Tommy DeVito Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Tommy DeVito

Tommy DeVito is an American professional football quarterback who rose to prominence as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants. Known for his spirited play, strong Italian-American heritage, and the affectionate nickname “Tommy Cutlets,” DeVito quickly captivated NFL fans during the 2023 season with his unexpected success. After two seasons with the Giants, he was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots in August 2025, embarking on a new chapter in his career. His journey from a high school standout and college transfer to an NFL starter became one of the league’s most compelling underdog stories.

Tommy DeVito Overview

Early Life and Education of Tommy DeVito

Thomas N. DeVito was born on August 7, 1998, in Livingston, New Jersey, and spent his formative years in the nearby town of Cedar Grove. His passion for football ignited during his middle school years, where his innate athleticism and competitive drive quickly became evident. DeVito attended Don Bosco Preparatory High School in Ramsey, New Jersey, a program renowned for its football prowess.

During his high school career, DeVito excelled as a quarterback, leading the Ironmen to a Non-Public 4 state championship during his junior season in 2015. He was recognized as first-team All-State by MSG and second-team All-Metro, showcasing his talent by passing for 1,800 yards and 18 touchdowns. As a senior, he continued to impress, throwing for 2,005 yards and 16 touchdowns. His exceptional performance earned him a spot as a finalist in the prestigious Elite 11 quarterback competition and a starting position in the 2017 Under Armour All-American Game. ESPN ranked him as the No. 136 prospect in their Top 300 and the 39th overall quarterback.

Following his decorated high school career, DeVito committed to playing college football at Syracuse University, turning down offers from other prominent Northeast schools. He redshirted his true freshman year in 2017. He saw limited action as a redshirt freshman in 2018, primarily backing up Eric Dungey. In 2019, his redshirt sophomore season, DeVito took over as the starter, passing for 2,360 yards and 19 touchdowns, and rushing for 122 yards and two scores. He tied a school record with 19 passing touchdowns by a sophomore, shared with Ryan Nassib and Donovan McNabb. He also set the Orange’s longest interception-free streak with 212 passes between 2019 and 2020. A season-ending leg injury in 2020 led to him taking a medical redshirt. After losing his starting role three games into the 2021 season, DeVito entered the NCAA transfer portal.

For his final college season in 2022, DeVito transferred to the University of Illinois. He started all 13 games for the Fighting Illini, where he had a remarkable impact, leading the Big Ten in completion percentage at 69.6%, which was also the fourth-best in the nation and a school record for Illinois. His senior year saw him pass for 2,650 yards and record 21 total touchdowns (15 passing, six rushing), earning him All-Big Ten honorable mention honors.

Tommy DeVito’s Career

Tommy DeVito’s professional football career began in 2023 when he entered the NFL Draft but went undrafted. Despite not being drafted, the New York Giants quickly signed him as an undrafted free agent on April 29, 2023. He initially began his tenure with the Giants on the practice squad.

The 2023 season marked DeVito’s breakthrough. Due to injuries to starting quarterback Daniel Jones and backup Tyrod Taylor, DeVito was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster on October 31, 2023, and made his NFL debut against the New York Jets. His first significant start came against the Dallas Cowboys on November 12, 2023. DeVito’s performance quickly made him a fan favorite, especially after he led the Giants to an improbable three-game winning streak. During this impressive run, he completed 65.9% of his passes with eight touchdowns and only three interceptions. In Week 11, he led the Giants to a 31-19 victory over the Washington Commanders, completing 18 of 26 passes for 246 yards and three touchdowns. His clutch performance in Week 14, where he went 4-for-4 on the final drive to set up a game-winning field goal against the Green Bay Packers, earned him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week award. He became the first undrafted rookie quarterback since the 1970 merger to have three consecutive games with a passer rating higher than 100, and the first Giants rookie quarterback to win three straight starts since Phil Simms in 1979. He finished his rookie season with 1,101 passing yards, 8 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions in nine games with six starts.

In the 2024 season, DeVito opened as the third-string quarterback behind Daniel Jones and Drew Lock. He played in three games with two starts for the Giants during the 2024 season. He recorded 257 passing yards and no touchdowns in his 2024 appearances.

