Matt Ammendola

Matt Ammendola's Biography

Matt Ammendola, a professional American footballer born on December 11, 1996, in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, attained his education at North Penn High School, where he began his kicking career. While there, he set a school record, scoring a 56-yard kick. His exceptional skill won him nine field goals back in 2015, superseding his seven kicks from the previous year.

Starting his college journey at Oklahoma State was a transition of professional growth for Ammendola. He indulged in a fraternity life in 2017 when he became part of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, eventually receiving the chapter’s highest honor in 2024 by being inducted into the Gamma Chi Hall of Fame.

Ammendola’s freshman year had him average 65.1 yards in 88 kickoff attempts, resulting in 51 touchbacks, and literally led America in opponent starting field position. He also made a 53-yard field goal against Central Michigan.

His sophomore year saw him make 23 field goals, the third-highest single-season total in Oklahoma State history. Ranking fifth in the FBS and leading the conference, his 23 field goals, paired with his 70 successful extra-point attempts, were the seventh-best by an Oklahoma State player in a single season. Among his achievements that season was a career-high three goals against South Alabama, and another three each against Kansas and Virginia Tech during the Camping World Bowl.

Ammendola’s junior year led to him ranking fourth in the Big 12 with 109 scored points. Though he encountered a slump, missing five of six field goal attempts, he nevertheless bounced back and wrapped up the season with three successful field goals.

His senior year saw him score 108 points, tying him for third place in the Big 12, and first among kickers. He converted 20 out of 26 field goals, with the longest spanning 49 yards against Iowa State.

Upon his graduation, his journey took an upward turn when he signed with the Carolina Panthers on March 24, 2021, only to be released in May. Undeterred, Ammendola moved forward and joined the New York Jets in July, where he achieved a 13-for-19 record in field goals through 11 games before again being released in December. However, he was back on the practice squad three days later and by January 2022 had secured a reserve/future contract with the Jets.

By August 25, Matt found himself moving yet again, this time to the Houston Texans. Shortly after, on September 13, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs practice team. Despite missing a field goal and an extra point in his third week with the Chiefs, Ammendola remained resilient.

His career journey continued with the Arizona Cardinals in October. Unfortunately, he missed the game-tying field goal against the Philadelphia Eagles.

In early 2023, Ammendola signed with the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad, and later, his XFL playing rights were acquired by the Houston Roughnecks. Struggles kept marking his path when he got released by the Texans after missing game-tying 57-yard field goal. He was re-signed to the team’s practice squad two days later before being promoted back to the active roster.

In January 2024, Ammendola signed with the United Football League’s San Antonio Brahmas but got released soon when he lost an open competition against Donald De La Haye.

In spite of the twists and turns of Matt Ammendola’s career journey, his story remains an emblem of resilience and unyielding spirit. His journey, though marked with opportunities and challenges alike, proves testimony to his high-spirited pursuit of his passion.