N.Y. Giant Cruz Wins Vizio Top Value Award

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 1/26/2012

Irvine, Calif. - Vizio said Thursday that New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz was voted by fans as the 2011 Vizio Top Value Performer for 2011.

The honor was said to have resulted from a measurement of Cruz' regular season statistics against his 2011 earnings. 

 A 2010 undrafted free agent from the University of Massachusetts, Cruz began this season as New York's fourth wide receiver.

After two key injuries to starters led to his larger role, Cruz eclipsed a franchise single-season receiving record of 1,343 receiving yards.

While earning a base pay of $405,000, Cruz ended the 2011 regular season with 82 receptions for 1,536 receiving yards, the third-most in the league, and 9 touchdowns. 

"It's been an amazing year, and I'm thankful for all the fans who voted me as the Top Value Performer," said Cruz. "The other players up for the award were equally deserving, as they all had great seasons, but I'm proud to represent New York and the G-Men."

The 2011 finalists included Dallas WR Laurent Robinson, New England TE Rob Gronkowski, Chicago RB Matt Forte and San Francisco LB NaVorro Bowman.

Fan voting took place between Jan. 9-23 on Vizio's web site.

 Vizio said this year's votes broke a program record, garnering more than 300,000 votes in the fourth year of the contest.

Past winners included: Jacksonville QB David Garrard (2007), New England QB Matt Cassel (2008), Philadelphia wide receiver Steve Smith (2009), and Buffalo wide receiver Stevie Johnson (2010).