Tommy DeVito’s first start of the season with the New York Giants was anything but smooth, and Baker Mayfield made sure to let him know it. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated the struggling Giants throughout the first half on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, and Mayfield added some salt to DeVito’s wounds just before halftime.
With the Bucs comfortably leading 16-0, Mayfield broke through the Giants’ defense for a 10-yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 23-0 with only 12 seconds left on the clock in the second quarter.
But it wasn’t just the touchdown that caught everyone’s attention—it was what Mayfield did immediately afterward. He broke into a celebration inspired by DeVito, pulling off an exaggerated Italian-themed dance that the young quarterback made famous during his brief rise to popularity last year.
DeVito, whose Italian-American heritage has become a defining part of his persona, burst onto the scene last season and quickly became a fan favorite.
Embracing the spotlight, he leaned into the culture, adopting nicknames like “Tommy Cutlets” and even going as far as trademarking the name and a related catchphrase. His personality off the field and confident performances on it brought some much-needed excitement to Giants fans, but this season—and especially Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay—has been an uphill battle.
The Giants decided to bench veteran quarterback Daniel Jones earlier this week, opening the door for DeVito to try to rekindle some of the magic he captured last year.
Unfortunately, DeVito struggled to find any rhythm against the Buccaneers’ tough defense, completing just 3 of 5 pass attempts for 31 yards in the first half. It was a stark contrast to his confident performances from last season, and Mayfield took full advantage of the opportunity to rub it in.
RELATED: Jim Harbaugh Caught Using ZYN on Sidelines Like Baker Mayfield
Mayfield’s celebration wasn’t just spontaneous—it seemed almost premeditated, as though he had been waiting for the perfect moment to use it. And it’s not the first time an opponent has mocked DeVito with the very same gesture.
As entertaining as it might be for Bucs fans, it serves as a reminder of how quickly the tide can turn in the NFL. One moment, you’re riding high on a wave of popularity, and the next, you’re struggling to make a mark while your signature moves become fodder for the opposition.
For DeVito, the road ahead remains uncertain, but he will need to brush off moments like this if he wants to recapture the form that made him such a captivating figure last year.
For Mayfield and the Buccaneers, it was just another reminder of their dominance that day—a dominant performance capped with a bit of theatrical flair.
