“NOT ME BAWLING”— Fans React to Danny’s Emotional Tribute to Mike Leach on Dancing with the Stars

This week, on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, a new episode of Dancing with the Stars season 33 premiered, themed “Dedication Night.”The celebrity participants used their performances to honor significant individuals in their lives.

One standout contestant was Danny Amendola, a former NFL star, alongside his partner, Witney Carson. Their contemporary dance was a heartfelt tribute to Danny’s late coach, Mike Leach, earning them an impressive score of 36 out of 40.

Social media erupted with reactions to the emotional routine, with viewers expressing their admiration for Danny’s heartfelt dedication. One user shared on X:

“I’m behind on episodes but just watched the Mike Leach tribute and I’m in tears!”

“Growing up, I watched Mike Leach lead Texas Tech football, and seeing Danny honor him with that beautiful dance was incredible,”one tweet stated.

“Danny Amendola on #DWTS dancing in memory of the legendary Coach Mike Leach. His absence is deeply felt,”another fan commented.

Fans believed that coach Leach would have been immensely proud of Danny’s performance:

“Love the passion, Danny and Witney! Coach Mike Leach would be so proud!”one individual shared.

“I didn’t expect much from Danny early on, but he’s really shown potential since partnering with Witney. That was a moving tribute,”a fan remarked.

“Danny’s dance was a touching nod to @uindyfb coach Mike Leach. Coaches and teachers are true heroes,”another tweet noted.

Additional remarks from fans included:

“Having grown up watching Mike Leach at Texas Tech, it was heartwarming to see Danny pay tribute with such a lovely performance,”a viewer expressed.

“Danny’s dedication to Mike Leach truly brought tears to my eyes,”one fan wrote.

Danny Amendola honors Coach Mike Leach in Dancing with the Stars performance

In episode 5 of Dancing with the Stars season 33, Danny Amendola and Witney Carson performed a contemporary routine to “Unsteady”(Erich Lee Gravity Remix) by Ambassadors. This track served as a dedication to his late college football coach Mike Leach, who passed away in December 2022 due to heart-related complications.

Before their performance, Danny acknowledged Coach Mike as a vital influence in his life and career, explaining that his coach often encouraged players to “swing your sword.”

“When you’re heading into a sword fight, you really want to engage and swing it for all it’s worth,” he remarked.

Danny shared how he feels a part of himself has been absent since Coach Mike’s passing, as he no longer has his “rock”to lean on.

The judges praised the performance, with Carrie Ann Inaba describing it as a “breakthrough.”Guest judge Mark Ballas labeled it a “breakout performance”for Danny. Derek Hough expressed gratitude for Danny’s commitment to learning and improving. Bruno Tonioli referred to it as Danny’s finest performance to date.

Ultimately, all four judges awarded Danny and Witney a score of 9 out of 10, culminating in a total of 36 out of 40.

What led to Mike Leach’s passing?

At the time of his death, Mike Leach served as the head football coach at Mississippi State University. The university announced that he succumbed to “complications from a heart condition”at the age of 61.

The Leach family released a heartfelt statement through the university, describing Mike as a “devoted and caring husband, father, and grandfather.”As his final act, the coach participated in organ donation at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Dancing with the Stars season 33 viewers applauded Danny’s tribute to Coach Leach across social media platforms.

Mark your calendars as episode 6 of Dancing with the Stars season 33 is set to air on October 22, 2024, on ABC.

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