Amendola’s intensity already apparent to team
DAVIE — The Miami Dolphins equipment staff might need to keep spare helmets around for Danny Amendola considering the way he abused the one he was throwing around the field during Wednesday’s practice.
Amendola, who ended his five-year tenure with the New England Patriots this offseason by signing a two-year deal with Miami that’s worth $12 million, took his frustration out on his helmet following two impressive plays defenders made on him during Miami’s second organized team activities practice.
Amendola was stripped by linebacker Terence Garvin after catching a first-down reception from Ryan Tannehill, and the defense recovered the fumble. Immediately after the fumble, Amendola could be heard yelling obscenities at himself and then threw his helmet along the gate while on the sidelines.
A couple minutes later, after a Tannehill pass was nearly picked off by nickel cornerback Bobby McCain, who clearly jumped the route, Amendola was seen again cursing himself out and turning his helmet into a projective, throwing it around the sidelines.
Apparently, this is the norm for the former Texas Tech standout, who entered the league as an undrafted rookie and has spent nine years establishing himself as a proven starter, and a two-time Super Bowl winner.
“He’s a competitor. A perfectionist,” coach Adam Gase said referring to Amendola, who was signed as to replace Jarvis Landry as Miami’s new slot receiver. “He’s going to compete whether its Day Two of OTAs, or Phase Two in the weight room.
“That’s just how he’s been,” Gase said, referring to Amendola. “He’s the guy that beat the odds because he was told he’d never play in the NFL.”
Amendola, who caught 61 passes for 659 yards and scored two touchdowns in the 15 games he played in New England last year, has already established himself as a leader of the Dolphins’ receiver unit. Players have already begun following his lead when it comes to film study and their weekly preparation.
“Danny is a grinder and I’m excited to play with him,” said quarterback Ryan Tannehill. “The first thing that impressed me is how hard he works. He just keeps going and going.”