New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito’s unlikely rise to prominence: An inside look at his future role.
For his first public appearance as a New York Giants player, Tommy DeVito used his hands as much as his voice when he spoke to the assembled media.
When this occurred seven months ago, DeVito had not yet been featured in articles on Good Morning America, Today, or ESPN. His “finger purse” celebration, which has gained him notoriety across the league, was essentially an Italian emoji.
Even though chicken cutlets were fantastic in the spring, they weren’t quite ready to become the source of DeVito’s now-famous moniker.
Instead, most reporters at the Giants’ rookie camp treated the former Don Bosco standout and undrafted free agent quarterback, who was born and raised in New Jersey, as little more than a roster afterthought, with the exception of the possibility that the “local legend,” as Brian Daboll referred to DeVito, might stick around long enough to see out the entire offseason program, if that.
“I live 15 minutes away, maybe less, down Route 3, so it’s like I’m playing in my own backyard,” DeVito remarked that day, referring to Cedar Grove, his hometown. As far as everyone is aware, he still resides in his childhood home with him and his parents, Tom Sr. and Lexy. “Just giddy. It’s good that all of my family and friends are here, obviously. a new beginning. You started from the bottom here, correct? so I have to advance.”
The story of DeVito’s ascent to his current position is one of perseverance and growth from a 25-year-old who, despite occasional looks over his shoulder and in the rearview mirror, was able to maintain his attention on the windshield in front of him while he sought to establish his worth in the NFL.
DeVito became the first rookie quarterback for the Giants to win three starts in a season Monday night in the 24-22 upset of the Packers since Phil Simms won four in 1979. He was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday after completing 17-of-21 passes for 158 yards and a touchdown, for a quarterback rating of 113.9, his third game in a row above the century mark in that statistic. He also rushed 10 times for 71 yards, running away from potential sacks and through a muddied pocket for big play after big play.
The Giants (5-8) find themselves one game out of the final NFC wild card spot, albeit behind a group of five teams, two of which are still on their schedule, with Saturday’s trip to New Orleans to face the Saints (6-7) on Sunday and a date at home against the Rams (6-7) on New Year’s Eve.
Forget about anybody expecting DeVito to play a down in a game that counted this season, himself included.
