New York Giants’ Victor Cruz partners with McDonald’s Mighty Wings and talks football

Victor Cruz is a pretty cool guy. The New York Giants’ star wide receiver dropped by the McDonald’s in Times Square yesterday to help announce the launch their new Mighty Wings menu item (“Nothing is better than football and wings,” he said at the press event).

victor cruz mcds — Victor Cruz, New York Giants wide receiver

Not only did he take a minute to indulge in the wings himself, he also fielded questions in Spanish, took pictures with a few lucky young fans, and yes, even salsa’d with a reporter (“Keep in mind, I’m still a little sore from Sunday’s game [against the Broncos],” he said, without missing a step). Speaking on the partnership with McD’s, Cruz said it’s a “dream come true.”

“I grew up as a fan of McDonald’s, I’ve been going there all my life,” he said, adding that McD’s was a place he would meet friends and share stories. “I’m excited to be part of this campaign–it was a no-brainer for me.”

Cruz answered some more questions exclusively for BATF. See below!

Beauty and the Feast: Do you have any game day rituals?
Victor Cruz: I don’t have rituals as much as I have a routine. I like to start my day out with eggs or French toast. I’ll train with Eli. I get into my game mode.

BATF: If you were going to share your Mighty Wings with one fellow Giants’ teammate, who would it be?
Cruz: That would have to be Hakeem Nicks. I think he’s the only one on my team who’s worthy of sharing my wings with because I’m usually pretty selfish with them. I’d try to keep them to myself, but yeah, I’d share with Hakeem.

BATF: What is your favorite restaurant from your hometown, Paterson, NJ?
Cruz: My favorite Paterson restaurant would have to be La Tia Delia. It’s in Downtown Paterson near school Number 9. They have good lomo, they have good rice they have good beans, good everything.

BATF: What advice would you give aspiring athletes?
Cruz: My advice would be to never give up. There’s going to be bumps in the road. There’s going to be things that happen in your life that’s going to derail you. No matter what happens though, finish through your goals.

BATF: Wings are a great staple football-watching food, but what did you eat growing up eating while watching football?
Cruz: I grew up in a Spanish household, so for one, I was cooking. I would be watching the 49ers or whoever was on at the time and cooking rice and beans [and other Spanish dishes]. I mean, my grandmother made it all. Or eating a Happy Meal. I loved the little toys that came with the Happy Meals.