Tommy DeVito embraced his Italian heritage during his breakthrough with the Giants, popularizing the "Tommy Cutlets" nickname while filling in for Daniel Jones.
Now heading into his second season with the [Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots), DeVito is shedding that moniker — at least for now.
DeVito and coach Mike Vrabel explained the former undrafted quarterback has adopted a new nickname in Foxborough as he prepares to enter the season as the direct backup to Drake Maye.
Here's what you need to know about DeVito's new nickname.
Tommy DeVito new nickname
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"Tommy Cutlets" is on hold. For now, DeVito is known inside the Patriots' facility as "Two Chains."
No, not 2 Chainz — "Two Chains." The nickname originated with Vrabel, DeVito told reporters on Tuesday.
"Originally, he was calling me ‘Cutlets,’' [DeVito said](https://nypost.com/2026/08/12/sports/tommy-cutlets-is-no-more-and-patriots-coach-mike-vrabel-is-to-blame/). "And then he saw me wearing two gold chains that I always have on, I never take them off, and that turned into ‘Two Chains.’ That’s how it is throughout the building now."
Vrabel first raised eyebrows when he referred to DeVito by the nickname during media availability on Tuesday.
"Two Chains’ is doing a nice job," Vrabel said, as DeVito prepares to ascend to the No. 2 role after spending 2025 behind both Maye and Josh Dobbs on New England's depth chart.
The "Tommy Cutlets" moniker can never be erased completely, but DeVito seems content to have new identity for a new phase of his career.
'Tommy Cutlets' nickname, explained
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DeVito's original nickname was simple: he still lived with his parents while playing for the Giants and talked about eating his mom's chicken cutlets.
"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," DeVito said in 2023.
DeVito regularly embraces his Italian heritage, which makes the nickname even more appropriate. As the 2026 season approaches, though, it's all about the chains for DeVito.
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