In the preseason, Tommy DeVito was just a fun story about a local kid suiting up for the New York Giants. He had played well enough to earn a roster spot, but most assumed he was destined for nothing more than a short career as a reserve. People would reminisce about the guy who lived with his parents and got a shot with Big Blue.
Two injuries, two wins, and one nickname later, DeVito is a sensation that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. Especially not when the ABC/ESPN cameras hit him on Monday Night Football.
During New York’s Wee 13 bye, Tommy DeVito was signing stuff at PrimoHoagies in north New Jersey. The line went around the building. This past Thursday, “Tommy Cutlets,” as he’s now known, ranked Italian foods in a video that garnered over eight million views on X (formerly known as Twitter). As one fan commented under it “This almost makes the absolute dumpster fire of a season worth it.”
None of this has mentioned Devito’s on-field performance, which has been admirable given the circumstances. His passer rating (92.4) is higher than both of the guys above him on the depth chart, while his seven passing touchdowns (in 105 attempts) is nearly double the four passing touchdowns that Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor combined for in 247 attempts. DeVito also has 83 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Tommy DeVito Has Energized the New York Giants Fanbase
After a 2-8 start, there were no expectations for this Giants team. Expectations should still be low, but the vibes around this team are at a high not seen since the beginning of last season. Two wins and an iconic celebration have New Yorkers enjoying a ride that most fanbases would find miserable at 4-8. He’s a spark in a season that began unbearably dark.
All of that will be on full display when MetLife Stadium packs itself to the brim in support of its local legend. ABC will have plenty of camera shots focused on DeVito, wacky (likely Italian-themed) graphics about his ascension, and the (supposedly unbiased) commentators are probably going to have more energy for his strong plays than any other player. Cutlets will be mentioned, something that doesn’t always happen in NFL games.
There will be incredible fanfare, only heightened by the world’s greatest city and a nationally televised platform. Like Linsanity, Odell Beckham Jr. before THAT catch, and Aaron Judge in early 2022, DeVito is the moment, he just needs the national stage to cement it. There is undoubtedly better football around the league than what the New York Giants display these days. Yet, Tommy DeVito’s grand showing will be the exclamation point of Week 14.
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