The New York Giants season initially appeared to be a lost cause for many fans after a disappointing start with a 40-0 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. By November 5, with a record of 2-7, the team faced another setback as starting quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a torn ACL. Adding to the misfortune, backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor had sustained a rib injury just a week before, rendering him unavailable.
At that point, the outlook for the Giants’ 2023 season seemed bleak. However, a surprising turn of events unfolded with the introduction of Tommy DeVito, the team’s third-string, undrafted rookie quarterback and a proud Italian-American hailing from New Jersey.
Living with his parents and enjoying chicken cutlets for dinner, DeVito brought a refreshing and relatable persona to the Giants. With his signature black tank top and a diamond-encrusted “TD” chain, he became a fan favorite. Even legendary quarterback Peyton Manning remarked on his agent’s resemblance to Johnny Fontane from ‘The Godfather.’
Despite a challenging start against the Cowboys, DeVito’s presence injected a much-needed dose of optimism into the struggling Giants organization. The team has now embarked on a three-game winning streak, building momentum and rekindling hopes of a playoff berth.
DeVito’s impact extends beyond the field; he has become a local hero, celebrated in the tri-state area and online. His North Jersey roots, humble lifestyle, and quirky gestures, like the classic Italian pinch after a successful pass, have endeared him to fans.
The hype surrounding DeVito shows no signs of waning. Breweries in New Jersey are capitalizing on his popularity by selling beers in his name, and online discussions frequently draw comparisons to iconic mob movies like “The Sopranos” and “Goodfellas.” A viral video of him ranking his favorite Italian foods has further fueled his online presence.
Even the state of New Jersey joined the excitement, posting on social media about DeVito’s family tailgate. His mention of enjoying chicken cutlets with his family in an interview led to the dish practically becoming the official food of the New York Giants, earning him the affectionate nickname “Tommy Cutlets.”
DeVito’s Monday night performance against the Packers solidified his position as the starting quarterback. Head coach Brian Daboll expressed confidence in DeVito, acknowledging that there’s still room for improvement but emphasizing the young player’s dedication and progress.
As the Christmas season approaches, the unexpected rise of DeVito continues to captivate fans. For at least one more week, the Italian and Jersey-bred quarterback remains the Christmas miracle for the New York Giants.
