The story of Tommy DeVito captured the nation's attention in late 2023, not just for his on-field performance but for the compelling narrative of a local, undrafted player living at home while quarterbacking the New York Giants. This journey provides a fascinating look into the complex and highly variable salary structure of the National Football League (NFL). While a starting quarterback can earn tens of millions, a player on the fringe, like DeVito was initially, has a much more modest income. This article breaks down Tommy DeVito's salary, the factors that influence it, and what it tells us about a career as a professional athlete.
What Does an NFL Quarterback Like Tommy DeVito Do?
At its core, the role of an NFL quarterback is to lead the team's offense. This is a high-pressure, mentally demanding position with a wide range of responsibilities.
On-Field Responsibilities:
- Receiving the play call from the offensive coordinator.
- Communicating the play to the other 10 players in the huddle.
- Reading the opposing defense before the snap to identify potential weaknesses.
- Executing the play, which could involve handing the ball to a running back, throwing to a receiver, or running with the ball himself.
- Making split-second decisions under immense physical pressure from defenders.
Off-Field Responsibilities:
- Film Study: Hours are spent each week analyzing their own performance and studying upcoming opponents' defensive schemes.
- Practice: Participating in physically and mentally intensive practices to build chemistry with teammates and master the playbook.
- Team Meetings: Collaborating with coaches and teammates to develop and refine the weekly game plan.
A player's ability to master these duties directly determines their value and, consequently, their salary.
Breaking Down Tommy DeVito's Salary and Contract
Tommy DeVito's earnings in his rookie season are a perfect example of the NFL's tiered pay system. Because he entered the league as an Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA), he did not receive the large, guaranteed contract given to drafted players.
His 2023 salary journey can be broken into two key phases:
1. Practice Squad Salary: Initially, DeVito was signed to the Giants' practice squad. As per the 2023 NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the minimum weekly salary for a practice squad player was $12,000. Over a full 18-week season, this would equate to an annual salary of $216,000.
2. Active Roster Salary: When DeVito was promoted to the active 53-man roster, his salary increased significantly. According to the NFL's 2023 minimums, the salary for a rookie on the active roster is $750,000 per year. This is pro-rated for the number of weeks a player is on the active roster.
According to authoritative sports contract tracker Spotrac, Tommy DeVito signed a 3-year, $2.705 million contract with the New York Giants. This includes a $10,000 signing bonus. However, very little of this contract is guaranteed, meaning his future earnings are entirely dependent on his ability to make the team each year.
Key Factors That Influence an NFL Player's Salary
Like any profession, several factors dictate earning potential. In the NFL, these factors are particularly pronounced and can mean the difference between earning the league minimum and securing generational wealth.
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Performance & Draft Status
This is the single most important factor. A player's draft position determines their first contract. A first-round draft pick will receive a multi-year, fully guaranteed contract worth tens of millions. For example, the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Bryce Young, signed a 4-year, $37.9 million contract, all guaranteed.
In contrast, an Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) like DeVito receives a non-guaranteed, minimum-level contract. To increase their earnings, they must perform at a high level to earn a spot on the active roster and, eventually, a more lucrative second contract.
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Years of Experience
The NFL has a structured minimum salary scale based on a player's number of credited seasons. This rewards veteran players and ensures they are compensated for their experience.
- Rookie (0 years): $750,000
- 1 Year Experience: $870,000
- 4-6 Years Experience: $1,080,000
- 7+ Years Experience: $1,165,000
*(Source: NFL 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement)*
A player who can sustain a long career will see their base salary rise steadily, even if they are not a superstar.
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Position Played (Area of Specialization)
In the NFL, not all positions are valued equally. Premium positions that have a greater impact on the game's outcome command significantly higher salaries.
- Top Tier: Quarterback, Pass Rusher, Left Tackle, and #1 Wide Receiver are consistently the highest-paid positions.
- Mid Tier: Cornerback, Running Back, and Linebacker have high earning potential but a lower ceiling than the top tier.
- Lower Tier: Positions like Fullback, Kicker, Punter, and Long Snapper typically have the lowest salaries in the league.
DeVito's position as a quarterback gives him the highest possible earning ceiling if he can establish himself as a reliable starter.
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Geographic Location
Unlike a traditional job where salary is tied to local cost of living, an NFL player's salary is set by their contract. However, location has a major impact on a player's net earnings. Players on teams in states with no state income tax (e.g., Texas, Florida, Tennessee) take home a significantly larger portion of their paycheck than players in high-tax states like California and New Jersey, where DeVito plays.
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Level of Education
For an NFL player, "education" is less about the academic degree obtained and more about their college football pedigree. While nearly all NFL players attended college to play NCAA football, the specific university and a player's performance there are what scouts and general managers evaluate. Playing for a top-tier program like Alabama, Georgia, or Ohio State and earning accolades like the Heisman Trophy directly correlates to a higher draft position and a larger initial salary.
Job Outlook for an NFL Player
A career in the NFL is exceptionally competitive and often short-lived. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups professional athletes under the category of "Athletes and Sports Competitors," which is projected to grow 9% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
However, the reality within the NFL is stark. According to the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), the average career length for an NFL player is approximately 3.3 years. For a UDFA like DeVito, the challenge is even greater. Many do not make it through their first training camp.
The path to a long and lucrative career requires avoiding injury, performing consistently, and continually adapting one's skills. Those who succeed can have careers lasting over a decade, but they are the exception, not the rule.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
Tommy DeVito's salary situation provides an invaluable lesson in professional sports compensation. For anyone considering a career in athletics or simply interested in the business of sports, here are the key takeaways:
- Pay is Performance-Based: Your initial earnings are set by your entry point (draft vs. undrafted), but your long-term wealth is dictated entirely by your on-field performance.
- There is a Structure: From practice squads to veteran minimums, the NFL has a complex but defined salary floor that protects players.
- Opportunity is Key: DeVito's story highlights that even without the initial benefit of a high draft selection, getting an opportunity and making the most of it can dramatically change your career trajectory and earning potential.
- It's a Short-Term Career: The high salaries in the NFL are balanced by a short average career length, making financial planning and off-field preparation critically important for long-term success.
Ultimately, Tommy DeVito's journey from the practice squad to starting quarterback is an inspiring and instructional look at how talent, hard work, and opportunity intersect to create a professional career.