Coming soon: Chicken cutlets from Tommy Cutlets.
Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito’s TD LLC filed trademarks on Dec. 19 for “Tommy Cutlets” and “Passing Paisano,” as reported by Josh Gerben.
The Tommy Cutlets trademark plans to be used for cutlets, clothing, bobbleheads, ornaments, football equipment, chicken, meatballs, pasta, pizza, pizza and tomato sauce and energy drinks, among other usages, according to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The Passing Paisano trademark includes bobbleheads, clothing, decals, ornaments, football equipment, action figures, live appearances by a celebrity and conducting youth football programs, per the USPTO.
It’s not surprising that DeVito is attempting to cash in on his newfound popularity now that he’s the Giants starting quarterback and has enjoyed success.
It’s rare that third-string quarterbacks become national storylines or household names, and DeVito has become a local celebrity with national appeal.
He has a hand gesture he uses to celebrate that fans and teammates mimic, and some fans have embraced him for how he leans into his Italian heritage.
These trademarks show the plan is to take that local fame and turn it into a money-making operation across the United States, and DeVito recently hired Max Lepselter, the president of Maxx MGMT, to serve as his marketing representative.
Sean Stellato is still DeVito’s football agent.
“I truly believe if Tommy continues to protect the football and play well for the Giants and can continue to build on what he’s doing and continue to progress on the field he has an opportunity to hopefully be a pillar,’’ Lepselter told the Post, “whether he’s the backup or QB 1.
“To be in the New York market, being a New Jersey guy, I think his marketability is going to be there. He’s a great kid, there’s a lot of depth. I think fans will continue to be excited.’’
Lepselter told The Post the plan is for DeVito to align with national brands, and he already has a Dunkin’ Donuts partnership signed and is talking with five to seven corporate brands.
There are also three national companies in the sandwich industry interested in aligning their brand with the Don Bosco product.
Lepselter said a national commercial is planned for early 2024.
DeVito recently found himself involved in controversy regarding the cost for an appearance at Coniglio’s pizzeria in Morristown, N.J., but he ultimately showed up pro bono to make amends.
“Tommy’s got a great personality, the story is there, we want it to be more captivating and more engaging,’’ Lepselter told The Post. “I don’t want him sitting behind a step-and-repeat at every place in Northern New Jersey at two hours a clip.
“He’s smart enough to understand where he is,’’ Lepselter said. “In fairness, the kid’s got to capitalize and that’s why we’re here, to help him capitalize, You don’t know how long it’s going to last so people can say whatever they want, but if he’s getting this kind of opportunity he has the right to go after that and pick and choose what he wants to do.’’
DeVito will look to rebound from Sunday’s loss to the Saints when he leads the Giants into Philadelphia to battle the Eagles on Christmas Day.
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