Baker Mayfield mimicked Tommy DeVito’s signature celebration on Sunday, but insisted afterward that he did it to pay tribute to the Giants quarterback.
Mayfield celebrated his second-quarter touchdown scramble by pressing his thumbs to his fingers, a common gesture among Italians that DeVito became known for last season.
And while many interpreted Mayfield’s celebration like a shot at DeVitohe said after the game that it wasn’t a “disrespectful thing.”
‘I met Tommy in Vegas last year at the Super Bowl’ he told FOX.
“He has a lot of swag and the fans love him here. So, a little tribute to him.’
Baker Mayfield made Tommy DeVito’s signature celebration after scoring on Sunday
DeVito explained last season how the celebration stems from his Italian heritage
DeVito didn’t look happy after Mayfield’s touchdown, but the two hugged after the game
DeVito didn’t seem happy after Mayfield’s score, though that may have only been because the Bucs had taken a 23-0 lead.
The pair also greeted each other on the field after the game, which the Buccaneers won 30-7.
Last season, DeVito (a New Jersey native) explained how the celebration stemmed from his Italian heritage.
“I actually thought it was just the old Italians,” DeVito said. “When they talk, they start doing this. It’s just a small honor for them.’
He completed 21 of 31 passes for 189 yards on Sunday.
Mayfield, meanwhile, threw for 294 yards with a score on the ground.
The loss continued a disappointing season for the now 2-9 Giants, while the Bucs moved to 5-6.