Former Syracuse football star Tommy DeVito received a not-so-nice present on Christmas Day: A seat on the bench.
DeVito had quickly become a fan favorite for the New York Giants as a third-string quarterback who led the team to three straight wins. Jimmy Fallon spoofed him (and his agent) on “The Tonight Show,” stories about how he still lives with his parents in New Jersey made headlines, and he reportedly even filed for a trademark on his Italian-inspired nicknames, “Tommy Cutlets” and the “Passing Paisano,” just last week.
But on Monday night, he was knocked down a peg by Giants coach Brian Daboll and benched for the second half as QB2 Tyrod Taylor returned to the huddle. Taylor provided a spark that included a 69-yard touchdown pass to Darius Slayton, but the Giants still lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, 33-25, and fell to 5-10 on the season.
“It’s tough. It’s just a constant reminder that it’s a business,” DeVito told media after the game. “They’re always going to try to find someone to replace you, wherever it is. At the same time, it is a business. It’s your job. I respect it. There’s no hard feelings one way or another.”
Daboll declined to say if Taylor or DeVito would get the starting job for the final two weeks of the NFL season.
DeVito was the Giants’ third-string quarterback, but became a starter after injuries to Daniel Jones and Taylor. He played three seasons at Syracuse University before transferring to Illinois for his final college season, leading the Illini to a bowl game. He signed with the Giants practice squad after going undrafted in the NFL Draft and briefly showed success with three straight wins, including being named the NFC offensive player of the week.
Here’s how football players with Syracuse and Central New York ties did during Week 16:
Tommy DeVito, QB, New York Giants
The former Syracuse University quarterback completed 7 of 16 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown and an interception against Philly. He…
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