Best Of Social Media: Reaction To Danny Amendola's Retirement

After 13 seasons in the NFL, former New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola has called it a career.

Amendola informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter of his decision and post-football plans.

Amendola is ready to pursue various other interests, including having initial talks with broadcasting networks. He has multiple relationships and respect from around the league and is ready for the next challenge.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 25, 2022

During his 13 seasons, the Texas Tech product began his career on the Dallas Cowboys (2008) and Philadelphia Eagles (2008-2009) practice squads before finally getting an opportunity to play as a slot receiver for the St. Louis Rams from 2009-2012.

In 2013, Amendola signed with the Patriots. He would help the team reach three Super Bowls, winning two, with some of his best moments coming in the playoffs like his touchdown pass from Julian Edelman against Baltimore to his game-tying, two-point conversion during the 28-3 comeback.

After losing Julian Edelman to an ACL injury prior to the 2017 season, Amendola stepped up big in his final season, especially during the team’s playoff run to its Super Bowl LII appearance. In three games, Amendola recorded 26 receptions for 348 yards and two touchdowns, one of which was the AFC Championship game winner. Down multiple receivers in the Super Bowl, Amendola finished with 152 receiving yards in a defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, his last game as a Patriot.

In 13 playoff games as a Patriot, “Playoff Danny” recorded 57 receptions for 709 yards and six touchdowns.

Amendola would go on to conclude his NFL career with stints in Miami (2018), Detroit (2019-2020), and Houston (2021).

“I love Danny,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said during his media availability Tuesday morning when informed of his retirement.

“He was a very good player for us. Had a lot of skill, mostly played inside but could play outside, could return, very smart, tough, dependable, great hands, concentration — just a good football player. Glad we had him here and he certainly was a big contributor for us.”

Belichick went on to group Amendola with some of the best wideouts he’s ever coached during his Patriots tenure.

“Very dependable, very dependable. He was tough. He blocked. We’ve been very fortunate to have some good players at that position,” Belichick said, making note of receivers like Troy Brown, Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, and Jakobi Meyers.

“Guys that have played in that spot have been different, but they’ve all been productive and they’ve all brought some of the same common characteristics to the inside receiver position. It’s been a very productive spot for us through the years, through a lot of different types of plays, quarterbacks, play calls, and defenses. We’ve been very, very fortunate with the players that we’ve had here, but Danny certainly ranks high in that group.”

Amendola finishes his NFL career with 617 receptions for 6,212 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Following Schefter’s report, Amendola tweeted a highlight video of his career and said he “wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Wouldn’t have it any other way. pic.twitter.com/DbU0Ubrgkf

— Danny Amendola (@DannyAmendola) July 26, 2022

Numerous of Amendola’s ex-teammates shared their reactions over social media.

????An extremely underrated Danny Amendola moment of electricity. ???? pic.twitter.com/FNzj539A7a

— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) July 26, 2022

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/1551918844872105984?s=20&t=9tsm9a9hrCwuoHBQ8TCt0g

Congrats @DannyAmendola hell yeah!! What a career but what a person. FYI in 2013 practice, that was holding haha

— Patrick Chung (@PatrickChung23) July 26, 2022

https://twitter.com/Edelman11/status/1551960490854809600?s=20&t=9tsm9a9hrCwuoHBQ8TCt0g

Devin McCourty called Danny Amendola "one of the toughest players I've ever played with."

"Sad day to see another one of the old guys hang it up, but he obviously had a tremendous career, and one of the best teammates you could ask for."

— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) July 26, 2022

1??3?? seasons, 2?? Super Bowl rings and plenty of memories.

One of the best to ever put on the pads. Congrats on a great career, @DannyAmendola! pic.twitter.com/2eif1b8S71

— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) July 25, 2022

Ironman @DannyAmendola congrats on a great career DA! https://t.co/rL3iZLHYIh

— LeGarrette Blount (@LG_Blount) July 26, 2022

https://twitter.com/zeus30hightower/status/1552275990130442240?s=20&t=9tsm9a9hrCwuoHBQ8TCt0g

Congrats on a heck of a career brother. One of the best teammates ever and tough as nails. ?@DannyAmendola? pic.twitter.com/417K0NDb9e

— Rex Burkhead (@RBrex34) July 27, 2022