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What are your earliest memories of a coveted shoe you received?

The first one that I can remember was a Jordan 12s in the "Bred" colorway and I begged my mom for them. I remember telling her, “Yo, I need this shoe and it comes out on this day. I’m gonna have to miss school or if you’re gonna stand in the line for me, you might be late for work.” She thought I was crazy. This is after I begged for every other Jordan there was. She was like, “Boy you crazy” but she also knew I was serious. My birthday was coming up and she went to the store, was late for work and grabbed me a pair of Jordan "Bred" 12s. I remember looking at them knowing my mom must’ve been like, “It’s his birthday, let me hold him down.”

My mom still has them somewhere, she actually found them the other day at her house, they were in the basement. She still has them straight Grailed style; it was that was the shoe that kinda set it off. From then I said to myself, “Okay, now that I got a pair, I wanna continue to get as many pairs as much as I can.” I fell in love.

Being a sneaker enthusiast as a kid, what was it like to get to design your own shoe?

I mean, to this day it’s still one of the best moments and feelings of all time. You grow up idolizing all these different athletes who have shoes from Jordan, LeBron to Bo Jackson. All of these different athletes had their signature shoe that you’d idolize and now you’re one of them. Being able to play football and do it was just like a whole other accomplishment—it just doesn’t happen. For me, to be looked at as one of those guys—partner with Nike and have your sneaker on the wall—was a dream come true and something that could never be taken away.

What was the process of designing your own shoe like?

It was a long process. In the beginning, it’s all introductory—them getting to know me, what I liked and what I didn’t like, I literally gave them everything. I told them my entire childhood, colors that stood out to me, my favorite car–which was like, "Why do you want to know my favorite car?" But they take that design of that car and try to implement it into a shoe, and take those design cues to make a breakdown of me—the real me not just what you see on TV or in magazines.

The design team came to see me in [New] Jersey and I flew out to Portland, it took almost a year to really get the process down and get the shoe that we wanted, then finally doing colorways and all that stuff.

What’s your go-to sneaker silhouette?

My favorite shoe of all time is the Jordan 3. "Black Cement" 3s are by far my favorite shoe because you can dress them up or dress them down, they’re a classic. But my go-to silhouettes are Nike Air Force 1s, they were a go-to when I was younger too. Those shoes couldn’t front on you and they were like 50 to 60 bucks. When I was younger, my mother could afford that, so I got a bunch of them and they went well with everything. I used to wear jerseys back in the day so I used to rock 'em with the jerseys. They hold a special place.

What’s the dynamic like between you and your stylist?

My stylist is Rachel Johnson and there’s not a day that goes by where you see her and she’s not fabulous. She’s always dressed to impress, whether it be a casual day to pick some stuff out or we’re actually at an event. She’s, by far, the most stylish person I know.

Our dynamic started off with her coming in and figuring out what my personal style was. We discussed what my look is now, and what we wanted it to grow into. Then, we got my closet to represent that and I think that we’ve progressed to a point where I know where I wanna be; it’s a matter of cultivating that. We also brainstorm and ideate different collaborations and new trends to try—we always talk. There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t have some type of conversation. I call her my fashion fairy godmother.

What are some of your favorite stores in the world?

A store in Milan called [10] Corso Como and a store in Milan also called Excelsior—obviously Kith New York, Supreme New York and Concepts New York. The London Palace Skateboards shop is my favorite. Then, I’m also a department store guy, so like Barney’s and such. I’m full scale, you know? High-end and low-end. Gotta be able to do both.

You’ve been able to use your football career as a launching pad for many endeavors off the field ranging from television and fashion to philanthropy. Was there anyone in your life or some experience you had growing up that made you always see yourself as more than an athlete?

My dad was always preaching to me before he passed to always think bigger and to strive for more than you were yesterday. Whether it was football or anything I did off the field, I always wanted to be more than just a football player. But, if I can use this sport to reach other platforms and different other outlets, then I want to do that. When I’m done playing or when football is no longer an option for me, I want to have other projects and be excited about them. I don’t wanna do things for a check or just because. My dad was always someone who taught me to always strive for more and to not confine yourself to any one box.

What advice do you have for the kid on the come up?

