him to the roster. During his first year as a New York Giant Cruz contributed in a lot of ways en route to the Giants winning the Super Bowl. I made one connection to the book, which was Cruz's hard drive and determination to be successful in sports one day, I have the same mentality. I really enjoyed reading the book because of the in depth details that the author had and the story.
October 8, 2015
This book is a great read for all ages. This book is about how Victor Cruz started off in a town called Paterson, although he is now a well known Football player his first true love was basketball. when he was a kid he played for a team called the Tim Tomas Playaz. he was the starting point gaurd for the team and played with kids like J.R Smith who now plays in the NBA. This book is also abut how Victor overcame adversity. He was kicked out of college, but he didn't give up and he worked hard until he got back in. Cruz also had to deal with much more. In conclusion this book is a great read for any football fan.
March 2, 2020
Victor Cruz was never anything special in football until his dad wanted him to try football during his freshman year. Victor didn't start and hardly played. His sport was basketball, but he talked to the football coach and the coach said that he saw potential. That is how Victor Cruz started his football career. There was many bumps along the road, but Victor eventually made it to the NFL. His story is amazing and shows how hard you have to work to be recognized, and then how hard you have to work to be able to play on Sundays.
March 11, 2015
I thought this book was really good. I learned a lot about Victor Cruz that I never learned about before and I thought it was interesting. We all think of athletes as perfect people who have had their lives right from day one, but in reality we are all just human. The way he described overcoming his struggles and going through his obstacles was intriguing. I would definitely recommend this book to a friend.
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January 3, 2016This book taught me a lot about Victor Cruz, and showed me how hard he worked to get where he is today. He did not grow up in a wealthy community, and did not have his dad until he started playing football. His Grandma was his biggest inspiration, and is also the one who taught him the famous Salsa dance.
December 29, 2013
Although his was not an easy journey from childhood to stardom as an NFL New York Giants star, his determination is admirable as is his giving credit to all those who supported him.
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