REVEALED: The tiny New Jersey neighborhood home to two of New York’s biggest QBs… with Aaron Rodgers and Tommy DeVito living less than a mile away from each other
Tommy DeVito doesn't share Aaron Rodgers' awards, accolades or his $342 million in career earnings, but the two NFL stars have one thing in common: Cedar Grove, New Jersey.
The respective quarterbacks of the New York Giants and Jets both call the township of Essex County home, although DeVito is certainly more familiar with Cedar Grove, having grown up there.
Technically, DeVito never left. Although he played collegiately at Syracuse and Illinois, the former Don Bosco Prep star still has a room in his parents' $700,000 home, which the New York Post describes as a “center-hall colonial.”
Rodgers' house is understandably bigger than Tommy DeVito Sr.'s. and his wife Alexandra. The two-story mansion reportedly cost $9 million and features floor-to-ceiling windows and views of New York City.
Of course, neither quarterback actually works in New York.
Both DeVito and Rodgers live in Cedar Grove, although the Giants QB has been there longer
Rodgers' two-story mansion reportedly cost $9 million, with views of New York City
DeVito lives in his parents' $700,000 home, described as a 'center hall colonial'
Their respective teams play home games at East Rutherford, New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, which shares a parking lot with the Giants facility, while Rodgers' Jets practice at Florham Park. Overall, DeVito has a slightly shorter commute than Rodgers, who is just now returning to practice after rupturing his Achilles tendon in Week 1.
The two actually live less than a mile apart in Cedar Grove, where locals have embraced the presence of both DeVito and Rodgers.
Of course, the area is populated with both Jets and Giants fans, so some friendly competition is only natural.
For example, a local coffeehouse released double tip jars: one with a photo of DeVito and another with Rodgers.
So far, it's the DeVito pot that has a 4-to-1 advantage in tips, according to the Post.
“People love an underdog story and he's from the neighborhood,” Dave Fletcher, owner of Cedar Beans, told the Post.
The Grasshopper, a nearby sandwich shop frequented by the DeVito family, has named a chicken cutlet sandwich after the Giants quarterback, although he actually prefers a different item on the menu.
Then-Syracuse QB Tommy DeVito Jr. is seen with his parents, Alexandra and Tommy Sr.
Tommy DeVito hugs family after helping the Giants beat the Green Bay Packers on Sunday
“But he (DeVito) likes the double-meat sliced steak,” waitress Alice McGuire told the Post.
If DeVito has more fame in Cedar Grove, it's probably because the city knows him and his family.
“Tommy is a great kid,” chiropractor Glenn Sorrentino told the Post. 'Just. A normal family. They're good people.'
Joanne Wilson, a family friend who runs a local pet grooming business, agrees.
“They are kind, loving people,” she said.
Wilson has yet to meet the 40-year-old Rodgers, but she is certainly open to it.
“I've never been a sports person…but he's cute,” she said.
Tommy DeVito (left) is seen with his younger brother Max and their mother Alexandra
And Rodgers and DeVito aren't Cedar Grove's only football connections. Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku was born there and played at the local high school, where former UConn football coach Bob Diaco also graduated.
The 5-8 Jets are still clinging to slim playoff hopes as they travel to Miami for Sunday's game against the AFC East-leading Dolphins.
Meanwhile, DeVito continues to make the case for a starting role with the Giants, who are also 5-8 following the season-ending injury to starting quarterback Daniel Jones. Through six games, DeVito has passed for 855 yards and eight touchdowns while completing a whopping 65.9 percent of his passes.
DeVito and the Giants will be in New Orleans on Sunday to take on the Saints.