Don’t wait for a "yes" or "no" or for someone’s approval. Go out there and do it. Go find the resources to do what you want to do and look for opportunities for yourself—even if it’s on a smaller scale. It’s only going to get bigger and with more eyes. It may take time and that’s the thing you also have to know. You’ve got to build it out and start, but you have to start somewhere. Michael Jordan didn’t become good until the age of 30.

Why is it so important to give back to your community?

It’s important to give back to my community because it’s my community—it’s where I come from. I always remember being younger talking to guys or seeing other guys from my community that have gone on to do great things.

I always hear people say: “He never comes back. That guy never comes back to check us. He never comes back to show love to the community or show love to the city. We just wanted to see his presence, he didn’t have to do much. If he did something cool, an event, an initiative, a party or whatever, that’d be cool. We just wanted to see him come back so we could be proud of him."

I always think about that kind of response when it comes to giving back to my community, like, "Not only is he in front of me, but he’s making sure that my childhood experience is better." I carry that [mentality] in my mind each and every day and I always try to figure out how to make things better in my community.

Why, when starting the Victor Cruz Foundation, did you want to focus on nurturing STEM talent and providing opportunities in those fields?

For the most part, I knew that I would focus on academic programs, health and wellness initiatives and of course, athletics—but, I wanted to be impactful and intentional. I actually started the foundation in 2012 and launched in 2014 and after a couple of events and partnerships, I knew STEM programming was the way to go. I read the stats of students who pursue careers in the STEM field in the US compared to other countries and it’s crazy! We have so much of that talent and skill here in our own backyard and I wanted to use my foundation to help engage, support and nourish our country’s future scientists and engineers in a very "Victor Cruz" fashion. The STEM programs that the Victor Cruz Foundation supports are all very hands-on and get kids to discover the sciences of the world around them outside of a classroom.

If you could have any three shoes right now what would they be?

I like the new "Cap and Gowns"—they're the Jordan 11s that just came out. I also like the Nike Mags, but I would only get them to resell them so I could get more sneakers.

What role has the Boys and Girls Club played in your development as a person so far?

Just being able to use the facility has improved my basketball skills and built my character to try and be a better person in the community. Outside of coming to the Boys and Girls Club, I work with my church to help the community. We feed the homeless, we clothe the homeless and we give them places to stay and stuff like that.

What are things teachers should notice to give more confidence to their students?

Acknowledge their character. They should get to really know us so they don’t misjudge our actions and intentions—putting us in a box. Sometimes students struggle with their work, but their teacher may never know why or understand. When you actually get to know your students and what they may be going through, they could better understand how to help them. Sometimes people might not understand the work they do because they might have a learning disadvantage, but that person might not even be aware and neither does their teacher. Without any dialogue, the problem won't be solved.

What is Victor Cruz's impact in Patterson?

I’ve met him multiple times. A couple of years ago, he sent all the kids to his Halloween event in New York on a bus, it was for The Victor Cruz Foundation. We just had a bunch of games and basketball and a bunch of people were there. He also fixed the pool here, they said it cost, like, a million dollars to fix it.

How does seeing Victor Cruz come back and be so engaged with his community make you feel?

It gives me inspiration. It gives me verification that I can also do the same things and be more if I just put my mind to it. And I could also be able to help my community and help people that I love and care about. I'd give back to the community and give back to the Boys and Girls Club for all that they’ve done for me.

Are you into clothes too?

I’m into clothes and I like fashion. But it all depends on your circumstance. So if I had the money I would want to be fly.

How does a fresh pair of sneakers make you feel?

It makes you feel like you’re on top of the world and it makes you feel presentable. When you go to school and wear your fresh kicks, everyone is like, “what are those?” or, “you got ‘em?!” It makes you feel like you the man, like, you the top of the class.

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What was your go-to shoe growing up?

Jordan 10s. They were always comfortable, I always got buckets in them and they were always exclusive. Black and red, the Mike colors.

Nowadays it seems like high school basketball players get all kinds of free swag but that wasn’t always the case. Your team at Cardinal Dougherty [high school in Philadelphia] would get laced with a pre-release product during the days that was virtually unheard of. What was that like?

It was crazy. We got the Zoom 1 Generation—LeBron’s first shoe; they were the most comfortable shoes I ever had in my life. I think we got them three or four weeks before they came out in 2003, and to be able to be in that situation—to be able to get them—made me think, “Man, am I actually good at basketball?” Now everyone gets everything but back then no one got anything so it was dope.

