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

However, just because Amendola was the underdog didn’t mean he lacked confidence. The 38-year-old paired up with former DWTS champion Witney Carson as his mentor. The Super Bowl winner’s very first post showcased his mindset coming into the show. “She’s back!!! An absolute HONOR to share the floor with @witneycarson on @dancingwiththestars… Mirror Ball we comin’ for ya!” proclaimed Amendola. Now it looks like Amendola may just manage to back up 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 Carson and Amendola duo finished among the top five. The retired pro footballer’s coach showed a lot of faith in Amendola’s ability to become one of the standouts of the show and may even win the mirror ball. “Danny and I share a similar mindset around winning,” Eric Rakofsky told OK! Magazine in an exclusive interview.

“If you think about losing, you’re going to lose. So he’s been set on victory since the beginning,” added the celebrity trainer. Rakofsky also praised Danny Amendola’s mentor, calling the 31-year-old a “legend” in her field. Carson herself encouraged the former NFL star to foster 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,” said Carson. After finishing near the top of the pack during the season premiere, Amendola showed that he was among the most consistent performers in the show, rarely facing the threat of elimination. Something that could not be said for Stephen Nedoroscik and his partner Rylee Arnold.

Amendola also became one of the first stars on 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 compete against Nedoroscik, Maher, and two other couples to earn a spot in the finale. However, despite his confidence, Amendola may not have made it this far without the support from his parents.

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

Cameras caught 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 pivotal role in him becoming a football player.

Hailing from Boston, Danny Amendola’s father, Alfred ‘Willie’ Amendola, has built a career as a renowned high school football coach. In fact, Willie Amendola has continued his coaching career despite his son’s successful and illustrious NFL career. In 2022, Amendola senior joined Concordia Lutheran High School as their football program’s head coach.

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

Who is Danny Amendola’s rumored girlfriend?

Ever since his breakup with actress and model Olivia Culpo, Danny Amendola has remained single. However, the DWTS finalist has recently found himself romantically with Xandra Pohl. Unlike the former New England Patriots player, Pohl doesn’t shy away from public exposure. As a DJ and a model, Pohl understands the importance of being present in the public eye.

“For DJing and stuff, it’s all about marketing… The more following 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 beside Rose Amendola. However, her appearance only helped intensify the rumor until Danny Amendola himself cleared the air.

“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.” The former footballer told E! News in late September. He even added that his mom loves Pohl, for good measure. However, neither Pohl nor Amendola dismissed the rumors. “I am saying yes to dates and meeting a ton of new people.” Pohl had told E! News in an interview in May. However, for now, the former pro athlete’s only goal is to get his hands on the mirror ball.

Career highlights and major achievements of the NFL star

While Danny Amendola may have retired from professional football, the 38-year-old’s tenacity to challenge younger stars such as Stephen Nedoroscik and Ilona Maher comes from his NFL career. Throughout his illustrious, although comparatively short-lived, 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 truly 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 earned the nickname ‘Danny Playoff.’

After his stint with the Patriots, Danny Amendola played for the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and Houston Texans. He even had a short stint 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.