title: A. J. Cruz
text: # A. J. Cruz
  
  A. J. Cruz (born February 20, 1991) is an American football wide receiver who is currently a member of the Edmonton Eskimos. Cruz played college football for Brown University.
  
  ## High school career
  
  Cruz attended Santa Margarita Catholic High School, in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. He lettered in both Football and Basketball. As a football player, Cruz was named a two time All-Trinity League selection, and holds three school records for longest kick off return for a Touch Down (97 yards), highest kickoff return average (34 yards) and highest vertical jump (37 inches). Cruz helped lead his schools basketball team to a state championship, and was named to the California Scholarship Federation.
  
  ## College career
  
  Cruz attended Brown University. As a freshman, Cruz earned Second-team All-Ivy Honors. As a sophomore, Cruz was selected for First-team All-Ivy Honors, while registering 2 interceptions and ranked second in both punt and kickoff returns.
  
  In his senior season, Cruz earned First-team All-American honors. Cruz is one of 41 players in Ivy League history to earn First-team All-Ivy three times.
  
  ## Professional career
  
  ### Los Angeles KISS
  
  Cruz joined the Los Angeles KISS in 2014. He returned 58 kickoffs for 1,305 yards in 11 games his rookie season. He was placed on recallable reassignment on March 13, 2015.
  
  ### Arizona Rattlers
  
  In the middle of the 2015 season, Cruz signed with the Arizona Rattlers as mostly a kick returner.
  
  ### Chicago Bears
  
  On July 27, 2015, the Bears signed Cruz to a three-year deal. On September 5, 2015, he was waived/injured by the Bears.
  
  ### Miami Dolphins
  
  On February 18, 2016, the Dolphins signed Cruz to a deal. On August 27, 2016, Cruz was waived by the Dolphins.
  
  