College Career at Texas Tech

Amendola played college football at Texas Tech University, where he enjoyed a successful career alongside standout receiver Michael Crabtree. Over four seasons, Amendola recorded 204 receptions for 2,246 yards and 15 touchdowns. In addition to his receiving stats, he made a significant impact on special teams, returning 116 punts for 1,283 yards, including one touchdown. His average of 11.06 yards per punt return ranks him third in school history for both punt returns and return yardage, behind only Tyrone Thurman and Wes Welker.

One of Amendola's most memorable college performances occurred in a 2005 game against Nebraska. With less than 30 seconds remaining, Texas Tech was trailing and needed a touchdown. Quarterback Cody Hodges’ pass was tipped and intercepted by a Nebraska defender. Rather than take a knee to seal the win, the defender attempted to return the interception and had the ball stripped. Amendola recovered the loose ball, preserving possession. On the resulting fourth-down play, Hodges threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Joel Filani.

Transition to the NFL

After going undrafted in the 2008 NFL Draft, Amendola signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent. Although he did not make the active roster, he later joined the practice squads for the Philadelphia Eagles and then the St. Louis Rams, eventually earning a spot on the Rams' active roster, where he began to establish himself as a reliable slot receiver and return specialist.