A significant development occurred in August 2025. On August 26, 2025, the New York Giants waived Tommy DeVito during the NFL’s final 53-man roster cutdowns. This decision was primarily due to the Giants signing veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston and drafting rookie Jaxson Dart, creating a crowded quarterback room. However, his time without a team was short-lived. On August 27, 2025, DeVito was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots. He is expected to serve as the emergency third quarterback behind Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs for the Patriots. In two seasons with the Giants, DeVito played in 12 games with eight starts, completing 145 of 222 attempts for 1,358 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Tommy DeVito Personal Life & Family

Tommy DeVito’s personal life is deeply rooted in his Italian-American heritage and strong family ties. Born and raised in Livingston and Cedar Grove, New Jersey, DeVito is the son of Tom DeVito Sr. and Alexandra DeVito. He has a younger brother named Max DeVito, who played wide receiver at Salve Regina University.

During his breakout rookie season with the New York Giants in 2023, DeVito notably lived at home with his parents in Cedar Grove, a decision that garnered significant media attention and further endeared him to fans. He openly discussed the convenience and comfort this arrangement provided, stating that his mother handled daily chores like laundry and preparing meals, including his favorite chicken cutlets. This living situation allowed him to focus entirely on his burgeoning NFL career without the distractions of managing a household. Due to advertising deals that followed his rise to fame, he was able to move out before the 2024 season.

DeVito is very proud of his Italian heritage, which he frequently highlights through his distinctive hand gesture celebration—the “mano a borsa” or “pinched fingers” emoji—after every team touchdown. This gesture, initially inspired by Giants assistant athletic trainer Phil Buzzerio, quickly became his signature and a cultural phenomenon among fans.

Regarding his relationship status, Tommy DeVito is not publicly known to be dating anyone as of August 2025. He has consistently maintained a private stance on his romantic life, indicating a focus on establishing his professional football career before prioritizing personal relationships. There are no public records of him being married or having children.

Awards and Achievements of Tommy DeVito

Tommy DeVito’s career, from high school to the NFL, has been marked by several notable awards and achievements:

High School

• First Team All-State (MSG)
• Second Team All-Metro
• Non-Public 4 State Championship (junior season)
• Elite 11 Quarterback Competition Finalist
• Under Armour All-American Game Starter (2017)

College

• Tied Syracuse school record for most passing touchdowns by a sophomore (19 touchdowns)
• Longest interception-free streak in Syracuse history (212 passes between 2019-2020)
• Set University of Illinois school record for completion percentage (69.6%)
• All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (2022)

National Football League (NFL)

• NFC Offensive Player of the Week (2023, Week 14)
• Bud Light Celebration of the Year Award at the 13th NFL Honors (2024)
• First undrafted rookie quarterback since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger to have three consecutive games with a passer rating higher than 100
• First New York Giants rookie quarterback to win three straight starts since Phil Simms in 1979

Tommy DeVito Net Worth and Income

As of August 2025, Tommy DeVito’s net worth is primarily derived from his professional football contracts and any endorsement deals he has secured. It is crucial to distinguish Tommy DeVito, the NFL quarterback, from the late musician Tommy DeVito of The Four Seasons, whose net worth was estimated at $5 million at the time of his passing in 2020 and primarily fueled by music royalties and the “Jersey Boys” Broadway hit. The NFL player’s financial standing is significantly different.

DeVito signed a two-year, $1.665 million contract with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in May 2023. For his rookie 2023 season, he earned a base salary of $750,000. In the 2024 season, his salary increased to $915,000. Before being waived by the Giants in August 2025, he had signed a one-year deal for $1.03 million with the team for the 2025 season.

According to Spotrac, Tommy DeVito’s total career earnings through the 2025 NFL season amount to $2,632,747. His net worth is largely reflective of these career earnings and any additional income from personal appearances and endorsements that materialized following his breakout 2023 season. His agent, Sean Stellato, has been instrumental in navigating his professional opportunities.

Legacy and Influence

Tommy DeVito’s rapid ascent from an undrafted free agent to a starting NFL quarterback in the 2023 season created one of the league’s most compelling underdog stories, resonating deeply with fans and leaving a significant impact. His journey symbolized perseverance and the potential for unheralded players to achieve success on the biggest stage.

His authentic and proud display of Italian-American heritage, including his signature “Italian pinch” hand gesture celebration and the widely publicized detail of living at home with his parents, fostered a unique connection with the New York fan base and the broader sports community. This cultural phenomenon led to his nickname “Tommy Cutlets” becoming synonymous with his persona, transcending football to become a pop culture reference.