Are you one to switch your style up?

Some days you want to be extra professional—comfortable but classy. I’m not the fashion icon and I don’t go outside of the box, but I know what’s comfortable to me. I know what makes me look good. I try new things here and there but usually, I’ll go with a sweater, a suit or blazer and jeans.

What’s your advice to kid's growing up similarly to you?

Never be satisfied and never be deterred by your current situation. Never let people say you can’t do anything because you can do anything that you want to do. At the end of the day, it’s about what’s inside you.

Why is it important for you to give back?

It’s important to give back to your community because that’s where you came from. It’s an opportunity to show these kids that anybody can make it out, and that they could make it out if I did. Giving back to the community gives people hope and keeps their spirits positive. At the end of the day it’s a grind for a lot of people, but when you come through and bless the kids with even just your presence, they don’t want anything else. They just want someone to be around them and that’s enough. Even though we’re the ones that are famous, those kids are the ones we should celebrate.

What are some of your favorite shoes?

I like the Nike Vapormaxes in all black because they'd go with everything. I like the Kevin Durant 9s in "Icy Hot"—one shoe is blue and the other one is orange.

What player do you model your game after?

I think Kevin Durant. He can shoot and goes to the basket very well; I like that. I like to shoot too, but I prefer to go to the basket.

How long have you been playing?

I just started playing basketball when I was 10. I used to go to the Police Athletic League in North Philly where they used to never let me play, they'd say, “You too small” and “You corny”, all of that. So I got bigger and was just playing with them—getting better and better everyday.

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Did you have a grail while growing up?

Foamposites. While living in Baltimore, on every corner you would see everybody with the Foamposites. You know, as a young person you aren’t able to get them, but you just think to yourself, “One day I'll get them”.

I remember during 12th grade when the metallic reds came out my uncle got them for me. Man, I still got those to this day.

Fast forward to today, what would you consider to be your ultimate grail?

A Super Bowl—I most definitely want that and it can definitely happen. We made a lot of good offseason moves; I feel like I got cheated out of the MVP. I feel like it was mine and that it's only right that I try to come back and do what I did, plus more, to go ahead and take that.

When we were younger, during our first two years, we would do the sweatsuits, the LA Rams gear. But this year we stepped it up—you know we went to the mall and hit the Gucci store. We usually dress up most of the time; we probably won't do a suit but we’re gonna get fresh for sure.

With a collection of sneakers like yours, what do you consider your go-to kicks off the field?

This past year I kinda took it back to Air Force 1s, you can’t go wrong with a fresh pair of whites. Sometimes I’ll go on Nike ID and design my own. They come out with so much stuff now. I used to keep up with all of that.

Do you have an all-time favorite shoe?

Air Jordan 17s in the red and white colorway, that’s my favorite shoe of all time. It’s a special moment for me because I had them back in the day. When I did the sneaker shopping with Complex, I had to get them. I had these when I was young, around when I was seven or so.
I remember I went to the little dance at the skating rink–they had dances there on Saturdays–but I had my Mike Vick jersey with these on and I had my Bugle Boy jeans on. I still remember that outfit to this day.

You’ve done some amazing charity initiatives over the years—such as supporting the NFL’s Cause My Cleats—and raising over $10000 for the Shriners Hospital for Children. What are some causes you hold dear to you?

I don't have my own yet and I don’t want to rush it. But, my best friend came up with something we've been starting called MADE: Make A Difference Everyday. We’re trying to do that with the kids, whether it’s on the field, or off. Being able to have that platform, be a role model and give the kids something to look up to is great.

We’re very involved with inner-city youth, we just had our second-annual free camp in Tarboro with around 500 kids. I hit the homeless shelter up back home when I’m there. To be able to give out food or just spend a day there with them is humbling. A year ago I did something with Nike and Champs Sports when the Prestos came out with DJ Khaled. My high school picked out 10 kids that were doing great in school and we sent those guys out a package. I’ll see those kids and they’ll say, "I know you don’t know me but I appreciate the package." Simple stuff can go a long way.

What made you want to get involved with a project like this?

It’s a cool way to give back and I don’t really trip over shoes. Why just hoard shoes and not wear them when there’s a bunch of people out there who want and love shoes that I can give. I’m not gonna be sad missing out on one pair of shoes, we had people looking out—like my uncle—so it’s our duty to pay that forward.

