When Dancing with the Stars announced its all-star cast with season 33, all eyes were on the two Olympians. Gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and rugby star Ilona Maher created a lot of hype in the current season. Nedoroscik, who went viral as Team USA’s Clark Kent, attracted a lot of attention alone. So the inclusion of former NFL star Danny Amendola flew under the radar.

However, just because Amendola was the underdog didn’t mean he lacked confidence. The 38-year-old worked with former DWTS champion Witney Carson as his mentor. The Super Bowl winner’s very first post showed his mentality when he entered the show. “She’s back!!! An absolute honor to share the floor with @witneycarson on @dancingwiththestars… Mirror Ball we’re coming for you!” Amendola exclaimed. Now it appears that Amendola may succeed in substantiating his blood claim.

All about Danny Amendola’s DWTS journey leading up to the finale

The veteran athlete proved he meant business from the very first episode. The duo of Carson and Amendola finished in the top five. The retired professional footballer’s coach showed a lot of confidence in Amendola’s ability to become one of the highlights of the show and perhaps even win the mirror ball. “Danny and I share a similar mentality when it comes to winning,” Eric Rakofsky told OK! Magazine in an exclusive interview.

“If you think about losing, you’re going to lose. So he has been aiming for victory from the start.” the celebrity trainer added. Rakofsky also praised Danny Amendola’s mentor, calling the 31-year-old a “legend” in her field. Carson himself encouraged the former NFL star to nurture his competitive spirit during their time on the show.

“I told him to have fun and be Danny Amendola, the two-time Super Bowl champion,” Carson said. After finishing at the top of the pack in the season premiere, Amendola showed that he was one of the most consistent performers on the show, rarely facing the threat of elimination. Something that couldn’t be said for Stephen Nedoroscik and his partner Rylee Arnold.

Amendola also became one of the first stars in season 33 to earn a perfect 10 during the Halloween special and has now made it to the finals. So on November 26, the DWTS finalist will face off against Nedoroscik, Maher and two other couples to earn a spot in the finals. Despite his confidence, Amendola may not have gotten this far without the support of his parents.

Who are Danny Amendola’s parents? Learn all about the DWTS star’s family

Cameras captured the 38-year-old’s mother, Rose Amendola, in the stands during his DWTS debut. While we don’t know much about the former NFL star’s mother other than the fact that she is one of the pillars of his support, Amendola’s father also played a crucial role in him becoming a football player.

Danny Amendola’s father, Alfred “Willie” Amendola, is a Boston native who has built a career as a renowned high school football coach. Willie Amendola has even continued his coaching career despite his son’s successful and illustrious NFL career. In 2022, Amendola senior joined Concordia Lutheran High School as the head coach of their football program.

“Coach Amendola comes to Concordia after a very successful coaching career in the Spring, Aldine and Klein school districts… Coach Amendola will lead the Crusaders in offseason football after the Christmas break in January 2022,” the school announced in their official press release. And Danny Amendola has kept his personal life (mostly) out of the spotlight; the same can’t be said for his rumored girlfriend.

Who is Danny Amendola’s alleged girlfriend?

Since his split from actress and model Olivia Culpo, Danny Amendola has remained single. However, the DWTS finalist recently dated Xandra Pohl. Unlike the former New England Patriots player, Pohl does not shy away from public exposure. As a DJ and model, Pohl understands the importance of being in the public eye.

“For DJing and stuff, it’s all about marketing… The more followers you have, the easier it is to get gigs.” Pohl said during an appearance on the Chicks in the office podcast. So maybe that’s why Xandra didn’t hesitate to appear on camera during the DWTS season 33 premiere alongside Rose Amendola. However, her appearance only helped to fuel the rumor until Danny Amendola himself cleared the air.

“Xandra is a great friend of mine… I’m a big fan and supporter of hers, and it’s good to have a friend like her.” The former football player told E! News at the end of September. He even added that his mother loves Pohl for the record. However, neither Pohl nor Amendola dismissed the rumors. “I say yes to dates and meeting a lot of new people.” Pohl told E! News in an interview in May. For now, however, the former professional athlete’s only goal is to get his hands on the mirror ball.

The NFL star’s career highlights and major achievements

While Danny Amendola may have retired from professional football, the 38-year-old’s tenacity to challenge younger stars like Stephen Nedoroscik and Ilona Maher stems from his NFL career. Throughout his illustrious, albeit relatively short, career, Amendola managed to play for several top teams and win two Super Bowls.

After starting his career in 2008 as a practice squad member for the Dallas Cowboys and then the Philadelphia Eagles. Amendola saw NFL action with the St. Louis Rams in 2009. However, it was with the New England Patriots that Danny Amendola really shined. The wide receiver played a crucial role in helping the Patriots earn the Super Bowl XLIX and LI trophies. So much so that Amendola was nicknamed “Danny Playoff.”

After his stint with the Patriots, Danny Amendola played for the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions and Houston Texans. He even had a brief stint as an assistant coach for the Las Vegas Raiders before making his way onto the DWTS stage. Today, Playoff Danny chases the DWTS mirrorball with the same tenacity she showed on the NFL field.