Tommy DeVito NFL Journey: Giants to Patriots Story

Discover Tommy DeVito’s rise from Illinois QB to Giants starter, Patriots signing, and his growing impact on the NFL.

Tommy DeVito has quickly become one of the most intriguing stories in professional football. Once considered a long shot for the NFL, Tommy DeVito went from an undrafted quarterback prospect to starting games for the New York Giants in 2023, earning unexpected victories and capturing the hearts of fans along the way. His rise has been unusual, shaped by resilience, opportunity, and a cultural personality that endeared him to millions.

In August 2025, Tommy DeVito found himself in the headlines again after signing with the New England Patriots. The move sparked curiosity around the league: could he carve out another opportunity to prove himself, this time in one of the most storied franchises in NFL history? With fans and analysts debating his future, Tommy DeVito remains one of those rare players whose career has become bigger than just the stat lines—it’s about grit, identity, and seizing chances when others least expect it.

This blog explores the life and career of Tommy DeVito, from his roots in New Jersey to his college days at Syracuse and Illinois, through his NFL debut with the Giants, and now into the latest chapter with the Patriots. Along the way, we’ll dive into his playing style, cultural impact, and what the future might hold for this unlikely but inspiring quarterback.

Early Life and High School Years

Tommy DeVito was born on August 7, 1998, in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, and from a young age, he displayed a strong passion for sports. Growing up in a close-knit Italian-American household, Tommy DeVito’s identity and upbringing would later become part of his persona as a professional athlete. His family instilled in him discipline, tradition, and resilience—values that would serve him well as he navigated the unpredictable path of football.

At Cedar Grove High School, Tommy DeVito established himself as one of New Jersey’s premier quarterback prospects. Known for his quick release, strong arm, and leadership qualities, he became the centerpiece of his high school’s offense. His performances not only helped his team succeed but also drew the attention of college scouts across the country. By the time he finished his high school career, Tommy DeVito had developed a reputation as a competitor with both physical talent and mental toughness.

Recruiting services rated him as a highly regarded three-star recruit, and he eventually committed to Syracuse University. That decision set the stage for the next critical phase of his football journey. For a young quarterback from New Jersey, heading to upstate New York to play for a program looking to rebuild was both a challenge and an opportunity.

High school teammates and coaches have since reflected on his early years, describing Tommy DeVito as a player who thrived under pressure and enjoyed the spotlight. Even as a teenager, he showed poise in difficult moments and the ability to rally his team when games were on the line. These qualities would become hallmarks of his identity as he moved to the college stage and later fought for recognition in the NFL.

While many quarterbacks with big numbers in high school fade before they reach college or professional prominence, Tommy DeVito’s story demonstrates how resilience and adaptability matter just as much as arm talent or athleticism. His early career laid the foundation for what would become one of the more surprising quarterback journeys in recent NFL history.

College Football Career

When Tommy DeVito committed to Syracuse University, expectations were high. The program had been searching for stability at quarterback, and many hoped DeVito could bring consistency and leadership. After redshirting in 2017, he saw action as a backup in 2018. His breakout moment came in a game against North Carolina, where Tommy DeVito led the Orange to an overtime victory with clutch throws and impressive poise. That performance earned him attention as a potential long-term starter.

By 2019, Tommy DeVito was handed the reins as Syracuse’s starting quarterback. He showed flashes of brilliance, throwing for over 2,300 yards and 19 touchdowns. However, the season was also marked by inconsistency and heavy sack totals as the offensive line struggled to protect him. Despite the challenges, DeVito continued to develop his accuracy and decision-making.

The 2020 and 2021 seasons proved more difficult. Injuries hampered Tommy DeVito’s progress, and he eventually lost his starting job. With his role diminished, he decided to enter the transfer portal in search of a fresh start. That move led him to the University of Illinois, a program that had quietly been building under head coach Bret Bielema.

At Illinois in 2022, Tommy DeVito revitalized his college career. He started 13 games, threw for over 2,600 yards, and delivered 15 touchdowns against just four interceptions. More importantly, he guided the Illini to an 8–5 record and a bowl game appearance. His accuracy and efficiency stood out, as he completed nearly 70% of his passes—one of the best marks in school history.