If you could have any three shoes, what would they be?

My first one would be the Supreme Nike Foamposites because I like Foams a lot, they’re expensive in my size and it’s a rare shoe. I’ve never seen anyone in my life wear Supreme Foams. The second shoes would be Yeezys—the all-black low top ones. I like the bottom, how it’s thick with the lines. My third one would be the Jordan 11 because I never had a pair in my life and I really like them. The classic "Bred" ones.

What role does basketball have in your life? What kind of doors can you see it opening for you?

I want to get a scholarship to high school and play basketball. Central Tech in Toronto is a good school with good sports and academics.

Can you tell us about the importance of academics in your life?

I’m a student-athlete. I'm a student first, so before I play basketball and stuff, I just do my homework, study hard and work in class hard so I can make it. If I don’t work hard in school then I can’t make it in basketball.

You mentioned that your favorite player is LeBron James, what do you like about him?

He’s a good person and he has a nice family. He’s really talented and he was a good guy ever since he was little. He didn’t have a house and he’s been with his wife since they were young. Right now he carries his team and he works hard. If someone on his team makes a bad play or mistake, like JR Smith, he doesn’t get mad at them he just accepts their apology and is a good sport.

If you didn't pursue basketball, what else would you like to do?

I think I would want to be a carpenter or plumber.

How did that career path find it’s way onto your radar?

I was at camp last year and Jason told me that if basketball doesn’t work out, I need a backup plan and he was talking about plumbing. He was telling us plumbing is easy and you make a lot of money and with that money, if you save up you can do other things. I already do a lot of handy work in my house so it would be easy for me; I’m hands on.

What does giving back mean to you?

Giving back to people that don’t have anything brings good karma.

In the year since you’ve been involved with the Kickback, how has the program and the mentorship you receive had an impact on you so far and how do you see it helping you into the future?

It’s helping me become a better man and helps prepare me to get a good job in the future.

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What’s your favorite shoe?

I’m moreso into fashion-focused shoes. I like Louis Vuittons, Balenciagas and Guccis. I also love Vans—you can’t go wrong with them, I can wear them with anything. Those are probably my top four. Louis Vuitton has this running shoe that’s supposed to be super tough—the V.N.R. Knit Trainer, I plan to get those too.

You were born in the Congo and grew up here in the States, what were some of the things that helped you get acclimated when you came? What were you drawn to?

Basketball kind of got me connected to everything and that led the way to everything else. I traveled a lot through basketball and I got to see a lot of different types of cities—LA, Vegas, Florida. It was cool and that’s what kind of got me.

You played overseas in Guangzhou, China after high school, how was that?

It was a culture shock for sure, but it was a good experience. Where I was at in China was where they manufacture a lot of stuff. Hong Kong was like an hour and a half away, and over there it’s way more Americanized.

What are some of your favorite stores? Have you bought anything lately that you’re really feeling?

I like Barney’s and Neiman Marcus. I’m back into the fashion game so Off-White, Supreme—that type of stuff. My Off-White sneakers, the ones with the tags on them, they’re the 3.0 sneaker. I got them from Neimans. I love those shoes and I feel like I can wear them with a bunch of stuff.

Can you tell us more about your relationship to clothing and your newly opened store in Dallas?

Fashion is something that I’ve always been into. My brothers Steph and J Mike are into fashion as well. We opened up a store in Dallas, called Blank Canvas. We sell boutique stuff, even Gucci. It’s about to really hit here pretty soon, hopefully in a couple of months. We’re getting everything ready as far as construction.

You’re an Under Armour guy, how do you feel about their recent jump into the fashion scope with brands like Palm Angels and A$AP Rocky?

Yeah, I know they got ASAP Rocky—his shoe just came out. They’re trying to make a push for it and it’s something that would definitely be good to add onto the resume of Under Armour. They’re bringing the right people around. You have to understand Under Armour is pretty young compared to adidas and Nike; me and Under Armour are the same age. I’m 22, so the fact that it’s that young and is progressing the way it has been is dope.

Away from the court what are some of the causes you take up?

My charity for sure—The Mudiay Foundation. We’re giving back over in Africa where I’m from. The Congo has a special place in my heart. There’s a lot of poverty over there, so I send back as much as I can, whether its clothes, backpacks or school supplies. People love basketball out there and they love soccer too, so I send a bunch of equipment. Through my contract with Under Armour they provide a lot of stuff for me to send back; giving back was always something I wanted to do.

