From undrafted third-stringer to a Super Bowl-bound NFL quarterback
In short: Tommy DeVito’s journey to the NFL is a masterclass in persistence. After being overlooked in the draft, he climbed from the practice squad to lead the New York Giants to victory, all while becoming a cultural icon for his Italian heritage and
DeVito's path to the NFL was anything but linear. After a standout high school career at Don Bosco Preparatory, where he was an All-State selection, he spent five years in college. He redshirted his first year at Syracuse, eventually becoming a starter before transferring to Illinois. It was at Illinois where he solidified his role as a primary starter, throwing for 2,650 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2022.
Entering the professional ranks, DeVito was an undrafted free agent signed by the New York Giants in April 2023. He spent his rookie season navigating the depths of the roster, starting as a third-stringer. However, a series of injuries to starters Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor paved the way for his debut. He quickly became a fan favorite, earning the nickname "Tommy Cutlets" for his pride in his Italian roots and his lifestyle of living with his parents.
DeVito's career highlights include a Week 12 victory over the Patriots where he led a game-winning drive, and a Week 11 win against the Commanders where he became the first winning quarterback since 1992 to be sacked nine times in a single game. Despite a brief stint with the Giants, he moved to the New England Patriots in 2025. By March 2026, he signed a two-year, $7.4 million extension, serving as the backup to Drake Maye.
His rise also translated into commercial success, landing a Super Bowl commercial and a Progressive Insurance spot in 2025. While his time with the Patriots saw him as a backup, his trajectory from an overlooked prospect to a multi-million dollar contract illustrates the volatile, high-stakes nature of NFL quarterback development.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Tommy DeVito (American football)
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