Receiver Amendola getting acquainted with his new QB
DAVIE — Wide receiver Danny Amendola, nicknamed “Playoff Danny” because of his postseason exploits during his five years with the New England Patriots, won’t be catching passes from Tom Brady, arguably the best quarterback of all time.
Instead, he’ll be catching passes from Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
And that’s just fine with the newly acquired Amendola, the slot receiver signed by Miami to a twoyear, $12 million contract in March.
Tannehill and Amendola are fellow Texans and fellow Big 12 alums. Tannehill is from Lubbock and played at Texas A&M when the Aggies were in the Big 12 (they’re now in the Southeastern Conference); Amendola is from the Houston area and played at Texas Tech.
Amendola and Tannehill have already started bonding.
“We’ve thrown the ball around a couple of times,” Amendola said regarding the few days the two have seen each other.
“We’re always talking, always picking each other’s brains here in the short time that I’ve been here. He seems to be a great guy, great player. I watched him play when he was in college, when he played receiver and when he played quarterback. I know what kind of athlete he is, and I’m excited to be a part of a group playing with him.”
Amendola, who had 61 receptions for 659 yards and two touchdowns last season with the Patriots, was one of the heroes of New England’s stirring 34-28 comefrom-behind overtime victory against Atlanta in Super Bowl 51. He had a fourth-quarter touchdown and a game-tying two-point conversion in an impressive eight-reception, 78-yard performance.
The 32-year-old, nineyear veteran said his past accomplishments result from
“It all comes down to preparation and being ready when your number is called,” he said. “Really no matter what month it is, what down it is, for me it’s just all about preparation and whenever your number is called you should be ready.”
Dolphins coach Adam Gase praised Amendola at the NFL owners’ meetings in Orlando last month.
“Danny fits into this system really well,” Gase said. “When we started this thing we had (wide receiver) Wes (Welker). He originated that position up in New England. We have the type of offense that fits him. He’s one of those guys who makes the quarterback’s job really easy.”
“He doesn’t just get a little bit open. There’s a big window.”
Amendola was tight-lipped when asked to expound on a statement he made recently that sometimes New England coach Bill Belichick could be an (expletive).
“I’m just focused on the Miami Dolphins, trying to get better every day here in OTAs, and focused on forming a bond with my teammates here and really focused on the future,” he said.
He had a simple explanation for why he’s now with the Dolphins.
“It’s a great place to play football,” he said. “I’ve played against these guys a long time in our division and we’ve got a strong division, so it’s a great place to play. I love what coach Gase does and I’m excited to be a part of this group.”
And, no, he said playing against his former team twice a year didn’t factor into his decision.
“Not really,” he said. “I wanted to play for a good coach, a good team in a good city, and here I am.” are a direct preparation.
chperkins@ sunsentinel.com; On Twitter @Chrisperk