If you could have any three shoes, what would you pick?

The Dame 4s, I have those, they’re comfortable. My second one would be Jordan 11s. My favorite was the "Gamma" 11s, I think they were the first pair of Jordans I ever got. For my third, they'd have to be the Kyrie 3s, you know, the black and white ones with the spikes.

What are some things you’re interested in outside of basketball? What would you be interested in pursuing?

I would probably say being a barber; my sister had dolls and stuff and I used to fix their hair to see how it looked. I can draw faces, designs and other stuff in hair.

What’s the importance of education to you?

My mom places a high importance on it as far as being active in school. It’s important to me too because after basketball is over you have to be prepared. I pay attention in school a lot and I don't clown around—there’s a lot of that in my school.

What are some goals of yours in life?

I would start a charity for the youth or homeless or anyone that’s struggling.

Why is giving back something important to you?

Throughout my life, I was helped by people like my uncles, they introduced me to basketball. I never want to be stingy with anything, even my moves on the court. When people ask how to do this or how to do that, I always tell them. I always help them out.

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What was your grail growing up?

Growing up, I always aspired to be successful, but staying true to myself was key. Now Iʼm inspired and motivated by the youth.

Deion Sanders said, “You look good, you play good.” Do you agree?

Yes, I do agree. You have to be comfortable to feel confident and that confidence brings out the swag.

What was the first pair of shoes you ever bought for yourself?

The first pair of shoes I bought myself were some T Macs. They had the hardwood floor in them. I canʼt remember how I got the money, but I definitely remember the shoes.

Was there anyone in your life or any experience you had growing up that encouraged you to always see yourself as more than an athlete?

Yes—I think having the privilege to watch guys like LeBron over the last 15 years dominate on the court and in business plays a huge part in that.

Can you tell us more about your shoe, the Strizzy Revive, and how the project came about?

I was released by the Texans in September. After being picked up by Jacksonville, Nike sent me a letter saying theyʼd terminated my contract since I was released. I honestly felt like I could do my own thing and impact others while doing so. It’s coming soon, so be on the lookout!

If you could give one piece of advice to a kid on the come up, what would it be?

Stay down and stay true to yourself. You have to stay focused and stay strong in your faith and everything will come together eventually.

Why do you feel itʼs important to give back to your communities?

Who wouldnʼt want to help people in need? You have to be a very evil person to have a whole lot and not be willing to give a small percentage back, especially to the place that groomed you into the person you are today. One day we'll grow old and our doctors, lawyers, judges and more will be the youth of today. Let that sink in.

What causes do you hold dear?

I stand for the inner-city communities who struggle daily. It’s hard to make a living in a place where itʼs so easy to lose your way, or never find it in the first place—so Iʼm fighting for them. I work hard for them.

If you could have any three sneakers, which ones would you pick?

I’d have some Nike Vapormaxes, some Air Max 97s, and probably some Comme des Garçons PLAY sneakers—the ones with the hearts.

What position do you play?

I play slot receiver for Imhotep high school in Philadelphia. For the Northwest Raiders, I play slot receiver.

Who in the NFL do you model your game after?

Tavon Austin—he plays for The Dallas Cowboys and he’s fast. That’s what I got: speed.

Is school something that’s important to you?


Yeah, my mom is a teacher. She’s a computer teacher at John Bartram High School in Philadelphia and my grandmom is a nurse. She started it off by graduating college—my mom did 8 years of college. School means everything, I need the education to do everything. I’m going to college for sure, that’s not even a question. When you go to college, you basically have a step ahead of everyone, and with a degree, I can get a job that pays good money and all of that.

If you were going to college tomorrow, what would you major in?

Probably engineering, especially technology engineering. Everything is technology-driven now. We actually just worked on computer coding in school playing this game. It was cool and it was the final project, so it was worth a lot of points.

Outside of school and football, what are some of your interests?

I do basketball too, but other than sports, I want to be like a race car driver or something. I like that type of stuff—like dirt bikes. There's a shop around here with four-wheelers and stuff. They ride them at the park down 46th. Coming through on a dirt bike is the same feeling as a new pair of sneakers. It’s like all eyes are on you.