Danny Amendola has always been a magnet for headlines, whether he was diving for a clutch pass in the end zone or navigating the choppy waters of high-profile romance. But by late 2024, the chatter reached a fever pitch. If you spent any time on TikTok or scrolling through Sports Illustrated Swimsuit updates, you definitely saw the name Xandra Pohl.
The rumors weren't just random whispers. They were everywhere.
For months, the internet was convinced that the former New England Patriots wide receiver had finally moved on from his long-term relationship with singer Jean Watts. The link? A 23-year-old DJ with millions of followers and a vibe that basically screams "Gen Z superstar."
The Xandra Pohl Connection
It all started in June 2024. Tom Brady—ever the catalyst for a big moment—was being inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame. It was a massive event. The stands at Gillette Stadium were packed with legends. And there, sitting right next to Danny Amendola, was Xandra Pohl.
Social media sleuths lost their minds. Barstool Sports' Dave Portnoy even went on his BFFs podcast and flat-out said they were "together." He backtracked a little, calling her his "date," but the damage was done. The "Danny Amendola girlfriend 2024" search queries started spiking.
Then came Dancing with the Stars Season 33.
As Danny swapped his cleats for ballroom shoes, Xandra was spotted in the audience. She wasn't just in any seat, either. She was sitting next to Danny’s mom, Rose. In the world of celebrity dating, sitting with the mom is usually the ultimate confirmation. It's the "it's serious" signal.
Why the "Girlfriend" Label is Complicated
Here is where things get kinda messy. Despite the public appearances and the "moms sitting together" optics, Danny threw a wet blanket on the fire.
During an interview with E! News in September 2024, he was asked point-blank about the relationship. His response? "Xandra is a great friend of mine. I’m a huge fan and supporter of her, and it’s good to have a friend like her."
Friend-zoned? Maybe. Or maybe just Danny being Danny.
If you know his history, you know he values privacy—or at least he tries to. His past relationship with Olivia Culpo ended quite literally because he hated the "fishbowl lifestyle." He once famously posted (and deleted) a rant about how he believes there should be a boundary between private life and social media.
So, by the time 2024 was wrapping up, the official word was "just friends." But honestly, anyone who saw them at the Brady induction or the DWTS premiere had their doubts. Xandra herself didn't make things any clearer until later.
The Timeline of Past Loves
To understand why the 2024 rumors were such a big deal, you have to look at the "Amendola Curse" or whatever the tabloids are calling it these days. The man has a type: successful, high-profile, and usually in the modeling or music world.
- Olivia Culpo (2016–2019): This was the big one. On-and-off, incredibly public, and ultimately very explosive. She moved on to Christian McCaffrey, and Danny moved on to...
- Jean Watts (2020–2023): This was a quieter, more stable-looking three-year run. They celebrated anniversaries on Instagram, and she even went to the Bahamas with the "Patriots boys" (Brady, Edelman, Gronk). But by late 2023, the photos were scrubbed. The "twin flame" had burned out.
- The 2024 Shift: After Jean, the world was waiting to see who would be next. Enter the Xandra Pohl era.
What Really Happened in 2025?
While the Danny Amendola girlfriend 2024 narrative focused on Xandra, the reality that surfaced in early 2025 was a bit more grounded. Xandra eventually did an interview with People where she confirmed she was "very much on the market."
She basically said she was in her "feral era." Her words, not mine.
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She mentioned that she didn't want a relationship "weighing her down" while her DJ career was taking off. It seems the two of them really were just enjoying each other's company without the heavy labels. Or, perhaps, the 15-year age gap and the intense spotlight of Dancing with the Stars made a "real" relationship too difficult to maintain.
Expert Insight: The Celebrity PR Playbook
What most people get wrong about these rumors is assuming that a "date" at a public event equals a committed relationship. In the world of PR, being seen with an "It Girl" like Xandra Pohl is great for a retired athlete trying to stay relevant while competing on a reality show.
Danny needed the Gen Z vote for DWTS. Xandra is the queen of Gen Z TikTok. It’s a match made in marketing heaven, whether they were actually kissing behind the scenes or just sharing a car to the studio.
That said, Danny's track record suggests he doesn't stay single for long. He’s a two-time Super Bowl champ with a Ford Models contract. He’s not exactly struggling in the dating department.
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Actionable Takeaways for Following the Story
- Check the "Scrub": If you want to know if a celeb is actually dating someone, don't look at who they're with at an awards show. Look at their Instagram "Following" list and see if they stop liking each other's photos.
- Ignore the "Friend" Quote: Celebrities almost always say they are "just friends" until there's a ring or a baby. It's a standard legal and PR shield.
- Watch the Mom: The "Rose Amendola" rule still stands. If a girl is sitting with the mother of an athlete, they aren't just coworkers.
The 2024 saga of Danny Amendola's love life proved one thing: he's still the most interesting man in the post-NFL landscape. Whether he’s actually single or just very good at hiding his business, he keeps us guessing. For now, take the "just friends" label with a massive grain of salt, but don't expect a wedding invite anytime soon.