While the NFL offseason usually yields optimism and promise for the season to come, little could be mustered by the majority of the New York Giants' faithful. Injuries ravaged the defense even before the first snap. Going into the 2011 regular season, the Giants' roster was filled with question marks.

The Giants' season changed when Victor Cruz salsa danced into the headlines and households of America as Eli's new favorite target. While his 82 receptions for 1,536 yards and nine touchdowns tell the story of his dominance on the field, his Hollywood-esque story embodies his determination and will.

Cruz's journey began as a wide receiver at Paterson Catholic High School in New Jersey. He signed a letter of intent to play college football at the University of Massachusetts. Due to academic shortcomings, however, he was forced to put off his enrollment to UMass, instead enrolling at Bridgton Academy, a prep school in Maine. After eventually making his way to UMass, Cruz was declared academically ineligible, resulting in his dismissal from the university in 2007. Cruz was forced to enroll in community college, with the lone goal of making it back to UMass. Later that year, Cruz achieved that goal with a new focus and determination. He finished out his junior and senior seasons as a starting receiver and an impact player for the Minutemen.  

Despite a strong finish to his college career, Cruz went undrafted in 2010. The Giants were the lone team to invite him to a free agent workout. Cruz took advantage of the opportunity, earning himself an invite to Giants' training camp.

His 297 yards on 15 receptions and four scores in the preseason earned Cruz a spot on the Giants' 53-man roster.

Still, he failed to record a catch before a hamstring injury ended his rookie campaign.

Going into this season, Cruz was buried on the depth chart. An opportunity presented itself early in the season when Mario Manningham and Domenik Hixon went down with injury. Cruz scorched the Philadelphia Eagles in week three for two touchdowns and 110 yards, thus starting his fairy-tale season.

Cruz proved his ability to score from anywhere on the field with touchdowns of 68, 72, 74, 74 and 99 yards on the season. Cruz's defiance of the odds in achieving success goes to show that determination and perseverance are fuel for electrifying receptions, celebratory salsa dances and, hopefully for the Giants and their fans, a Super Bowl ring.