Danny Amendola is a former NFL wide receiver who played for five teams in his 13-year career, winning two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. He is currently a coaching assistant and returners coach for the Las Vegas Raiders. But did you know that he has an older brother who also played football at a high level? His name is Matt Amendola, and he was a defensive back for the Baylor Bears in the early 2000s. Here is everything you need to know about the Amendola brothers and their unbreakable bond.
Contents
The Amendola Family Background
The Amendola brothers are from a mixed ethnic group of half-Italian (father) and half-Irish (mother). Their father, Alfred Willie Amendola, is a football coach at Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball, Texas. He played college football at Texas A&M-Kingsville and was a defensive back for the Dallas Cowboys in 1983. He also coached at The Woodlands High School, where both of his sons played football.
Danny was born on November 2, 1985, in The Woodlands, Texas. He was the youngest of three children, with Matt being the oldest and Rose being the middle child. Danny grew up idolizing his brother and father, and followed their footsteps in playing football. He was a star receiver and returner at The Woodlands High School, leading his team to its first-ever Texas state championship game in 2003. He also excelled in baseball and basketball.
Matt was born on January 31, 1981, in Houston, Texas. He was a standout defensive back and team captain at The Woodlands High School, earning recognition as the Defensive MVP of District 15-5A and a finalist for the Houston Touchdown Club Player of the Year award in his senior year. He also played baseball and ran track.
Matt Amendola’s College Career at Baylor
Matt Amendola followed his father’s alma mater and played college football at Baylor University from 2000 to 2004. He was a redshirt freshman in 2000 and did not see any action on the field. In 2001, he played in six games as a free safety, recording 40 total tackles, one interception, and a career-high 13 tackles against Minnesota. However, he suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season.
In 2002, he missed the first five games of the year due to his knee injury, but returned to play in six games as a backup safety and special teams player. He had 10 tackles and one pass breakup on the season. In 2003, he played in all 12 games as a reserve safety and special teams contributor. He had 14 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery on the year. In 2004, he played in nine games as a senior, making seven tackles and one pass breakup.
Matt Amendola graduated from Baylor with a degree in business administration in 2005. He did not pursue a professional football career after college.
Danny Amendola’s NFL Career
Danny Amendola went undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft, but signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent. He spent his entire rookie season on the Cowboys’ practice squad, learning from veterans like Terrell Owens and Jason Witten. In 2009, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad, but was released after two weeks. He then joined the St. Louis Rams’ active roster, where he began his career as an active player.
With the Rams, Danny Amendola emerged as a reliable slot receiver and return specialist. In his first season with the Rams, he led the NFL in kickoff return yards with 1,618 and set a franchise record for most kickoff returns in a season with 66. He also caught 43 passes for 326 yards and one touchdown. In 2010, he had his best statistical season with the Rams, catching 85 passes for 689 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned 40 punts for 452 yards and one touchdown.
In 2011, Danny Amendola suffered a dislocated elbow in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles and missed the rest of the year on injured reserve. In 2012, he bounced back with another productive season, catching 63 passes for 666 yards and three touchdowns in only 11 games.
In 2013, Danny Amendola signed a five-year contract with the New England Patriots as a free agent. He joined forces with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, forming one of the most successful dynasties in NFL history. With the Patriots, Danny Amendola won two Super Bowl rings (XLIX and LI) and appeared in another one (LII). He also became known for his clutch performances in the playoffs, earning the nickname “Playoff Danny”.
In his five seasons with the Patriots, Danny Amendola caught 230 passes for 2,383 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also returned 81 punts for 772 yards and one touchdown. His most memorable moments with the Patriots include:
– Catching the game-winning touchdown pass from Tom Brady in the 2014 AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens, after the Patriots overcame a 14-point deficit twice.
– Catching two touchdown passes from Tom Brady in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons, including the game-tying two-point conversion in the fourth quarter, after the Patriots overcame a 28-3 deficit in the third quarter.
– Catching seven passes for 84 yards and two touchdowns from Tom Brady in the 2017 AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, including the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.
– Catching eight passes for 152 yards from Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles, setting a career-high in receiving yards in a game.
In 2018, Danny Amendola signed a two-year contract with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent. He reunited with former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who became the head coach of the Dolphins. He played one season with the Dolphins, catching 59 passes for 575 yards and one touchdown.
In 2019, Danny Amendola signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions as a free agent. He played two seasons with the Lions, catching 97 passes for 1,020 yards and three touchdowns.
In 2021, Danny Amendola signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans as a free agent. He played in only one game with the Texans, catching five passes for 34 yards and one touchdown.
In 2023, Danny Amendola retired from playing football and joined the Las Vegas Raiders as a coaching assistant and returners coach.
The Amendola Brothers’ Relationship
The Amendola brothers have always been close and supportive of each other’s football careers. They often talk on the phone and exchange advice and encouragement. Matt has been Danny’s biggest fan and mentor since he was a kid, teaching him how to play football and how to handle adversity. Danny has always looked up to Matt and followed his example of hard work and dedication.
The Amendola brothers have also been involved in charitable causes together. They have participated in events such as The Woodlands Celebrity Golf Classic, which benefits various local organizations. They have also supported causes such as Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Best Buddies International.
The Amendola brothers are not only brothers, but also best friends. They share a bond that is unbreakable by time and distance. They are proud of each other’s achievements and grateful for each other’s presence.
Conclusion
Is Matt Amendola related to Danny Amendola? The answer is yes. They are brothers who both played football at high levels and have a strong relationship. Matt Amendola was a defensive back for Baylor, while Danny Amendola was a wide receiver for five NFL teams. They both grew up in Texas and played high school football at The Woodlands High School. They both have Italian and Irish ancestry and are sons of a football coach. They both have overcome injuries and challenges in their careers. They both have given back to their communities and supported various causes. They both love football and each other.
