Texas Tech standout Daniel James Amendola began his NFL journey after being passed over in the draft, signing with the Dallas Cowboys as a rookie free agent. While bouncing between the Cowboys and Eagles practice squads, he showed flashes of potential but struggled to find stability.

Then, Amendola landed a long-awaited role with the St. Louis Rams and shined for four seasons. Upon gaining attention with the dominant New England Patriots, Amendola’s talents blossomed as he rose to prominence by contributing to two Super Bowl triumphs during his half-decade tenure. His skills later helped the Dolphins, Lions and Texans before he began earning coaching calls in 2023, when he joined the Las Vegas Raiders’ staff as an assistant focused on punt returns.

Danny Amendola’s Early Life and Education

Danny Amendola, born on November 2, 1985 in The Woodlands, Texas, attended The Woodlands High School where he played football under coach Weldon Willig. He led his team to their first-ever Texas state championship game, amassing 1,045 receiving yards, 129 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in his senior year, although they eventually lost to North Shore High School.

Source | Pro Football Reference

His father, Alfred “Willie” Amendola, is the football coach at Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball, Texas. In 2011, while coaching at Dekaney High School, Willie Amendola was involved in a viral incident in which an unmanned cart struck him after his team won the 5A Division II Texas State Championship. He later sued the stadium for more than $1 million, alleging negligence.

Danny, of half Italian and half Irish descent, became the first NFL player to be signed by Ford Models in 2017 and walked in New York Fashion Week for designer Philipp Plein. He also appeared opposite Julian Edelman in the NFL Network special NFL Going Global. In 2023, Amendola competed in the reality show Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. Most recently, in 2024, he was announced as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, partnered with professional dancer Witney Carson.

Danny Amendola Career and Retirement

Danny Amendola had a remarkable football career before retiring in 2022. He played college football at Texas Tech, where he collected 204 receptions for 2,246 yards and 15 touchdowns. Amendola also excelled as a punt returner, ranking third in school history with 1,283 return yards.

After going undrafted in 2008, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys but spent the season on the practice squad. He later joined the Philadelphia Eagles before playing for the St. Louis Rams in 2009. Amendola became a dynamic receiver and return specialist, leading the NFL in all-purpose yards in 2010.

In 2013, Amendola signed with the New England Patriots and played a key role in their victories in Super Bowl XLIX and Super Bowl LI. Known for his clutch postseason performances, he earned the nickname “Danny Playoff.”

After stints with the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions and Houston Texans, Amendola retired in July 2022. He briefly transitioned into coaching, joining the Las Vegas Raiders as an assistant and returns coach in 2023, but they parted ways in February 2024.

Amendola’s legacy includes his pivotal contributions to two Super Bowl titles and a reputation for excelling in high-pressure situations.

Danny Amendola Career Statistics

Amendola was often compared to former Texas Tech star Wes Welker due to their similar playing style and physical builds. Both served as slot receivers and punt returners, with Welker being 5’9″ and 185 lbs, and Amendola being 5’11” and 183 lbs. Here are his complete career stats:

As a junior in 2006, Amendola recorded 48 receptions for 487 yards and five touchdowns. His senior season in 2007 was even more impressive, with 109 receptions, 1,245 yards and six touchdowns, cementing his place as a key player.