Patriots Champion Set To Compete On ‘Dancing With The Stars’

Danny Amendola shined on the football field for over a decade, but he’ll be competing in a different arena this fall.

Amendola on Wednesday was revealed as one of the celebrity contestants for the upcoming season of “Dancing with the Stars.” The retired receiver will be one of four professional athletes competing in the program’s 33rd season, joining legendary NBA center Dwight Howard and a pair of 2024 Paris Olympics medalists from New England: Ilona Maher (rugby) and Stephen Nedoroscik (gymnastics).

The 38-year-old Amendola played 13 seasons in the NFL, five of which with the Patriots. The ex-slot receiver won two Super Bowls in New England before calling an end to his playing career in July 2022. He also had a brief foray into coaching, spending the 2023 season as a coaching assistant and returners coach with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Amendola is set to join a long list of former NFL players who competed on “Dancing with the Stars,” which includes legends like Michael Irvin, Calvin Johnson, Ray Lewis, Jerry Rice and Lawrence Taylor. Amendola will be only the second ex-Patriot to appear on the show, as Doug Flutie finished in ninth place in the 22nd season.

The new season of “Dancing with the Stars” is slated to premiere on Sept. 17.