Victor Cruz Calls Engagement Era the 'Best Time of My Life' as He Reflects on New Chapter After NFL Retirement: 'It's Incredible'

Victor Cruz is embracing a new chapter — and he says life following his engagement is better than ever.

The former NFL star and Super Bowl champion recently partnered with Saint James Iced Tea for the launch of Saint James Yerba Mate, but his biggest excitement right now is happening at home.

"It’s incredible. It’s kind of, honestly, the best time of my life right now," Cruz, 39, exclusively tells OK! while dishing on his partnership. "My daughter’s in high school, I just got engaged, and I’m really excited about the next chapter and the future."

Cruz says he and his fiancée, DJ and producer Orange Calderon, are looking forward to building their future together while continuing to pursue their individual careers after announcing their engagement via Instagram on Thursday, June 25.

"We’re just excited about the future," he says. "Both individually and as a unit, being creative and seeing where we can take things."

Cruz’s daughter, Kennedy, 13, is also becoming more aware of her dad’s busy career and wants in on the action.

"She definitely wants to be a part of it, in front of it," he shares. "She wants to know what she can be a part of."

The teenager has even tried to use her dad’s travels and projects as an excuse to miss school, though Cruz is quick to remind her that her education comes first.

"She wants to skip school and do things and travel," he jokes. "I'm like, 'You can come, but you can’t keep skipping school because Daddy pays a lot of money for you to go to school.'"

Outside of her interest in her dad’s career, Cruz says his daughter has developed a passion of her own: golf.

"She’s my young golfer," he adds, explaining that she plays about five days a week. "She’s getting better and better."

Cruz hopes the sport could eventually lead her to a collegiate scholarship — and, if she chooses, potentially a professional career.

"If she wants to go pro, God willing, she can," he praises. "She’s headed in the right direction."

Cruz has also found plenty to be excited about professionally since stepping away from football. Rather than slowing down, the former New York Giants wide receiver has embraced opportunities in business and entertainment.

One of his recent ventures has been becoming a partner in fast-food chain Krystal and helping bring the brand to Northern New Jersey for the first time.

"The reaction and the outreach has been incredible," Cruz says, noting that customers have visited because they recognize his name and connection to the business.

For Cruz, the experience has been proof that his career can continue to evolve long after his playing days.

"I’m just scratching the surface," he declares. "I’m still young, I’m still trying different things, and I want to see how far I can take it."

He’s also still keeping a close eye on his former team. When asked what it will take for the Giants to compete with top NFL teams, Cruz points to one word: consistency.

The Giants lost several games in the fourth quarter last season, according to Cruz, making the ability to close out games a major priority.

"They have to put the nail in the coffin and finish these games out," he advises. "And I think they can do that."

Cruz’s latest venture with Saint James also gives him a chance to showcase the different sides of his personality.

"I’ve always been a fan of Saint James tea," he notes, pointing to the brand’s all-natural ingredients and smooth taste. "Caffeine plays a huge role in my mornings and my daily life, so it was kind of a no-brainer."

He first discovered the brand after a friend introduced him to it in a store. After taking a sip, Cruz remembers thinking, "Yo, this tastes incredible."

The new Saint James Yerba Mate comes in Mango Passionfruit, Raspberry Lemon and Strawberry Tangerine, with 150mg of naturally occurring caffeine per 16-ounce bottle.

For Cruz, the partnership felt less like a traditional celebrity endorsement and more like a collaboration.

"They let me choose the clothes and work with the stylist," he spills of the campaign shoot. "It felt like having a photo shoot with a fan."

The campaign ultimately allowed Cruz to show off his evolution from athlete to businessman, host and father — a fitting reflection of the many roles he’s embracing in this next chapter.