DeVito’s Shocking New Role & Viral Nickname Stuns Patriots Nation
From "Tommy Cutlets" to "Two Chains": How Tommy DeVito Became the Patriots’ Trusted Backup
The Big Picture
Imagine you’re the new kid at school. At first, you’re just trying to learn where the cafeteria is. But after a year of studying hard and practicing, the teachers trust you to help run the class. That’s basically what happened to Tommy DeVito with the New England Patriots.
After joining the team last summer as the third-string quarterback (the third choice behind two other players), DeVito has worked so well that the Patriots decided they don’t need to bring back last year’s backup, Joshua Dobbs. DeVito has officially moved up to the No. 2 spot — the primary backup to starting quarterback Drake Maye.
How He Got Here: A Quick Timeline
- 2023-2024: Plays for the New York Giants. Goes from practice squad player to unexpected starter. Fans love him and nickname him "Tommy Cutlets."
- Summer 2025: The Patriots claim him off waivers (a process where teams can pick up players other teams let go). He starts as QB3.
- 2025 Season: Spends the year learning the new offense from the sidelines. Gets zero real practice reps in games.
- Spring 2026 (OTAs): Finally gets his first real practice reps in the Patriots’ system.
- Summer 2026 (Training Camp): Lights it up. Coaches and teammates rave about his progress. He earns the backup job.
What the Coaches See: "Tremendous Development"
Head Coach Mike Vrabel isn’t just being nice. He sees real growth.
“He continues to learn… I think it got his attention a little bit better, as opposed to saying, ‘Hey, I know what this is,’ and kind of taking it for granted. I think he’s really done a nice job.” — Mike Vrabel
Why this matters: Instead of acting like a veteran who knows it all, DeVito treated the new playbook like a freshman textbook. He studied every detail. That humility helped him master a complex offense where the quarterback makes all the decisions at the line of scrimmage.
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The "Prepare Like a Starter" Mindset
DeVito learned this lesson the hard way as a rookie with the Giants:
- Week 1: On the practice squad (not even on the main team).
- Week 2: Promoted to backup.
- Week 3: Starting a real NFL game.
He knows the jump from "third string" to "starter" can happen overnight. He treats every practice rep like it’s the Super Bowl.
The New Nickname: "Two Chains"
Nicknames in the NFL are like badges of honor. DeVito’s first one, "Tommy Cutlets," came from his Italian-American heritage and love for chicken cutlet sandwiches (a New Jersey/New York staple).
The new one came from Coach Vrabel himself:
- Vrabel started calling him "Cutlets."
- Vrabel noticed DeVito always wears two gold chains — never takes them off.
- "Cutlets" became "Two Chains."
- Now, everyone in the building calls him that.
DeVito loves it: "That’s good, and that’s how it is throughout the building now."
The Proof Is in the Practice: Stats Don’t Lie
Talk is cheap. DeVito has backed it up with performance.
Best Play of Camp (So Far)
- Situation: 11-on-11 team drills (closest thing to a real game).
- The Play: A perfectly designed call with multiple options.
- The Result: DeVito reads the defense, gets great protection from the offensive line, and launches a 50-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Mack Hollins.
- DeVito’s Reaction: "That was awesome… Everything starts with the play call… Mack runs a great route, O-line blocks, and you put it up to him."
Recent Report Card
| Drill Type | Completions | Attempts | Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-on-11 (Team) | 11 | 16 | 68.8% | Included the 50-yard TD |
| 7-on-7 (Passing) | 2 | 6 | 33.3% | Tougher coverage, no run threat |
| Intrasquad Scrimmage (Prev. Week) | 13 | 16 | 81.3% | 2 TDs to DeMario Douglas, led Blue team to win over Drake Maye’s White team |
What Teammates Say
“The talent has always been there, but I think he’s just in a flow state right now. He looks fantastic.” — Dell Pettus, Defensive Back
Translation: The guy defending him in practice every day is impressed. That’s the ultimate compliment.
From "Cult Hero" to "Steady Eddie"
The Giants Rollercoaster (2023-2024)
- Games: 12
- Starts: 8
- Stats: 65.3% Completion | 1,358 Yards | 8 TDs | 3 INTs
- Vibe: Chaos. Undrafted rookie thrust into starting role. Fans went wild. "Tommy Cutlets" became a folk hero.
The Patriots Plan (2025-Present)
- Role: Consistent, reliable backup.
- Vibe: Professional. Prepared. Trusted.
- Key Difference: In New York, he had to play. In New England, he prepares to play so the starter (Drake Maye) doesn’t have to worry.
DeVito on the difference: "It’s a different world… Last year, I didn’t get any reps in the offense; my first rep was during OTAs [this spring]… For the coaches to have that kind of trust in you, it’s awesome."
Why This Offense Fits Him Perfectly
The Patriots’ new system gives the quarterback total control at the line of scrimmage.
- Check the play: Don’t like the look? Change it.
- Protection calls: Slide the blockers left or right.
- Run/Pass options: Decide after the snap based on the defense.
This requires:
- High football IQ.
- Deep playbook mastery.
- Coach’s trust.
DeVito has earned all three.
Summary: The Quiet Rise of QB2
- Tommy DeVito arrived in New England as an afterthought (QB3 on waivers).
- He spent a year learning, not playing — mastering a complex, QB-centric offense.
- Coach Mike Vrabel praises his humility and work ethic.
- A funny moment about gold chains gave him a new locker-room identity: "Two Chains."
- His practice performance has been elite: high completion %, big throws, clutch moments.
- Teammates and coaches trust him as the primary backup to Drake Maye.
- He embodies the "prepare like a starter" philosophy — ready for anything, anytime.
The bottom line: The Patriots didn’t just find a backup. They found a quarterback who acts like a starter before he ever has to be one.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What does "claimed on waivers" mean?
When a team cuts a player, they don’t immediately become a free agent. For 24 hours, other teams can "claim" them — taking over their existing contract. The Patriots saw DeVito available, liked him, and claimed him before he hit the open market.
Why didn’t the Patriots keep Joshua Dobbs?
Dobbs was the backup last year. But DeVito outperformed him in practice this summer and knows the new offense better (Dobbs arrived later). Plus, DeVito is younger (28) and cheaper. The Patriots chose the better long-term fit.
What are OTAs?
Organized Team Activities. These are voluntary offseason practices in spring (May/June). No pads, no hitting. Just teaching, installing plays, and building chemistry. DeVito said his first real rep in this offense came here.
What is "11-on-11" vs "7-on-7"?
- 11-on-11: Full offense vs. full defense. Linemen block. Most realistic.
- 7-on-7: Just QBs, receivers, tight ends, running backs vs. defensive backs/linebackers. No linemen, no pass rush. Pure passing drill.
Is DeVito going to start over Drake Maye?
No. Drake Maye is the franchise quarterback (drafted #3 overall in 2024). DeVito is the insurance policy. His job is to be ready if Maye gets hurt, and to help Maye prepare every week. The "cult hero" days are over; the "pro’s pro" era has begun.