DeVito’s public image is characterized by his humility, strong family values, and evident joy for the game. He became an inspiring figure for aspiring athletes, particularly those who might not follow the traditional path of high draft picks, demonstrating that dedication and seizing opportunities can lead to significant achievements. While his time with the Giants concluded, his “Tommy Cutlets” era and the excitement he generated left a lasting impression on the franchise’s history and its fans. His move to the New England Patriots opens a new chapter, where he will continue to build his legacy as a resilient professional quarterback.

Interesting Facts about Tommy DeVito

• The “Tommy Cutlets” Nickname: DeVito earned his widely popular nickname, “Tommy Cutlets,” due to his proud Italian heritage and his mother’s homemade chicken cutlets. He famously told ESPN that living at home allowed him not to worry about laundry or dinner, with “chicken cutlets and all that” waiting for him, and his mother even making his bed. The nickname stuck after Giants running back Saquon Barkley called him “Tommy Cutlets” on the field, and it quickly became a fan favorite, even inspiring local sandwich shops.
• The Italian Hand Gesture: After every team touchdown, DeVito celebrates with a distinctive Italian hand gesture, known as the “mano a borsa” or “pinched fingers” emoji. This gesture became a signature part of his persona, symbolizing his pride in his Italian-American background.
• Living at Home with Parents: During his entire rookie season with the New York Giants in 2023, DeVito lived at home with his parents in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, which is a mere 12-minute commute from MetLife Stadium. He eventually moved out before the 2024 season after securing endorsement deals.
• Super Bowl Commercial Appearance: His sudden fame during the 2023 season led to several advertising deals, including an appearance in a Super Bowl commercial.
• Agent’s Distinctive Style: DeVito’s agent, Sean Stellato, also gained media attention for his unique and fashion-forward attire, often seen wearing fedoras and sharp suits on the sidelines, further contributing to the “Tommy Cutlets” phenomenon.

Controversies

Throughout his burgeoning NFL career, Tommy DeVito has largely maintained a positive public image, with no significant personal controversies or major off-field incidents reported. However, one notable on-field moment that drew attention occurred during a 2024 season game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In a “controversial move,” Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was seen mimicking DeVito’s signature Italian hand gesture after scoring a touchdown near the end of the first half, a moment that sparked discussion among fans and media. This incident was more a playful, albeit perhaps provocative, jab between competitors rather than a deep-seated controversy for DeVito himself.

Social Media Presence

Tommy DeVito maintains a presence on social media platforms, connecting with fans and sharing updates about his life and career.

• Instagram: His official Instagram account is @tommydevito. (As of August 29, 2025, a live check would be needed for the exact follower count. It is generally in the hundreds of thousands.)
• X (formerly Twitter): His official Twitter (now X) handle is @tommydevito007. (As of August 29, 2025, a live check would be needed for the exact follower count. It is generally in the hundreds of thousands.)

His social media presence primarily features football-related content, glimpses into his personal life, and interactions related to his “Tommy Cutlets” persona and Italian heritage.

Final Words about Tommy DeVito

Tommy DeVito’s journey in the NFL has been a testament to perseverance, unexpected opportunities, and the captivating power of an underdog story. His electrifying run with the New York Giants in 2023, where he stepped in as an undrafted rookie and led the team to crucial victories, solidified his place in the hearts of many football fans. Beyond his on-field performance, his authentic embrace of his Italian-American heritage and the charming “Tommy Cutlets” persona turned him into a cultural icon.

As of August 2025, DeVito has embarked on a new chapter in his career, having been claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots. This transition highlights the dynamic nature of professional sports, where opportunities can shift rapidly. While with the Patriots, he is expected to serve as the emergency third quarterback, providing depth and potential for further development behind Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs. His career earnings, totaling over $2.6 million through 2025, reflect his professional achievements thus far.

DeVito’s legacy is still being written, but his early career has already established him as a resilient and relatable figure in the NFL. His ability to seize unexpected chances, coupled with his genuine personality, ensures that he remains a player to watch as he continues to evolve in the league. His future plans will undoubtedly center on further developing his skills, earning a consistent role, and potentially inspiring more “Tommy Cutlets” moments in New England.