New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito returned to Syracuse on Saturday for a meet-and-greet in the Inner Harbor.
The former Syracuse football star returned for the Syracuse Pizza and Pasta Festival. DeVito, known nationwide for his nickname “Tommy Cutlets,” met with fans, signed autographs, and even served up chicken cutlet sandwiches as a part of a VIP package.
DeVito, a New Jersey native, has popularized his Italian hand gesture touchdown celebration while with the Giants. He has become known for his Italian heritage.
“First time in a while being back,” said DeVito, who played for the Orange under former head coach Dino Babers from 2017-2021. “It’s been a couple of years now, but it’s been great. It’s really hot out, hopefully everyone stays hydrated, but there’s a ton of great vendors out here. Shoutout to Limp Lizard for getting me out here.”
The festival featured food from more than 25 local vendors, with craft beer and live music accompanying the food offerings. A portion of the proceeds will support Golisano’s Children’s Hospital and The Upstate Foundation.
DeVito played his final season of eligibility at Illinois in 2022, and was signed by the Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
He led the struggling Giants to an unexpected three-game winning streak off of the bench in 2023. He made just two starts in 2024, throwing for 257 total yards.
Headed into this season, his future in New York appears uncertain.
The Giants overhauled their quarterback room this offseason, signing veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston and drafting former Ole Miss star Jaxson Dart in the first round of April’s NFL Draft.
NFL teams rarely carry four quarterbacks on the active roster, meaning if DeVito ends up behind Wilson, Winston, and Dart on the depth chart, he could be destined for the practice squad.
In that instance, any NFL team would be able to swoop in and sign him to their active roster.
DeVito declined to answer questions about the Giants on Saturday.
He did say that he watched Syracuse football’s success last season, and has been pleased to see the revitalization of the program under Fran Brown.
“Seeing it last year was awesome,” the 26-year-old said. “Kyle McCord, me and him worked out together when we were ‘this’ big. So, to see him flourish and to see the program come together, everything has really come to fruition…it’s been building up for years and years, so it’s finally starting to see some of the fruits of that labor. Still more to do.”
DeVito says he’s heard of Syracuse football’s new, state-of-the-art facility, which opened in April, but has not had a chance to see it yet.
“Everything around here, everybody’s upbeat,” said DeVito. “So that’s what keeps the team going, upbeat fans. To have them pour into the team, and see the team respond with some wins, it all goes together.”
DeVito will fight for his roster spot when the Giants begin training camp on July 23rd.