The transfer not only showcased his resilience but also positioned Tommy DeVito as a legitimate NFL prospect. His time at Illinois proved that, when healthy and in the right system, he could be a steady and productive quarterback. While he wasn’t projected as an early-round draft pick, scouts respected his maturity, leadership, and ability to thrive under pressure.

Path to the NFL

Despite his strong finish at Illinois, Tommy DeVito went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. It was a tough reality check, but not an unusual one for quarterbacks outside the top tier. Still, his journey was far from over. Shortly after the draft, Tommy DeVito signed as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants.

For a local New Jersey native, joining the Giants was a dream come true. It also marked the beginning of one of the NFL’s most surprising quarterback stories of the season. Initially buried on the depth chart behind Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor, DeVito wasn’t expected to see meaningful playing time. But the NFL is a league of opportunity, and circumstances soon worked in his favor.

Injuries to both Jones and Taylor forced the Giants to turn to Tommy DeVito midway through the 2023 season. What followed was nothing short of remarkable. He stepped into the huddle with confidence, delivering key throws, and leading the Giants to multiple wins. Fans embraced him instantly, nicknaming him “Tommy Cutlets” in a nod to his Italian heritage and his authentic New Jersey roots.

One of the highlights of his rookie season came in a Week 11 matchup against the Washington Commanders. In that game, Tommy DeVito threw for three touchdowns, helping secure a much-needed victory for the Giants. He went on to finish the year with over 1,000 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and just three interceptions—a respectable stat line for an undrafted rookie thrust into action.

Beyond the numbers, his presence energized the Giants’ locker room and gave fans a reason to cheer during a difficult season. Tommy DeVito became a symbol of resilience, seizing a moment that few believed he would ever have. While the Giants’ overall season was disappointing, his contributions stood out as a silver lining.

The success also put him on the radar of other teams, and his story gained national attention. Media outlets praised his poise, while social media amplified his personality, turning him into something of a cult hero. That momentum would carry into the next chapter of his career.

Giants Era – The 2023 Season

The New York Giants entered the 2023 season with high expectations after a playoff appearance the year before. Daniel Jones was their franchise quarterback, and Tyrod Taylor provided veteran stability as the backup. Few people expected Tommy DeVito to play a meaningful role. But the NFL is unpredictable, and by midseason, DeVito was thrust into the spotlight.

When Daniel Jones suffered a season-ending knee injury and Taylor went down with a rib issue, the Giants turned to Tommy DeVito. Initially, the move was met with skepticism—how could an undrafted rookie possibly steady a struggling offense? Yet what followed was one of the most surprising storylines of the NFL year.

In his first few games, Tommy DeVito showed toughness and poise. While the Giants’ offensive line continued to struggle, DeVito demonstrated quick decision-making and resilience in the pocket. Fans rallied behind him, and his Italian-American background inspired the viral “Tommy Cutlets” phenomenon, complete with memes, chants, and celebrations tied to chicken parmesan.

A defining moment came in Week 11 against the Washington Commanders. Tommy DeVito threw for three touchdowns and over 240 yards, leading the Giants to a crucial divisional victory. That performance made headlines across the league and proved he belonged at the professional level. By the end of the year, he had logged over 1,000 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and just three interceptions—a remarkable stat line for someone who began the season buried on the depth chart.

Teammates praised his work ethic and energy, while fans embraced him as a local hero. Despite the Giants’ overall struggles, Tommy DeVito became a bright spot, providing hope and excitement during a difficult season. His rise from undrafted free agent to starting quarterback underscored the unpredictable magic of the NFL.

Transition to the Patriots (2025)

After the 2023 season, questions lingered about Tommy DeVito’s long-term role with the Giants. In 2024, he continued to compete but saw fewer opportunities as the team restructured its roster. By 2025, change was inevitable. In August of that year, the New England Patriots announced they had signed Tommy DeVito, adding him to their quarterback room as they looked for depth and competition.

