New Giants starter Tommy DeVito tries to avoid ‘fun and games’

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — All the hype surrounding quarterback Tommy DeVito last year made him an instant sensation. Now, in his second stint as the New York Giants’ starting quarterback, he’s trying to keep it relatively mild.

The local product and undrafted free agent from Illinois will start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

“Last year was a good story and the whole thing, how it happened,” DeVito said. “All the fun and playing outside, it was fun. That was last year. I’m sticking to football now. Not that I wasn’t before.

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

DeVito was named the surprise starter after the Giants benched Daniel Jones earlier this week. Former quarterback no. 3, he jumped backup Drew Lock on the depth chart to get another chance.

DeVito mania was a thing late last year after the New Jersey native became the starter and won three consecutive games. With his Italian heritage, finger-snapping celebration and local roots, he became an instant sensation and the legend of “Tommy Cutlets” was born.

Fans embraced the fleeting success before he went back to the bench in favor of Tyrod Taylor. DeVito had lines around the corner at appearances, and he quickly became a favorite as he capitalized on the popularity. In fact, it wasn’t uncommon for fans at training camp this year to shout his name in hopes of getting his attention. The third-string quarterback was often more popular than the starter.

DeVito, 26, waited patiently as the No. 3 quarterbacks. With another year under his belt and moved out of his parents’ home, he’s doing his best to avoid all the memes and hype, knowing there’s more important business to handle on the field.

“I think my mom sends me a couple here and there, but I really stay away from social media and outside stuff,” DeVito said. “Trying to sharpen up on football.”

DeVito had eight touchdown passes and three interceptions as the Giants went 3-3 in his six starts last season. He never really had an opportunity to compete for the backup job after Lock was signed to a one-year, $5 million fully guaranteed deal this offseason.

That made this week’s jump straight to DeVito unusual.

“I wouldn’t say surprised,” DeVito said. “I was open to any outcome. It was something I had been trying since last year. You always stay ready. You never know.”

Coach Brian Daboll went to DeVito looking for a spark. The energy he brought to the team last season is something the Giants (2-8) are trying to rekindle.

“Still learning the ropes … He’s got good leadership about him. I think he’s a year into the system where he’s understanding things even more,” Daboll said. “He’s done a good job since he’s been here, really since we had him last year, and we’re going to work as hard as we can with him so he can be ready to go.”

DeVito took all the first-team reps at Wednesday’s practice. Lock handled the scout team and Jones didn’t seem to do much. That appears to be the plan moving forward with a $23 million injury guarantee hanging over the Giants’ heads.

Jones, who was fourth in line during individual drills behind recent signing Tim Boyle, spent most of the early part of practice with his arms tucked into hand warmers around his waist.

“It’s interesting. It’s weird because it’s never what you’ve seen,” Lock said of Jones’ minimal participation in practice. “Again, he’s upset. He’s taking it as well as anyone would in that position.”

Lock said that the way the situation has unfolded has been difficult for him to digest and that he is saddened and disappointed by the decision. He signed to be the Giants’ no. 2 quarterback, so he naturally figured he would be next in line if the Giants moved on from Jones.

“My disappointment will not show one bit around anybody in this facility or after that meeting upstairs,” said Lock, who had a one-on-one meeting with Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen on Monday. “I made that point up there. My job is to come and compete, keep rolling and be the guy. I said I’m going to do this like a pro. I’m going to be a pro. That’s something I’m proud of off. I’m not going to be a guy who tears the locker room apart.”