New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito has proud Italian heritage, which has spawned his nickname, “The Passing Paisano.” While he went undrafted this year, he led the New York Giants to victories over the Washington Commanders and the New England Patriots as a starter.
While he is bringing back some respect to a franchise with a proud football tradition, football fans are losing their minds over his agent. A photo of them together showed NFL followers referencing Italian families involved in organized crime.
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Football fans are thinking about the mob over Tommy DeVito’s viral photo
AX/Twitter user shared a screenshot of Tommy DeVito and his agent as the Giants prepare to take on the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football.
When seeing the photo, another football fan commented that the officer felt like someone from Central Casting:
“Italian mafia written everywhere lol”
Another Twitter netizen posted:
“That’s his father, agent, bookmaker, insurance agent and God Father”
Here are other reactions to Tommy DeVito’s moment with the man who negotiates contracts on his behalf:
However, that man next to DeVito is not an actor. Instead, he’s sports agent, author and motivational speaker, Sean P. Stellato. He founded the sports marketing and representation agency Stellato Sports and is certified by the NFL Players Association.
In addition to DeVito, Stellato is also the agent for Carolina Panthers defensive end Nick Thurman and Denver Broncos tight end Chris Manhertz. Like DeVito, he also has Italian ancestry and played football for Salem High School in Massachusetts, The Gunnery prep school and Marist College in New York.
Stellato also played two seasons in the AF2, the Arena Football League’s developmental league. He also wrote two books: “No Backing Down” and “4th and Long the Odds: My Journey.” In 2016, the Business Journal selected him to their 40 Under 40 list.
Tommy DeVito’s NFL journey
Despite Stellato’s support, Tommy DeVito was undrafted in 2023 despite throwing for 2,650 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Illinois Fighting Illini last year.
However, the Giants gave him a chance, releasing him on August 29 before signing him to their practice squad the next day. He got his first taste of NFL action in Week 8 against the New York Jets after Tyrod Taylor was injured.
A week later, he replaced injured quarterback Daniel Jones in their game against the Las Vegas Raiders. DeVito made his first NFL start in Week 10 against the Dallas Cowboys. DeVito has 66 completions for 697 yards and seven touchdowns in five games.
Tommy DeVito and the Giants defeated the Packers in MNF
DeVito made the most of his first Monday Night Football game by defeating the Green Bay Packers 24-22 to win their third straight game. The Giants appeared to be on their way to a comfortable victory with a huge Saquon Barkley run. Instead, his fumble led to a Packers touchdown, giving them a one-point lead.
However, Green Bay’s two-conversion failed, leaving the door open for New York’s NFC team to win the game via field goal. DeVito’s 32-yard completion to Wan’Dale Robinson was the biggest play of the winning drive. Randy Bullock converted a 37-yard field goal as time expired to help the Giants improve to 5-8.
Tommy DeVito finished with 17 completions on 21 attempts for 158 yards, a touchdown pass to Isaiah Hodgins and zero interceptions. He also had ten carries for 71 yards. The Giants offensive line protected him well and allowed zero sacks.
Robinson led the Giants with 79 receiving yards, while Barkley had 20 carries for 86 yards and two touchdowns. The Giants will look to extend their winning streak when they visit the New Orleans Saints in Week 15.
