August 22, 2024, 5:49 p.m. • Last updated: August 22, 2024, 5:49 p.m.
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito throws a pass during the second half of an NFL preseason game against the Houston Texans on Aug. 17 in Houston. (Eric Christian Smith/AP Photo)
East Rutherford, NJ – Despite everything that went wrong for the New York Giants last season, there was one feel-good story that fans enjoyed.
It was local quarterback Tommy DeVito. The undrafted rookie from Illinois grew up in New Jersey and lived less than 30 minutes from MetLife Stadium. He came to training camp after a spring tryout, was released in the final cut and signed to the practice squad. He got his chance after injuries to starter Daniel Jones and backup Tyrod Taylor, and he made the most of it.
DeVito started six games during the 6-11 season, going 3-3 and was the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for leading the Giants to a win over Green Bay. He completed 17 of 21 passes, including 10 of 11 in the second half, for 158 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.
He had a quarterback rating of over 100 for three weeks in a row. Stories about his love of chicken parmesan heroes began to spread. His nickname “Tommy Cutlets” followed and a trademark was later filed.
DeVito is back for a second season and things are going well. The 26-year-old played five quarters in preseason games against the Lions and Texans and there’s a good chance he can play the entire game in Saturday’s finale against the Jets.
It is unlikely that Jones will play and the experienced Drew Lock (oblique abdominal muscle) will probably only be used in an emergency.
If the Giants make their final cuts by Tuesday, DeVito could be on the 53-man roster. Jones is the starter and is coming off ACL surgery. Lock is the experienced backup but was injured in the season opener. It’s possible the Giants could have more than two quarterbacks if that happens.
DeVito, who threw eight touchdowns and three interceptions last season, is a confident player. He said Thursday that “worried” is not the word he would use to describe his feelings about the final cutdown.
“I think I’ve always had confidence. I’ve always tried to go out there every day and do my best and do my best every day on the field,” DeVito said. “Whether it was last year or this year, it doesn’t matter what happened. Because last year was last year. It’s in the past. We’re moving on to what’s here now.”
DeVito says he viewed each practice as an opportunity to improve and become a better player.
Coach Brian Daboll said DeVito is no longer the same player who came to training camp in 2023.
“Tommy has made great strides from his rookie camp to his appearance last year and his understanding of the many nuances of our offense,” Daboll said.
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito hands the ball to running back Dante Miller during the third quarter of a preseason game on Aug. 8 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Seth Wenig/AP Photo)
