Introduction
Tommy DeVito has fast become one of the most beloved underdog stories in the NFL. Rising from undrafted rookie to fan-favorite quarterback for the New York Giants, DeVito earned the nickname “Tommy Cutlets” thanks to his adoration of his mother’s homemade chicken cutlets. Along the way, curiosity about his possible relation to Hollywood legend Danny DeVito reached a fever pitch. In this article, we’ll unpack the truth behind the shared surname, celebrate the strength of his family support system, and explore DeVito’s ascent from high school star to his current NFL stats and standing.
1. Is Tommy DeVito Related to Danny DeVito?
Despite sharing a distinctive surname and both hailing from New Jersey, Tommy DeVito is not related to Danny DeVito. Multiple reliable fact-check sources confirm there’s no familial connection between the NFL quarterback and the iconic Hollywood actor.
While they share the same last name, the similarity ends there—one reigns on the gridiron, the other on the silver screen.
2. The Nickname: “Tommy Cutlets”
Tommy’s playful nickname stems from his love for his mother’s home-cooked chicken cutlets, and his Italian-American heritage. As he lived at home during his rookie season, the family meals became part of his identity. The name caught fire with fans and media, becoming synonymous with DeVito’s grounded, relatable persona.
3. Parents & Family: The Backbone of His Journey
Father: Tom DeVito Sr.
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A proud third-generation plumber and owner of DeVito Plumbing and Heating in Montclair, New Jersey, he’s known for his work ethic and loyal support. He drove young Tommy to thousands of games and practices, often working grueling hours but never missing a moment.
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As Tommy once said, his dad worked 100-hour weeks but “never missed a game.”
Mother: Alexandra “Lexy” DeVito
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A native New Jerseyan and vice president of the family business, Lexy has balanced family and business with grace. She’s admired for giving Tommy stability—from making his bed to cooking dinner, nurturing both his body and spirit.
Brother: Max/Maximilian DeVito
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A former wide receiver at Salve Regina University, Max went on to pursue a career in finance, earning his MBA and working as a financial advisor trainee at UBS Group AG.
Tommy lived at home during his rookie year, in part due to logistics—but also because “my mom still makes my bed, chicken cutlets are waiting,” he joked. He drew confidence and stability from this family foundation. Tommy DeVito stats.
4. Football Stats: From Cedar Grove to the NFL
High School (Don Bosco Prep)
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Tommy passed for over 1,800 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior. As a senior, he threw for 2,005 yards and 16 touchdowns. The Ironmen went deep into the state playoffs. He was named first-team All-State and second-team All-Metro.
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He was a finalist at the Elite 11 quarterback competition and played in the prestigious Under Armour All-American Game.
College (Syracuse & Illinois)
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Syracuse (2017–2021): Redshirted his freshman year; saw limited duty until 2019, when he threw for 2,360 yards and 19 touchdowns. Injuries limited his impact in other seasons.
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Illinois (2022): Transferred and shone in his lone season—2,650 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, four interceptions, and six rushing touchdowns including a three-TD game vs. Wisconsin.
College Career Totals:
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Games: 39
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Passing: 6,516 yards, 43 TDs, 16 INTs, 63.1% completion rate, 133.0 passer rating
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Rushing: 272 attempts, 253 yards, 10 TDs
NFL (New York Giants, 2023–2024)
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2023: Undrafted and signed as a free agent. Debuted Week 8, eventually starting six games. Finished the season with over 1,100 passing yards, eight touchdowns, three interceptions, and a 89.2 passer rating. He also had a rushing touchdown.
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2024: Started three games, passing for 257 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions, 32 rushing yards, and 70.5 passer rating. Season hampered by injuries including a concussion. Tommy DeVito stats.
Career Totals (As of 2024):
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Games: 12
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Completions/Attempt: 145/222 (65.3%)
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Passing Yards: 1,358
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TDs/INTs: 8/3
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Rushing: 43 attempts, 227 yards, 2 TDs
5. Recent Developments & Team Role (2025)
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In March 2025, DeVito re-signed with the Giants as an exclusive rights free agent, likely earning a one-year minimum deal (~$1.03M).
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But with acquisitions of veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, plus rookie Jaxson Dart, DeVito is currently fourth on the depth chart. Despite this, he remains hopeful and focused, attributing his determination to his undrafted roots.
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Fans continue to embrace him, and he’s still affectionately known as “Tommy Cutlets.”
FAQS
Q1: Is Tommy DeVito related to Danny DeVito?
A: No. Despite the shared last name and New Jersey origins, there is no familial relation.
Q2: Why is he nicknamed “Tommy Cutlets”?
A: The nickname comes from his fondness for his mother’s chicken cutlets and his habit of living at home during his rookie NFL season. Tommy DeVito stats.
Q3: Who are his parents?
A: His father, Tom DeVito Sr., runs a plumbing business in New Jersey and supported Tommy’s career from Day 1. His mother, Alexandra (“Lexy”) DeVito, is the vice president of the family business and provides a supportive home environment. They also have a son, Max.
Q4: What are his NFL stats?
A: In 2023, he threw for over 1,100 yards, eight TDs, three INTs (89.2 passer rating). In 2024, he started three games, passing for 257 yards with no TDs/INTs and a lower rating (70.5), plus 32 rushing yards. Tommy DeVito stats.
Q5: What is his current team status?
A: As of 2025, DeVito has re-signed with the Giants under an exclusive rights tender, but now faces a crowded QB room and stands behind more experienced players.
Conclusion
Tommy DeVito’s rise from undrafted rookie living at home to NFL starter is as heartwarming as it is remarkable. His Italian-American roots, supportive family (especially his parents, Tom and Alexandra), and relatable identity as “Tommy Cutlets” have made him a fan favorite. While he shares a surname with Danny DeVito, there’s no relation—but that doesn’t dim the charm and appeal Tommy brings both on and off the field. His stats show both promise and room for growth, and as he continues to fight for his roster spot, one thing’s clear: he’s built for this journey.
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