New York Giants rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito was benched at halftime on Christmas Day. It was the lowest moment of his first professional season and that was quickly followed by word that Tyrod Taylor would be taking over as the starting quarterback.
The fall from grace was rapid for DeVito, who had gone from the toast of the town to an afterthought in a month’s time.
Some on social media even celebrated DeVito’s demotion, cheering on the fact that the Giants’ sole positive story of 2023 had reached its end.
While misery loves company, DeVito refuses to partake. He remains upbeat and confident in himself — something that has never wavered for the 25-year-old.
“Stay even-keeled through it all,” DeVito told reporters on Wednesday. “Never too high, never too low because like I said, when you’re up, everybody loves you. When you’re down, everybody hates you so for me, it’s just stay even throughout it all. That’s why I’ll be mellow and good through it all.”
And what has DeVito learned through all of this?
“That I belong. In the NFL, specifically,” he said. “I mean, just to go out and to prove that to myself. To the younger me, to the me that was training to be here to this point. That’s all it is.”
Although he may not play again this season, DeVito intends to remain engaged, carry himself like a professional, and do whatever the team — and his teammates — need.
“I’m just going to continue to watch the film in the past and continue to learn from Ty, and just lean on my teammate to be the best thing that I can,” DeVito said. “I don’t know what the future holds, let alone tomorrow. I’m just going to continue to be here, be in the moment. Just try to give my all and be my best every day.”