For DeVito, the move represented both a fresh start and a daunting challenge. The Patriots, known for their demanding system and high expectations, offered him the chance to prove himself once again. Head coach Jerod Mayo, succeeding the legendary Bill Belichick, praised his work ethic and emphasized that DeVito would have the opportunity to compete for a roster spot.

The signing drew considerable media attention. Analysts debated whether Tommy DeVito could thrive in New England, given the franchise’s history of developing quarterbacks and its desire to rebuild. Some argued that his accuracy and short passing game made him a natural fit for the Patriots’ offensive scheme, while others wondered if he would simply serve as camp depth.

Fans, however, were intrigued. The “Tommy Cutlets” legend had already made him a cultural figure, and Patriots supporters were curious to see how he would adapt to their team. Social media lit up with reactions, from excitement about his underdog story to jokes about Boston’s Italian food scene embracing him as warmly as New Jersey had.

For Tommy DeVito, the opportunity was clear: prove that his breakout with the Giants wasn’t a fluke. His path with the Patriots may not guarantee a starting role, but even competing for a backup job represented another chapter in a career defined by perseverance. Whether he remains with New England long-term or uses the stint as a springboard to another NFL destination, DeVito continues to defy expectations and capture attention across the league.

Playing Style & Strengths

Every quarterback who makes it to the NFL has unique tools, and Tommy DeVito is no exception. While he may not have the prototype size or cannon arm of some high draft picks, his playing style emphasizes efficiency, intelligence, and grit.

One of the most notable aspects of Tommy DeVito’s game is his accuracy on short and intermediate throws. At Illinois, he completed nearly 70% of his passes in 2022, showcasing his ability to operate a quick-hitting offense. This trait carried into his time with the Giants, where he found success with quick outs, slants, and timing routes that neutralized aggressive defenses.

Pocket awareness is another strength. Though the Giants’ offensive line was among the league’s most inconsistent in 2023, Tommy DeVito demonstrated toughness by standing tall under pressure and absorbing hits while delivering throws. Coaches praised his willingness to take a hit to make the right play, a quality not always present in young quarterbacks.

Leadership also defines his profile. Teammates describe Tommy DeVito as approachable, humble, and hardworking—a player who commands respect not through flash, but through daily consistency. He’s known to put in extra time studying film and working on fundamentals, traits that will serve him well as he adjusts to the Patriots’ system.

Mobility, while not elite, is another subtle strength. Tommy DeVito isn’t likely to beat defenses with 50-yard scrambles, but he moves well enough to extend plays, roll out of the pocket, and pick up short gains when necessary. That ability to escape pressure adds another dimension to his skill set.

Perhaps his biggest strength, though, is resilience. Whether bouncing back from injuries at Syracuse, reviving his career at Illinois, or stepping into the NFL spotlight unexpectedly with the Giants, Tommy DeVito has shown the mental toughness required to overcome adversity. That resilience has become his defining quality, endearing him to fans and coaches alike.

Challenges & Areas for Growth

As inspiring as his story is, Tommy DeVito still faces challenges that will determine his NFL future. While he has demonstrated accuracy and composure, consistency remains an area for improvement. In the NFL, defenses adapt quickly, and quarterbacks must respond with precision on every snap.

Arm strength is another question. Though serviceable, Tommy DeVito’s deep ball has not been his strongest attribute. Against elite defenses, the inability to consistently stretch the field vertically can limit offensive play-calling. With the Patriots, refining mechanics to maximize velocity and touch on longer throws will be a key focus.

Handling pressure is also an ongoing area of growth. While he has shown bravery in the pocket, Tommy DeVito sometimes holds the ball too long, leading to unnecessary sacks. Quickening his internal clock and improving pre-snap reads could help reduce these negative plays.

Another challenge is competition. The NFL is saturated with quarterback talent, and roster spots are limited. At New England, Tommy DeVito will have to outplay other young passers and demonstrate that his 2023 performances weren’t just lightning in a bottle. That means showcasing growth in training camp and proving he can execute the Patriots’ complex offensive system.

