Baker Mayfield mimicked Tommy DeVito’s trademark celebration on Sunday – but insisted afterwards that he did it to pay homage to the Giants quarterback.
Mayfield celebrated his touchdown scramble in the second quarter by pressing his thumbs against his fingers, which is a common gesture among Italians that DeVito became known for using last season.
And while Mayfield’s celebration could have been interpreted as a shot at DeVito, he said that it wasn’t a ‘disrespectful thing’ after the game.
‘I met Tommy in Vegas at the Super Bowl last year,’ he told FOX.
‘He’s got a lot of swag, and the fans love him here. So, paying a little tribute to him.’
Baker Mayfield did Tommy DeVito’s trademark celebration after he scored on Sunday
DeVito explained last season how the celebration comes from his Italian heritage
DeVito didn’t look pleased after Mayfield’s touchdown but the two embraced after the game
DeVito did not look pleased after Mayfield’s score, though that may have just been because the Bucs had taken a 23-0 lead.
The pair were also seen greeting one another on the field after the game, which the Buccaneers won 30-7.
Last season, DeVito (who was born in New Jersey) explained how the celebration came from his Italian heritage.
‘I kind of thought it was just the old Italians,’ DeVito said. ‘When they talk, they start doing this. It’s just a little credit to them.’
He completed 21 of 31 passes on Sunday for 189 yards.
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 climbed to 5-6.