It can only happen in Jersey.
The New York Giants sat at 2-8 a month ago and the feeling was they were going to be in the conversation to land the top overall pick in next year’s draft.
But the world, and the NFL, work in mysterious ways. There was no way the football gods were going to allow the Giants to continue their free fall. The worm was going to turn for them. They just didn’t know where, when, and how.
So, it only makes sense that a rookie quarterback with the initials ‘TD’ would come along and save the Giants’ season.
Tommy DeVito, an undrafted free agent who grew up — and still lives — just a stone’s throw away from MetLife Stadium, is forging a legend here these days after leading Big Blue to three straight victories, including Monday night’s 24-22 thriller over Green Bay.
Since QB starts were first tracked in 1950, only one NFL starting QB has completed 80% of his passes, rushed for 70+ yards, committed no turnovers and taken no sacks in a game.
That one QB was the @Giants' Tommy DeVito tonight. pic.twitter.com/lYjeTPwHZg
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) December 12, 2023
It’s a story that was tailor-made for television. DeVito is as calm as a cucumber, showing poise and class and adding a bit of panache with his homage to his Italian-American heritage. Think Rudy meets My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
What is even more endearing to the fans is DeVito’s entourage, led by his parents, brother, and his agent, Sean Stellato, who dresses like some character out of a Scorcese movie.
Tommy Cutlets. pic.twitter.com/klhZv9DTx2
— NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2023
After the game, both head coach Brian Daboll and DeVito traded anecdotes but it’s clear they have a bond. This could be the start of something big.
“He came off to me after we scored the touchdown. He goes, ‘I know I short-armed it a little bit, I saw him wide open.’ He goes, ‘I’ll make good decisions.’ I said, ‘I know you will, man.,'” Daboll said after the game.
LET TOMMY DEVITO COOK 🤌🤌🤌 pic.twitter.com/rjD56B2t8T
— PFF (@PFF) December 12, 2023
Monday night’s game came down to a last-second field goal. DeVito stood right next to Daboll to watch the finish.
“I was standing next to Dabs,” he said. “I don’t know if he wants me saying this, but at first, he wasn’t going to look. And then he was like, I’m going to look, and I was like alright. So, we stood right next to each other, and it was just, as soon as we saw it go in, just pure excitement. I grabbed him, hugged him, told him I loved him and celebrated with my teammates.”
Tommy Devito & Brian Daboll 🤌❤️ pic.twitter.com/ttis5s2qgH
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) December 12, 2023
DeVito now has the Giants positioned just one game back in the NFC Playoffs. Imagine the hysteria if the local boy rallies them back from 2-8 and sends them to the playoffs for the second straight season.
