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Giants QB Tommy DeVito Explains Viral TD Celebration Origin

DeVito's viral celebration is a nod to his cultural heritage.

Patricia Traina

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As if New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito hasn't done enough to endear himself to the fan base, the Cedar Grove, New Jersey native, who last week won his first NFL game as a starter, went viral for his celebratory reaction after connecting with running back Saquon Barkley for a touchdown.

Borrowing from his Italian heritage, DeVito threw his right hand into the air and began pinching his fingers as he moved downfield to meet his celebrating teammates.

"I kind of thought it was just the old Italians. When they talk, they start doing this," he said, replicating the hand motion. "It’s just a little credit to them."

DeVito said he got the idea from Giants assistant athletic trainer Phil Buzzerio. "He mentioned it to me a couple of weeks ago. I was like, ‘Alright, I’ll roll with it one of these days,’ and he was like, 'This is the week!’ Alright, I did it, and then it kind of took off from there," DeVito said. 

QB Tommy DeVito Making Believers Out of Giants

All kidding aside, DeVito has done his best to remain grounded and not let his growing fame go to his head.

"I think there's a 24-hour rule from when the game ends. You enjoy it for that 24 hours; after that it’s onto the next week," he said. "I enjoyed myself after the game. I hung out with teammates, I was able to see a lot of friends and family, and I was just able to relax, decompress, and embrace the moment. After that one yesterday, back on."

And with that attitude, DeVito hopes he's proving to the coaching staff how serious he is about being a contributor.

"I just love to play the game of football. I'll try to show that every time I take a snap because you never know what snap is going to be your last. So, I just try to embrace it, go out there, and just try to play for my teammates," he said.

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Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for 30+ seasons, and her work has appeared in multiple media outlets, including The Athletic, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and the Sports Illustrated media group. As a credentialed New York Giants press corps member, Patricia has also covered five Super Bowls (three featuring the Giants), the annual NFL draft, and the NFL Scouting Combine. She is the author of The Big 50: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants. In addition to her work with New York Giants On SI, Patricia hosts the Locked On Giants podcast. Patricia is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America.

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