The New York Giants have once again turned to their unlikely hero, Tommy “Cutlets” DeVito, to lead the offense after benching struggling starter Daniel Jones. As DeVito prepares for his season debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fans can’t help but reminisce about the undrafted rookie’s wild ride during his first stint as the Giants’ starting quarterback.
The Humble Beginnings of a Local Legend
When news broke that DeVito was still living at home with his parents, it quickly became a talking point among teammates and fans alike. Running back Saquon Barkley couldn’t believe it at first, but veteran lineman Justin Pugh praised the rookie’s financial savvy.
That is the greatest. You know what, smart! Saving his money. Genius! That’s the one thing I’d say from a financial standpoint. Your mom helping with your wash, making sure you’re up on time, no distractions, unbelievable.
– Justin Pugh, Giants offensive lineman
DeVito himself broke it down in simple terms, highlighting the clear advantages of his living situation. Little did he know, this humble beginning would soon give way to a meteoric rise.
The Win That Sparked DeVito-Mania
After a humbling debut against the Dallas Cowboys, DeVito bounced back in a big way against the Washington Commanders, throwing for 246 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-19 victory. It marked the most touchdown passes by a Giants quarterback through his first two starts since 1950.
Barkley was quick to praise DeVito’s confidence and swagger, which would soon become the rookie’s trademark as he led the Giants to three wins in his first four starts.
The Rise of “Tommy Cutlets”
As DeVito’s legend grew, so did his nickname. After notching his second straight win, the rookie hosted a three-hour autograph signing event at a local sandwich shop, where fans clamored for photos and autographs on everything from shoes to white tank tops.
DeVito embraced his Italian heritage, adopting the pinched fingers hand gesture as his signature celebration. By the end of the event, one fan even crowned him the “f—ing cutlet king.”
The Monday Night Magic
DeVito’s hype reached its peak on “Monday Night Football” against the Green Bay Packers in Week 14. Trailing 22-21 with just 1:33 remaining, he led the Giants on a game-winning drive, going 4-for-4 for 53 yards to set up the walk-off field goal.
The win sparked a memorable celebration, with DeVito’s agent planting a kiss on the quarterback’s father in the stands. Coach Brian Daboll kept his assessment simple: “Earned the right to play [Monday], and earned the right to play next week. The kid’s done a good job.”
The Return of DeVito-Mania?
Now, as DeVito prepares for his second act as the Giants’ starting quarterback, he insists that he’s sticking to football and putting the external hoopla on pause. But if history is any indication, it may only be a matter of time before DeVito-mania takes over the Big Apple once again.
Will the local legend recapture the magic of his rookie season? Can “Tommy Cutlets” lead the Giants back to playoff contention? One thing is for sure: with DeVito under center, it’s bound to be a wild ride.
