When the New York Giants announced Tommy DeVito as their new starting quarterback, fans were eager to hear how the unassuming, undrafted New Jersey native would react. Would he shy away from the pressure? Would he offer a stockpile of clichés? Instead, DeVito delivered a confident and measured message that perfectly set the tone for his second stint as the Giants’ QB1.
In a season defined by turmoil, the Giants are turning to DeVito to steer the ship through rough waters. While his elevation to starter may not have been the obvious choice (Drew Lock’s experience offered a compelling argument), DeVito handled the moment with poise.
From thanking his teammates to focusing on football, DeVito’s first public comments made one thing clear: he wants to be more than a placeholder. He’s wants to lead.
Tommy DeVito steps up with poise and swagger
For a quarterback thrust into the spotlight of a 2-8 season, DeVito showed no signs of being overwhelmed. “I’m going to give you everything I can on the field,” DeVito said. “My heart and soul is into it... leading up to the preparation and ultimately going out and playing on game day.”
It wasn’t just what he said. It was how he said it. DeVito radiated confidence without being boastful. He acknowledged the challenges ahead but spoke with a quiet determination that resonated with both teammates and fans.
As media entered the locker room and swarmed QB Tommy DeVito, #Giants players cheered “Tommy Cutlets!”
— Madelyn Burke (@MadelynBurke) November 20, 2024
DeVito was asked about the locker room reception: “I put everything into this sport…. For the logo on the jersey, my name on the back, my family, my teammates, the fans…” pic.twitter.com/Uc0yyBGZey
DeVito’s approach reflects a quarterback who’s grown from his whirlwind debut last season. Back then, he was the undrafted rookie who became a viral sensation, leading a three-game winning streak while winning over fans with his blue-collar, Jersey swagger. This time around, though, he’s leaving the memes and pizza shop appearances in the past.
“Last year was fun, but now it’s all about production,” DeVito said. “I’ve had talks with my inner circle. Everything is staying tight, and it’s all about focusing on what I can do on the field.”
His teammates, too, seem energized by his presence. Chants of "Tommy Cutlets" echoed through the locker room when DeVito met with the media, showcasing a team rallying behind their new leader.
The Giants' coaching staff is also leaning into DeVito’s strengths. Head coach Brian Daboll praised his leadership and preparation, saying, “He’s got good leadership about him. He understands the system even more now, and we’ll work as hard as we can to get him ready.”
Daboll’s decision to start DeVito wasn’t without risk. Passing over Lock, who has far more NFL experience, could have divided the locker room. Instead, players took the professional route and put the team over the individual. Wide receiver Darius Slayton pointed to DeVito’s “attitude and swagger” as qualities that set him apart, while linebacker Bobby Okereke emphasized the need to “rally around” their new quarterback.
For DeVito, the opportunity is about more than just this season. With seven games left, he has a chance to prove he belongs on the Giants’ roster in 2025. More importantly, he has a chance to set the tone for a franchise in need of a cultural reset.
DeVito said all the right things in his first words as the starter. Now, he’ll need to back them up on the field. If his confidence and leadership are any indication, the Giants might just have found the spark they’ve been searching for.