I live with my parents despite rookie NFL contract and my mum makes my bed – now I’m starting for the Giants
Tommy DeVito's unexpected rise to NFL fame has fast become one of the feel-good stories of the season.
The undrafted New York Giants rookie has been thrust into the NFL spotlight after injuries to starting quarterback Daniel Jones and back-up Tyrod Taylor.
DeVito started the season on the practice squad but was signed to the active roster when Taylor went on injured reserve.
Born and raised in Livingston, New Jersey, the 25-year-old found himself in the unprecedented position of being handed the keys to his hometown team's offense with seven weeks remaining in the regular season.
Taylor could be in line for a return in the coming weeks, but DeVito has made a strong case for retaining his starting spot, winning over coaches and fans alike with his relatable lifestyle off the field.
In an era when players like Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson have netted multi-million-dollar contracts, DeVito bucks the trend for NFL quarterbacks.
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While Giants running back Saquon Barkley earns an estimated $10m-a-year, DeVito's rookie contract means he pockets around $45,000 a week.
Enough to get by, but not enough to justify moving out of your parents' house, according to DeVito.
"It's a no-brainer for me," said DeVito, who recently discussed his unorthodox domestic set up in an interview with ESPN.
"Everything that I need is there at the house. The decision was made since this level of football is stressful for a rookie, especially from the quarterback position.
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"There is a lot going on, a lot of meetings. So everything outside of football is handled by my family.
"I don't have to worry about laundry, what I'm eating for dinner, chicken cutlets and all that is waiting for me when I get there.
"My mum still makes my bed. Everything is handled for me. Honestly, I don't even know if I could find a place closer to here than where I live. It takes me 12 minutes to get here."
DeVito's emergence has been so sudden, many of his teammates were unaware their new starting quarterback lived under the same roof as his parents.
"Living at home?" replied Barkley when he was told. "For real?"
"That is the greatest," said veteran offensive lineman Justin Pugh. "You know what, smart! Saving his money. Genius!"
He added: "That's the one thing I'd say from a financial standpoint. Your mum helping with your wash, making sure you're up on time, no distractions, unbelievable."
DeVito is unlikely to fly the nest any time soon after enjoying a breakout game in front of his home fans last weekend.
Having made his first NFL start in a heavy Week 10 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys, the Jersey native threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns in victory over the Washington Commanders as the Giants improved to 3-8 on the season.
As he settles into his new role, DeVito has even started inviting his Giants teammates round to his family's New Jersey abode.
"I've been over there. I love going to his spot," said rookie wide receiver Justin Hyatt.
"He has a little hot tub in the back. The crazy thing about it is he lives, maybe, 15 minutes away. So he's close."
DeVito is proud of his roots and not afraid to show it.
"He definitely is very Jersey!" said Jones, who has been sidelined with a season-ending injury.
"I remember our throwing trip was in Charlotte this summer before the season started and he was playing in his black tank top and gold chain... he's Jersey to the core."
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Earlier this week Jones underwent successful surgery to repair the ACL in his right knee.
With his rehabilitation scheduled to take 10 months, Jones could face a fight to regain his starting position if DeVito continues in this form.