Beyond the technical aspects, there’s the challenge of perception. Because Tommy DeVito entered the league undrafted and was thrust into a struggling Giants team, some analysts still view him as a novelty story rather than a long-term prospect. Overcoming that narrative will require sustained production and consistency.

Still, these challenges don’t overshadow his potential. Tommy DeVito has already proven doubters wrong multiple times. His next step is to transform flashes of promise into steady reliability. If he can sharpen his deep passing, limit negative plays, and show adaptability, he could carve out a lasting role in the NFL.

Cultural Impact & Popularity

Few undrafted players have captured the imagination of fans like Tommy DeVito. His rise with the New York Giants wasn’t just about stats or wins—it was about personality, relatability, and timing. In an era where viral moments dominate sports culture, DeVito became an unexpected star.

The “Tommy Cutlets” phenomenon turned into a national craze. Restaurants across New Jersey and New York promoted chicken parmesan specials in his honor, and fans showed up to games with signs, shirts, and even costumes celebrating their new cult hero. Memes flooded social media, with highlights of Tommy DeVito paired with images of Italian family dinners, hand gestures, and Sopranos references.

His popularity extended beyond humor. Many fans connected with Tommy DeVito because he represented the everyday underdog—a local kid from New Jersey living out a dream against the odds. In a league filled with first-round picks and multimillion-dollar contracts, his story felt authentic and refreshing.

Sports media outlets leaned into the narrative as well. ESPN, NFL Network, and Bleacher Report all ran feature stories on the unlikely star, while national talk shows debated whether Tommy DeVito could sustain his success. Even international coverage grew, as his Italian heritage made him a topic of interest in European football circles.

Merchandise sales also told the story. Giants jerseys with his name sold rapidly after his breakout games, and local businesses capitalized on the hype. For a period in late 2023, Tommy DeVito wasn’t just a quarterback—he was a pop culture figure.

The Patriots’ signing in 2025 reignited some of that excitement. Fans speculated how Boston’s Italian-American community would embrace him, while media outlets once again celebrated the continuation of the “Tommy Cutlets” legacy. Whether he becomes a long-term starter or not, Tommy DeVito has already left a unique cultural footprint on the NFL.

Future Outlook

Looking forward, the future of Tommy DeVito in the NFL remains both uncertain and intriguing. On one hand, roster competition is fierce, and undrafted quarterbacks often face uphill battles to maintain careers. On the other, DeVito has already defied the odds multiple times, suggesting he shouldn’t be counted out.

For the Patriots, his signing represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. If Tommy DeVito can adapt to their system, sharpen his reads, and prove consistent in preseason action, he could secure a backup spot and carve out a role as a trusted reserve. From there, injuries or circumstances could once again thrust him into a starting role, just as they did with the Giants.

Beyond his immediate roster battle, there’s also the possibility of growth. Quarterbacks often take years to reach their peak, and with the right coaching, Tommy DeVito could continue to develop his arm strength, mechanics, and decision-making. While superstardom might be a long shot, a sustainable career as a reliable NFL quarterback is within reach.

Analysts have drawn comparisons to players like Case Keenum and Taylor Heinicke—quarterbacks who weren’t expected to make an impact but carved out long, respected careers through determination and preparation. If Tommy DeVito follows a similar path, his story could evolve from viral sensation to steady professional.

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of his outlook is the unpredictability. Nobody expected Tommy DeVito to start games for the Giants in 2023. Nobody predicted that an undrafted rookie would become a household name. And yet, he did. That unpredictability is what makes following his career compelling. Fans know that at any moment, he could surprise the league again.

As the Patriots continue their rebuilding process, Tommy DeVito has a real opportunity to prove himself. Whether as a backup, a spot starter, or even a bridge quarterback, his perseverance ensures he’ll remain in the conversation. And even if his playing time is limited, his cultural impact guarantees that his name will linger in NFL lore for years to come.

In many ways, Tommy DeVito embodies the essence of football itself: resilience, community, and the possibility of the unexpected. His journey reminds fans that the NFL isn’t just about superstars—it’s also about underdogs who seize their moment.