Victor Cruz escaped the public eye and took some time off following his release from the New York Giants, only recently resurfacing to let the league know his desire to return in 2017.

But on Thursday, while co-hosting Ebro In The Morning on Hot 97, Cruz was discussing a little bit more than his professional career.

After laughing off the viral reaction to a photo taken with his teammates in Miami prior to a wildcard loss to the Green Bay Packers, Cruz was asked his opinion on Eli Manning’s alleged involvement in an accused memorabilia scam.

While Cruz praised Manning as a “high character individual,” he believes the two-time Super Bowl MVP must own up to emails leaked to the New York Post which purport to show Manning’s involvement.

“When you see something like this happen, you’re initial reaction is, ‘Nah, I don’t know what this is, but it will blow over soon,’ ” Cruz said. “[But] there are some conversations to be had. Something is going to have to be said. Eli is going to have to admit or own up to whatever this is. There’s a question of what was that email about? You’re asking your equipment manager to send you something that resembled game worn apparel. What is it about?”

Cruz did explain that it’s relatively common for players to send back-up apparel to family and friends, even at times making it appear worn, but feels there’s a little something extra in this case.

“He wrote the actual words, ‘pass for game worn.’ That’s the part that’s like, hmm,” Cruz said, adding that he hadn’t spoken to Manning about the accusations.

Manning, of course, has already vehemently denied the allegations and insists the truth will be brought to light. Representation for the Giants has also publicly stated the leaked emails were taken completely out of context.

“I will say that I’ve never done what I’ve been accused of doing. I have no reason, nor have I ever had any reason, to do anything of that nature,” Manning said last month. “I’ve done nothing wrong and I have nothing to hide. And I know that when this is all done everybody will see it the same way.

“I’ve tried to do everything with class and be a stand-up citizen. That’s what I have done and that’s being attacked right now. I’m just more angry than anything … having to deal with this and knowing that I did nothing wrong and [am] still being attacked.”

Because he was filming MTV’s “The Challenge: Champs vs. Pros,” it is possible Cruz never heard Manning’s denial.

Ultimately, Cruz believes Manning will “figure it out,” but has no intention on approaching him over it. He went on to call Manning one of his favorite teammates ever, and recounted a phone conversation the two had after he was informed of his release.

Manning was the very first person to call Cruz to wish him well and remind him that he’ll forever be a Giant.