New Giants starter Tommy DeVito trying to avoid 'fun and games' - ESPN

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — All the hoopla that surrounded quarterback Tommy DeVito last year made him an instant sensation. Now, the second time around with him as the New York Giants' starting quarterback, he's trying to keep it relatively mild.

The local product and undrafted free agent out of Illinois will start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

«Last year was a good story and all, how it happened,» DeVito said. «All the fun and games outside, it was fun. That was last year. I'm sticking to football now. Not that I wasn't before.

»The external stuff will be on pause. I already had talks with everybody around me, my inner circle. Want it to stay very tight and make sure that everything is about production on Sunday."

DeVito was named the surprise starter after the Giants benched Daniel Jones earlier this week. Previously the No. 3 quarterback, he jumped backup Drew Lock on the depth chart to get another chance.

DeVito-mania was a thing late last year after the New Jersey native became the starter and won three consecutive games. With his Italian heritage, pinched fingers celebration and local roots, he became an instant sensation and the legend of «Tommy Cutlets» was born.

Fans embraced the fleeting success before he went back to the bench in favor of Tyrod Taylor. DeVito had lines around the corner at appearances and he quickly became a favorite as he capitalized on the popularity. In fact, it wasn't uncommon for fans at training camp this year to yell his name in hopes of getting his attention. The third-string quarterback was often more popular than the starter.

DeVito, 26, waited patiently as the third-string quarterback. Another year under his belt and having moved out of his parents'