Tommy DeVito doesn’t share Aaron Rodgers’ awards, accolades, or his $342 million in career earnings, but the two NFL stars do have one thing in common: Cedar Grove, New Jersey.
The New York Giants and Jets’ respective quarterbacks both call the Essex County township home, although DeVito is certainly more familiar with Cedar Grove, having grown up there.
Technically speaking DeVito never left. Although he played collegiately at Syracuse and Illinois, the former Don Bosco Prep star still has a room at his parents’ $700,000 home, described by the New York Post as a ‘center-hall colonial.’
Rodgers’ home is, understandably, larger than the one belonging to Tommy DeVito Sr. and his wife, Alexandra. The two-story mansion reportedly cost $9 million, and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and views of New York City.
Of course, neither quarterback actually works in New York.
Both DeVito and Rodgers live in Cedar Grove, although the Giants QB has been there longer
Rodgers’ two-story mansion reportedly cost $9 million, and views of New York City
DeVito lives at his parents’ $700,000 home, described by as a ‘center-hall colonial’
Their respective teams play home games at East Rutherford, New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, which shares a parking lot with the Giants’ facility, while Rodgers’ Jets practice in Florham Park. All in all, DeVito has a slightly shorter commute than Rodgers, who is only now returning to practice after rupturing his Achilles in Week 1.
The two actually live less than a mile away from each other in Cedar Grove, where locals have embraced the presence of both DeVito and Rodgers.
Of course, the area is populated with both Jets and Giants fans, so some friendly competition is only natural.
For instance, one local coffee house has put out dual tip jars: one with a picture of DeVito and another featuring Rodgers.
Thus far, it’s the DeVito jar that has a 4-to-1 advantage on tips, according to the Post.
‘People like an underdog story and he’s a local guy,’ Cedar Beans owner Dave Fletcher told the Post.
The Grasshopper, a nearby sandwich shop frequented by the DeVito family, named a chicken cutlet sandwich after the Giants quarterback, although he actually prefers a different item on the menu.
Then-Syracuse QB Tommy DeVito Jr. is seen with his parents, Alexandra and Tommy Sr.
Tommy DeVito hugs family after helping the Giants to beat the Green Bay Packers on Sunday
‘But he [DeVito] likes the sliced steak double meat,’ waitress Alice McGuire told the Post.
If DeVito does have more buzz in Cedar Grove, it’s likely due to the town’s familiarity with him and his family.
‘Tommy’s a great kid,’ chiropractor Glenn Sorrentino told the Post. ‘Down to earth. A normal family. They’re good people.’
Joanne Wilson, a family friend who runs a local pet grooming business, agreed.
‘They are kind, loving people,’ she said.
Wilson has yet to meet the 40-year-old Rodgers, but she’s certainly open to doing so.
‘I’ve never been a sports person … but he’s adorable,’ she said.
Tommy DeVito (left) is seen with his younger brother, Max, and their mother, Alexandra
And Rodgers and DeVito aren’t Cedar Grove’s only football connections. Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku was born there and played at the local high school, where former UConn football coach Bob Diaco also graduated.
The 5-8 Jets are still clinging to slim playoff hopes as they travel to Miami for Sunday’s game against the AFC East-leading Dolphins.
Meanwhile, DeVito continues to make the case for a starting role with the Giants, who are also 5-8 after the season-ending injury to starting quarterback Daniel Jones. In six games, DeVito has passed for 855 yards and eight touchdowns while completing an impressive 65.9 percent of his passes.
DeVito and the Giants will be in New Orleans on Sunday to square off with the Saints