A look back at Tommy DeVito’s early New York glory

On By Littum

  • Anthony Gharib, ESPNNovember 24, 2024, 12:15 PM ET

Tommy DeVito is back under center for the New York Giants.

The second-year quarterback replaces former starter Daniel Jones against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. DeVito appeared in nine games last season, throwing for 1,101 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions.

In his six starts, he had seven touchdown passes to one interception as the team went 3-3. He was benched in favor of Tyrod Taylor after Week 16.

The undrafted rookie from New Jersey led the Giants to three straight victories in late November and early December as DeVito mania reigned supreme.

There was the discovery that “Tommy Cutlets” still lived at home. He signed items ranging from shoes to white tank tops at a mall event. And of course, DeVito’s agent grew into a viral sensation.

This time, though, DeVito said Wednesday he’s sticking to football.

“The external stuff will be on hiatus,” he said. “I had already talked to everyone around me, my inner circle. I want it to be very tight and make sure it’s all about production on Sunday.”

Here are the best moments — on and off the field — from DeVito’s first stint as the Giants’ starting quarterback.

“Do you live at home?”

DeVito made headlines even before his first start.

When asked what he thought about DeVito living at home, then-Giants running back Saquon Barkley replied, “Lives at home?”

He couldn’t believe it, but DeVito said the decision was an easy one. Teammate Justin Pugh supported his quarterback.

“That’s the biggest thing. You know what, smart!” Pugh said. “Then he saves his money. Brilliant! That’s the one thing I would say from a financial point of view. Your mum helps with your washing, makes sure you’re on time, no distractions, amazing.”

DeVito broke it down in simple terms—the benefits were clear.

The victory that triggered it all

Coach Brian Daboll approached DeVito as the starter against the Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 12 with injuries to Jones and Taylor. It marked the first time in the joint draft era (since 1967) that the Giants started an undrafted rookie in a non-offensive game.

DeVito was humbled against Dallas as New York lost 49-17. He bounced back a week later against the Washington Commanders, throwing for 246 yards and three touchdowns in a 31–19 victory.

Through his first two starts, DeVito threw five touchdown passes, the most of any Giants quarterback through his first two starts since starters were first tracked in 1950, according to ESPN Research.

Barkley highlighted DeVito’s attitude after the win.

“For me, even the game where (it was) the first game he came into, maybe he hadn’t thrown the ball as much, (but) just the confidence he came in with. That swagger, he has. I thought it went a long way, especially with me,” Barkley said.

‘Tommy Cutlets’ reaches new heights

The more DeVito won, the more his legend grew.

After picking up his second straight win, DeVito hosted an autograph signing event at a local sandwich shop, Primo Hoagies.

He stayed for three hours and signed all sorts of things. Fans asked to take pictures with the Italian clasped fingers hand gesture in the air. DeVito began adopting the gesture as his celebration, explaining it as an ode to the ancient Italians and his Italian heritage. As the event ended, one fan even shouted, “put it up for the f—ing chop king.”

A memorable Monday night drive

DeVito’s hype peaked on “Monday Night Football” against the Green Bay Packers in Week 14.

Trailing 22-21 with 1:33 left in the game, he led the Giants down the field on an 8-play, 57-yard drive that ended in a walk-off field goal. DeVito went 4-for-4 passing for 53 yards during that sequence. He became just the third undrafted rookie quarterback in the joint draft era to win three of his first four career starts, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

His lone touchdown of the game sparked a memorable sequence: DeVito’s agent, Sean Stellato, planted a kiss on DeVito’s father as the two celebrated.

The win moved New York one game back of five teams for the final NFC wild-card spot. Barkley again highlighted DeVito’s “confidence and swagger.” Packers coach Matt LaFleur called DeVito a “hell of a competitor.”

Daboll kept his assessment simple.

“Earned the right to play (Monday) and earned the right to play next week,” Daboll said. “The kid has done a good job.”