New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito is doing everything possible to take advantage of the surprising popularity he has seen since taking over for the injured Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback.
The undrafted free agent out of Illinois took over as New York’s starting QB back on Nov. 12 after Jones suffered a season-ending torn ACL.
He’s since led the team to a 3-2 record, including a three-game winning streak, before last week’s loss to the New Orleans Saints.
New Jersey born and bred, DeVito is now looking to take advantage of his Italian heritage and the culture of his home state.
According to trademark attorney Josh Gerben, DeVito has filed trademarks for “Tommy Cutlets” and “Passing Paisano.”
He apparently plans on selling decals, clothing, pasta, pizza, tomato sauce, energy drinks and more. You simply can’t make this stuff up. It’s awesome sauce. Pun intended.
DeVito made national headlines after he led New York to a thrilling win over the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football back in Week 14.
The scene was electric, including DeVito’s agent looking very much like a character on The Sopranos as he celebrated his client’s success by kissing the quarterback’s dad in the stands. It was so much a Jersey-like moment.
Not only has DeVito looked good in his five games as a starter, but an argument can also be made that he should be given a look to be the Giants’ long-term option at that position over the aforementioned Jones.
The nickname “Tommy Cutlets” has stood by DeVito for some time now. But that whole “Passing Paisano” could even be catchier. It seems to be an ode to a local Jersey restaurant by the name of Paisano’s.
DeVito’s new-found fame has not come without controversy. It was just recently that a local pizza joint decided to stop paying the rookie quarterback for appearances after the fee jumped from $10,000 to $20,000.
DeVito visited the family-owned restaurant recently and clarified that there was a mix-up on his end.