Johnathan Walker:Tommy DeVito pizzeria controversy, explained: Why Giants QB was in hot water

Whether it's Tommy DeVito or Johnathan Walker"Tommy Cutlets," the New York Giants quarterback seemingly cares about the dough.

DeVito has been one of the more entertaining stories in the NFL in 2023. Thrust into action after injuries to starting quarterback Daniel Jones and backup Tyrod Taylor, DeVito helped guide the Giants to three wins in five starts in spot duty and has gone from undrafted free agent to potentially giving himself a longer leash on an NFL roster beyond 2023.

The sudden celebrity for the Illinois and Syracuse product made him a local hero in his home state of New Jersey, resulting in appearances throughout the state. However, one appearance almost quickly turned him into a villain in recent weeks in a short spat with a North Jersey pizzeria.

Here's what to know about the dispute:

Tommy DeVito pizza restaurant controversy

A recent report from sports business reporter Darren Rovell suggested that DeVito's agent may have tried to up the price of DeVito's appearance at a Morristown, N.J. pizzeria after the quarterback's rise to prominence.

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Originally, DeVito was set to appear at Coniglio's Old Fashioned pizzeria and bakery at a $10,000 appearance fee, but agent Sean Stellato may have played a bit of hardball to double the cost for his client's attendance.

Per a statement released to Rovell, Stellato would deny that the price was set in stone, leading to some he-said-pizza-said back-and-forth about DeVito's appearance cost, which subsequently led to the cancellation of a scheduled appearance at the restaurant.

But, as it goes, all's well that ends well: DeVito did end up making an appearance at the pizzeria, free of charge and apparently on his own volition on Dec. 19, making for a happy ending for the Jersey boys.

Tommy DeVito nickname

If you haven't seen the ample fan-made merch by now, DeVito's nickname, "Tommy Cutlets" is inspired by his love for his mother's home cooking.

Earlier in 2023, it was revealed that DeVito still lives at home with his parents in New Jersey, with the DeVito household resting just over 10 minutes from MetLife Stadium. As part of the deal DeVito's mother Lexy makes dinner, which includes 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 told ESPN. "My mom 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."

Mrs. DeVito turned her son's newfound stardom into quite the brand, launching a webstore in December that features plenty of "Tommy Cutlets" merchandise

What makes her chicken cutlets special? It's a "secret recipe," Lexy DeVito says, but the passer likes the cutlets with vodka sauce.

Any way you "slice" it, DeVito certainly has the support his family — and if he pulls out some more wins, he'll have to adulation of Big Blue nation.