Patriots legend Danny Amendola inducted into Texas Tech Hall of Fame

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola has been inducted into the Texas Tech Athletics Hall of Fame, the school announced on Wednesday.

Amendola played at Texas Tech from 2004 to 2007, showing steady growth throughout his four years on the field. In his junior season, Amendola finished with 48 receptions for 487 yards and five touchdowns. However, in his final season, he recorded 109 receptions for 1,245 yards and six touchdowns. He also contributed on special teams as a punt returner.

Amendola's NFL career began in 2008 after signing with the Dallas Cowboys as a undrafted free agent. He missed out on making the 53-man roster, but was waived and re-signed to the practice squad where he spent the entire 2008 season.

In 2009, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad in January and right after the season ended, he signed a futures contract with the team. During final roster cuts, he was cut once again, but was re-signed to the practice squad.

The St. Louis Rams (now the Los Angeles Rams) signed Amendola off the Eagles practice squad, and he finally got the opportunity to play in an NFL game. Throughout the 2009 season, he caught 43 passes for 326 yards and one touchdown.

Amendola spent four years with the Rams before signing with the New England Patriots in 2013. And the timing couldn't have been more perfect, with the Patriots bringing in the slot receiver immediately after Wes Welker signed with the Denver Broncos.

The receiver soon became a favorite weapon for Tom Brady, spending the next five years in New England. He also went on to win two Super Bowls with the Patriots, and has since been named to New England's All-2010s Team.

After the 2017 season, Amendola's time with the Patriots came to an end and he had stints with the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and Houston Texans. He officially retired in July 2022.

Amendola finished his professional career with 617 receptions for 6,212 receiving yards, and 24 receiving touchdowns across 163 games played. He also had 17 carries for 99 rushing yards. As for the returning side, he had 1,860 punt return yards and 3,590 kickoff return yards.

So it makes sense why Texas Tech would want to honor him.