New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito captured the hearts of the NFL with his story that included his living at home with his parents, his enjoyment of his mother's chicken cutlets, and, of course, his Cinderella-like rise to fame in the NFL as the Giants' third-string quarterback who led the team to three straight wins mid-year that resulted in two Rookie of the Week honors.
On Thursday night at the NFL Honors award show, DeVito got to add another award to his mantle.
DeVito, who made the Italian pinch his signature celebration after every team touchdown scored, won the Bud Light "Celebration of the Year" award at the annual NFL Honors show in Las Vegas.
"I kind of thought it was just the old Italians," DeVito told reporters after debuting the gesture in a game. "It’s just a little credit to them."
DeVito got the idea from Giants assistant athletic trainer Phil Buzzerio, who promised to do the pinch if the opportunity presented itself. "I did it, and then it kind of took off from there," DeVito said.
DeVito's heroics during the season helped keep the Giants' slim playoff hopes alive, renewing the energy of the fan base. Alas, the magic wore off when the team came crashing down to reality in a 24-6 defeat by the New Orleans Saints on the road in Week 15.
The following week, during a Christmas Day game at Philadelphia, DeVito lasted for the first half before being benched by head coach Brian Daboll at halftime for veteran Tyrod Taylor, who had been activated off injured reserve.
Taylor started the remaining two games of the season, losing to the Los Angeles Rams and beating the Eagles at home as the Giants fell to a 6-11 record and third place in the NFC East.
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