Victor Cruz joked that winning a championship for the New York Knicks was equivalent to the life-changing joy of becoming a father.
The New York Giants alum and avid Knicks fan made the comparison in an exclusive statement to Page Six as he reflected on what the NBA title meant to him.
“For me personally, winning in this city is next to having a child,” he said. “This was an experience I will never forget and one I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Victor co-parents 14-year-old daughter Kennedy Cruz with ex-partner Elaina Watley.
The former wide receiver, who helped lead the Giants to defeat the New England Patriots in the 2012 Super Bowl, said his memories of winning in New York were “second to none.”
“I think the fans understand that and the players are anxious to share those memories with their families,” he said.
The 36-year-old football star said the Knicks’ win in the Big Apple meant “absolutely everything.”
“Having a basketball championship in New York would be monumental for the city and would draw fans from all walks of life,” he said.
“Obviously the die-hard fans in New York City, they’ve been clamoring for a championship for years. This year seems like the most favorable year for us to win a championship, and I think everyone feels that.”
Victor is a longtime Knicks fan and has sat courtside in the celebrity row at Madison Square Garden on several occasions.
The retired athlete made headlines during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs between the Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden in April 2023.
In February 2024, he wore a New York Rangers jersey and cheered on the Knicks against the Indiana Pacers.
A year later, he played in Game 4 of the Knicks vs. Boston Celtics at MSG in May.
If the Knicks win the NBA championship this year, it will be the first time in 53 years. In interviews with the Post last week, several A-listers reflected on being Knicks superfans.
“I’ve been a Knicks fan since the 1970s, going to game after game with my friends, so I’m very excited,” Martha Stewart said. “I got to know Bill Bradley, Walt Frazier and Patrick Ewing. Now when I see them at a Knicks game, I get so excited. I’m so proud of the team.”
Susie Essman recalled becoming a fan in 1971 when she was in high school.
“My boyfriend was a fan, and he got me into basketball and the Knicks so I could experience the glory days,” she said. “We had some difficult years between now and then, but here we are and things are great again.”
Emmy Rossum said her No. 1 player is Jalen Brunson.
“He’s the heartbeat of the team,” she said. “Every time I go there and meet him in person, he’s very calm, never hurries, has grace and always delivers the goods.”
The New York team will face the San Antonio Spurs in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday night, and Game 5 is scheduled to be held this Saturday.
