Tommy DeVito, we love you, but make your own bed!

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Today we will talk about football, but don't get scared, we won't talk about the game or plays and by all means, we won't be talking about fantasy leagues. (In case you were wondering, this is my first year doing an NFL fantasy football league and I am in last place. I thought it would be like the March Madness bracket, which I love, but alas, it is not.) What I'd like to discuss, is a New Jersey guy who's getting the chance of a lifetime and Jersey folks being right there with him rooting him on to succeed - it's a beautiful thing.

New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) celebrates with wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins (18) after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Friday, Nov. 26, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) celebrates with wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins (18) after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Friday, Nov. 26, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)

Tommy DeVito is the 25-year-old NY Giants' undrafted rookie quarterback who had to step into the tough role when both the starting and backup quarterbacks Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor were injured. Miraculously, amid a terrible season, the Giants won two straight games that DeVito started.

DeVito's personality and a bit of Jersey swagger have made him into a bit of a hero for lots of Giants fans and even those who don't much care for football or the New York Giants, which, if you ask me should be called the New Jersey Giants. (They play and practice at MetLife Stadium, which is located 100% in New Jersey - amiright?)

DeVito will start for the Giants on Monday night against the Green Bay Packers. The former Don Bosco standout is the choice over Taylor as Brian Daboll and the Giants were faced with the decision upon returning from their bye week, the Northjersey.com and The Record Giants reporter Art Stapleton tells me.

It had been speculated that Taylor might start as he returns from the injured reserve, but the team decided to stick with DeVito and the fans are loving it.

DeVito has been a bright light in an otherwise dim season for the Giants, but that's not the only thing that makes him so likable - it's his "Jerseyness" if you ask me. What I mean by that is he is forthright, says it like it is and seems to be pretty chill under pressure.

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On top of that, he made a hand gesture most Jersey folks can relate to, especially those of Italian ancestry (there are lots of them in New Jersey, 17% of the population, which adds up to about 1.5 million - mamma mia!! ) The pinched fingers gesture that some are calling the finger purse and I call "ma che fai" or "ma che vuoi" hand gesture, has given fans a way to show Tommy their love.

Last week I wrote a bit about the hand gesture and even suggested some more appropriate ones for him to use. The pinched fingers is a gesture you use when you want answers from someone who isn't really being clear, like, "but, what are you talking about" or "what do you want" rather than celebratory. See which gestures I recommended for him to use here.

Anyway, I digress, as there has also been some not-too-positive talk about DeVito still living at home with his family and his mom is still making his bed and his favorite chicken cutlets. While I'm OK with the chicken cutlets (I love them) and him living at home to save some money (with football you never know when it will be your last game and building a nest egg is great) but, as far as the making of the bed, I'm not on board with it. It's time he made his own bed!!!!!!!.

Wayne, NJ Ñ November 28, 2023 Ñ Brady 5 and Delaney 7 Hackett of Wayne with Tommy DeVito. Fans lined up to see New York Giants quarterback and Don Bosco Prep alum, Tommy DeVito sign autographs at PrimoHoagies in Wayne, NJ on November 28, 2023.
Wayne, NJ Ñ November 28, 2023 Ñ Brady 5 and Delaney 7 Hackett of Wayne with Tommy DeVito. Fans lined up to see New York Giants quarterback and Don Bosco Prep alum, Tommy DeVito sign autographs at PrimoHoagies in Wayne, NJ on November 28, 2023.

I called Tommy's mom Alexandra this week to talk about a few things. She was lovely. She answered the phone and after I asked if we could chat a bit for a story. She said she'd have to think about it. It turns out I'm not the only journalist who called her - go figure. She said they have been getting soooooo many interview requests that she'd have to think about it, and maybe she'd get back to me. I hope she calls back, I'd love to see how the family is dealing with all the attention and I'm sure the pressure. What would I tell her? Enjoy it and stop making the bed.

What do you think? Send me your thoughts at Sportelli@northjersey.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Tommy DeVito, we love you, but make your own bed!