Tommy DeVito carried a cult‑favorite nickname from his Giants stint into New England. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel gave him a new moniker — and DeVito says the new role and more reps matter more than the label.
DeVito credits getting reps in New England’s offense for his growth, saying the system gives the quarterback decision authority and flow.
Vrabel praised DeVito’s progress, saying he continues to learn and has responded to the new system and opportunities.
DeVito. Mike Vrabel, the Patriots' head coach, started calling the 28‑year‑old "Two Chains" after seeing the two gold necklaces DeVito habitually wears. The change replaces the "Tommy Cutlets" persona DeVito developed during his time with the New York Giants.
DeVito earned the "Tommy Cutlets" nickname in 2024 during a six‑game run as the Giants' starter. The nickname referenced his living at home with his parents and his mother's chicken cutlets. He also leaned into his Italian heritage and a signature celebratory hand gesture. The name followed him after the Giants released him ahead of the 2025 season and he eventually landed in New England.
Beyond nicknames, DeVito's role in New England is changing. He spent last season as the team's third‑stringer behind starter Drake Maye and backup Joshua Dobbs and did not play during the Patriots' run to the Super Bowl. With Dobbs no longer on the roster, DeVito is slated to be the backup this year and says he feels more comfortable in his second season with the AFC East team.
DeVito described New England's offense as quarterback‑centric. He said the structure "gives the quarterback all the reins. You make all the decisions, whether you want to get in and out of a play, whatever you want to do. Everything flows through the quarterback." That trust, he said, is meaningful to his development.
On the fan side, the nickname change has prompted reactions. Some Giants fans who embraced "Tommy Cutlets" have pushed back online. Media and fan outlets have covered both the nickname swap and DeVito's on‑field work as he competes for a clearer foothold in New England.
In short: the nickname changed quickly, but DeVito's focus appears to be on practical gains — understanding a new system, getting reps, and earning trust as the likely backup in 2026. Vrabel's public praise signals the coaching staff sees progress, and DeVito's own comments stress that increased playing opportunities are driving his development.
The New England Patriots claimed Tommy DeVito off waivers last summer and he's entering the 2026 season as Drake Maye's backup. Before DeVito came to New England, he was with the New York Giants where he earned the nickname "Tommy Cutlets".
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Tommy DeVito was a member of the New York Giants at this time last season. The quarterback did not join New England until Aug. 27, when the Patriots claimed him off waivers. DeVito went on to spend all season as a third-stringer behind starter Drake Maye and veteran backup Joshua Dobbs. While DeVito learned New […]
While Drake Maye and Team White started slow, DeMario Douglas dominated for Team Blue on the sweltering practice fields behind Gillette Stadium. The post Tommy DeVito bests Drake Maye, and other takeaways from Patriots’ training camp scrimmage appeared first on Boston.com .
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