Two-time Super Bowl champion Danny Amendola has moved from NFL stadiums to the dazzling dance world. Known for his key role in the New England Patriots’ victories in 2014 and 2016, Amendola is now impressing fans on the floor of ‘Dancing with the Stars.’
As a top-five finalist in Season 33, he has showcased incredible transformation as a pro dancer. This article delves into how the football sensation made it to the finals of the dancing stage.
Meet Danny Amendola
Danny Amendola, born on November 2, 1985, in The Woodlands, Texas, is a retired NFL wide receiver. Both of his parents are from Boston, but he grew up and currently resides in Texas.
Alfred “Willie” Amendola, his father and head football coach at Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball, Texas, greatly influenced him in his football career.
At The Woodlands High School, Amendola shined, leading his team to its first Texas state championship game with over 1,000 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his senior year.
He played college football at Texas Tech University from 2004 to 2007. Finally, he began his professional football journey in 2008.
Danny Amendola’s NFL career highlights & achievements
Danny Amendola’s NFL journey began in 2008 when he joined the Dallas Cowboys practice squad before moving to the Eagles. He debuted with the St. Louis Rams in 2009.
However, he found true success with the New England Patriots, winning two Super Bowl titles for the team. Finally, after 13 seasons in the league, Amendola announced his retirement from the NFL on July 25, 2022.
WR Danny Amendola is retiring from the NFL, per @AdamSchefter
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) July 25, 2022
Amendola won two Super Bowls with the Patriots in 2014 and 2016 pic.twitter.com/4zMYStLomL
In 2013, he received Pro Bowl honors and also made it to the NFL All-2010s Team. Across his career, he tallied 617 receptions, 6,212 yards, 24 touchdowns, and over 5,400 return yards. He was recently inducted into the Texas Tech Red Raiders Hall of Fame in 2024.
Is he married?
Amendola, currently 39 years old, is single. He established a three-year relationship in May 2020 with actress and singer Jean Watts. Jean supported him during his NFL retirement in 2022, even sharing a heartfelt tribute.
Olivia Culpo's ex Danny Amendola linked to singer Jean Watts https://t.co/vaOr3v1ffM pic.twitter.com/YjXOBXd9Hg
— New York Post (@nypost) May 25, 2020
Sadly, the couple’s relationship came to an end in 2023 when fans noticed Jean had deleted their shared photos on Instagram. People began to speculate that Danny had cheated on her.
However, there was no concrete evidence to support these claims. She has since moved on and is reportedly single. Moreover, before Jean, he had been in a relationship with Olivia Culpo.
Danny Amendola let out all his feelings about Olivia Culpo on Instagram including their "fucking crazy sex" @chicksintheoff pic.twitter.com/DQSlhqo7a5
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 22, 2019
Who is Danny Amendola’s rumored girlfriend, Xandra Pohl?
The ‘Dancing With the Stars’ finalist has sparked rumors of a romance with DJ and model Xandra Pohl. During the DWTS Season 33 premiere, she appeared alongside Danny’s mother and cheered for Danny. Then, rumors began to circulate about their potential relationship.
REPORT: Former #Patriots standout Danny Amendola is reportedly dating 23 year old SI model Xandra Pohl.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 14, 2024
Amendola is 38 years old.
The two were seen together at Tom Brady’s retirement ceremony, only a couple weeks after she was spotted hanging out with #Chiefs Louis Rees-Zammit pic.twitter.com/ytyVLGj2R7
However, Danny addressed the rumors this September, clarifying to E! News, “Xandra is a great friend of mine… I’m a huge fan and supporter of her, and it’s good to have a friend like her.”
Danny Amendola’s transition to ‘Dancing With the Stars’
In 2024, Amendola chose to show how versatile he was by joining the famous dance competition show “Dancing with the Stars.” Paired with professional dancer Witney Carson, Amendola quickly became a fan favorite.
His athletic moves, open-chest outfits, and risky lifts quickly won over the judges. Throughout the season, he earned so many high scores, including his first perfect 10 in week six for the Argentine Tango.
OK THAT WAS DANNY'S BREAKTHROUGH MOMENT !!!!
— KaMorian (Sparkling Alien 💫) (@ka_morian0121) October 16, 2024
WITNEY CHOREO'S ……. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 !!!!
THAT WAS THE MOST I SEEN HIM LET GO !!!!
INCREDIBLE JOB !!!!#DWTS pic.twitter.com/0eD8Kh7boH
The pair steals the show in the series finale with a spectacular Barbie-themed freestyle, in which he mimics Ryan Gosling’s character Ken. Despite not winning, his hard work earned him fifth place.
People praised him for his commitment and how much he improved throughout the show. Despite not being a pro, he made sure no one felt that from the very first day.
