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

But 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 showcased his attitude at the start of the show. “She’s back!!! It’s an absolute HONOR to share the floor with @witneycarson on @dancingwiththestars…Mirror Ball, we’re coming for you!” Amendola announced. Now it looks as if Amendola might just manage to back up his bloodshed claim.

Everything about Danny Amendola’s DWTS journey to the finale

The experienced athlete proved in the first episode that he was serious. The duo of Carson and Amendola finished in the top five. The retired professional footballer’s coach showed great confidence in Amendola’s ability to become one of the show’s standout players and possibly even win the mirror ball. “Danny and I share a similar attitude to winning.” Eric Rakofsky told OK! Magazine in an exclusive interview.

“If you think about losing, you will lose. So he was focused on winning from the start.” the celebrity trainer added. Rakofsky also praised Danny Amendola’s mentor, calling the 31-year-old one “Legendin their field. Carson himself encouraged the former NFL star to foster his competitive spirit during her time on the show.

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

Amendola was also one of the first Season 33 stars to score a perfect 10 on the Halloween special and has now made it to the finale. On November 26, the DWTS finalist will compete against Nedoroscik, Maher and two other couples to secure a spot in the finale. Despite his confidence, Amendola may not have made it this far without the support of his parents.

Who are Danny Amendola’s parents? Find out everything about the DWTS star’s family

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

A native of Boston, Danny Amendola’s father, Alfred “Willie” Amendola, built a career as a renowned high school football coach. In fact, Willie Amendola continued his coaching career despite his son’s successful and brilliant NFL career. In 2022, Amendola Sr. moved on as head coach of Concordia Lutheran High School’s football program.

“Coach Amendola comes to Concordia after a very successful coaching career in the Spring, Aldine and Klein school districts…Coach Amendola will begin leading the Crusaders in offseason football following the Christmas break in January 2022.” The school announced this in its official press release. And Danny Amendola has kept his personal life (for the most part) out of the spotlight; The same cannot be said for his alleged girlfriend.

Who is Danny Amendola’s alleged girlfriend?

Danny Amendola has remained single since his split from actress and model Olivia Culpo. However, the DWTS finalist has recently been in a romantic relationship with Xandra Pohl. In contrast to the former New England Patriots player, Pohl does not shy away from publicity. As a DJ and model, Pohl knows how important it is to be present in public.

“DJing and stuff is all about marketing… The more followers you have, the easier it is to get gigs.” said Pohl during an appearance at Chicks in the office Podcast. Maybe that’s why Xandra didn’t hesitate to appear on camera alongside Rose Amendola on the season 33 premiere of DWTS. However, their appearance only served to strengthen the rumor until Danny Amendola himself provided clarity.

“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 soccer player told E! News at the end of September. He even added that his mother loves Pohl by the way. However, neither Pohl nor Amendola denied the rumors. “I say yes to dating and meeting a lot of new people.” Pohl had told E! told! News in the interview in May. But for now, the former professional athlete’s only goal is to get his hands on the mirror ball.

Career highlights and major successes of the NFL star

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 can be traced back to his NFL career. Over the course of his illustrious, if comparatively short-lived, career, Amendola managed to play for several top teams and win two Super Bowls.

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

After his time with the Patriots, Danny Amendola played for the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions and Houston Texans. He even briefly served as an assistant coach for the Las Vegas Raiders before making his way to the DWTS stage. Today, Playoff Danny is chasing the DWTS mirror ball with the same tenacity she showed on the NFL field.