SAN JOSE, Calif. — A New Wave of NFL Stars
During a recent Super Bowl, the spotlight shone on a fresh crop of NFL talents, including a quarterback who has already made his mark in commercials for brands like Progressive and Pizza Hut.
However, he won’t be playing in Super Bowl LX unless things take an unexpected turn for the Patriots.
Tommy DeVito’s rise to fame didn’t reach the same heights in the 2025 NFL season as it had in previous years, but it did provide a refreshing change from the usual commotion surrounding the Giants, who really needed some excitement.
His Patriots teammates humorously tease him for incorporating his quirky commercial subtitles in a family photo, where he jokingly plays the role of the unsmiling child.
“It was cool and fun, but let’s be honest, it’s a Jersey, New York thing. That team means so much to me; every visit feels special. Still, I’ve evolved into a different version of myself, and I’m happy about that,” DeVito reflected during Super Bowl LX Opening Night.
DeVito’s comedic persona, “Tommy Cutlets,” captures a carefree spirit, living with his parents and celebrating touchdowns with fried chicken cutlets and vodka sauce.
After leading the Giants to three consecutive victories as an undrafted rookie in 2023, he got his chance in 2024 when Daniel Jones was let go.
However, since joining the Patriots from waivers last August, DeVito has embraced a more conventional role as a third-string quarterback.
He hasn’t actually stepped onto the field for any plays, following Drake Maye and Josh Dobbs.
“People see me as Tommy DeVito, the football player now, rather than ‘Tommy Cutlet,’ the friendly neighbor,” he noted. “I think the change has been beneficial for me and my family; I couldn’t have asked for a better place to be.”
Sitting as the third quarterback during both of his seasons with the Giants, he still managed to start eight games despite not always being on the field.
“As a competitor, you naturally want to play,” DeVito stated. “But my role is to give the defense a unique look. I spend a lot of time watching film to try and replicate it for the quarterbacks to gain an advantage.”
This week, his goal? To create unforgettable moments by channeling Sam Darnold of the Seahawks.
“I’m trying to soak up everything,” DeVito mentioned. “It’s crucial that everything aligns because you never know when you might face your last opportunity.”
This lesson came during a challenging period with the Giants. “Adversity often brings out your best self,” he reflected. “My time in New York had its ups and downs, but it ultimately served my career well. I experienced a lot in a short span—the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
Amidst the flurry of familiar faces on Monday, DeVito responded to queries about his go-to orders at Italian delis in North Jersey, all while being interviewed by someone donning agent Sean Stellato’s signature fedora.
Though he praised the Italian food from Boston’s North End, he readily admitted to being a bit biased.
“Nothing beats home,” he said. “My mom is home, and there’s truly nothing like her cooking.”
And yes, there are definitely “Tommy cutlets.”
