Bill Belichick reacts to Danny Amendola’s sudden retirement
Since departing the New England Patriots in 2018, Danny Amendola hasn’t exactly gushed over Bill Belichick, but that hasn’t prevented Belichick from speaking highly of the former Patriots receiver – at least, not in public.
Amendola made the announcement of his retirement from the National Football League on Monday afternoon. Amendola played for the Patriots from 2013 through 2017, during which time the team won two Super Bowls. The 36-year-old receiver, who went undrafted in 2009, concluded his career with 617 catches, 6,212 yards, and 24 touchdowns. His career stats are as follows:
But Amendola’s best seasons came while he was playing for the Patriots, for whom he became a tough, dependable, and clutch member of Tom Brady’s receiving corps. Amendola’s best seasons came during his time with the Patriots.
Ben Volin of The Boston Globe broke the news to Belichick on Tuesday morning that Amendola will be retiring, and Belichick responded by saying, “Love Danny.” “He was an extremely helpful member of our team. possessed a great deal of talent. Played mostly indoors but occasionally ventured outside. Might make a comeback. Extremely shrewd, resolute, and dependable. Excellent dexterity and focus are required. Competent player of football. We are thankful to have had him here, as he undoubtedly made a significant contribution to our efforts while he was with us… Although he was absent for a portion of the time, he made up for it by being present during every available opportunity. He had a strong presence.
Bill Belichick reacts to Danny Amendola’s sudden retirement
Amendola, too, stepped up his performance when it was most important. Amendola had a memorable playoff performance for the Patriots in 2017, catching 26 passes for 348 yards and scoring two touchdowns, all of which came in the Patriots’ dramatic comeback victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Championship Game. This performance will live in infamy forever.
Amendola finished with eight receptions for 152 yards and a touchdown in the Patriots’ Super Bowl LII loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. (Julian Edelman was out for the entirety of that season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament.)
“Very dependable. Belichick remarked that “he was tough, and he blocked.” “It’s been a great stroke of luck for us to have such good players at (slot receiver). You should know that Troy (Brown) is performing as well as it possibly can. And you believe that… although it is difficult to match Troy, it is actually impossible to do so, Wes (Welker) performed admirably for our team. Although it is difficult to match Troy, it is truly impossible to do so. Danny has just walked in. Julian (Edelman), Jakobi (Meyers). The players who have occupied that position have had a variety of personalities, but they have all been productive, and they have all brought to the inside receiver position a number of the same qualities that are shared by other players. Over the course of many years, we have had a great deal of success at this location.
Belichick added: “Danny certainly ranks highly in that group.”
All love for Dola 💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/YcIY2NAnCh
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) July 26, 2022
Brady also took time Tuesday morning to congratulate Amendola.
Check out this screenshot from his Instagram story:
According to a story that ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on Amendola’s retirement, numerous teams reached out to Amendola during this summer. There is a lack of clarity on whether or not the Patriots were among them.
Schefter went on to say that Amendola has the potential to follow in the footsteps of another former Patriot Jason McCourty and seek a career in broadcasting. After he retires from professional football, Brady does intend to pursue a career in the industry.
