Daniel Adongo’s path to the NFL was one of the more unusual journeys in professional sports.
A standout rugby player from Kenya, Adongo made the rare leap to American football despite having virtually no experience in the sport. His athleticism earned him an opportunity with the Indianapolis Colts, but his football career never developed as many had hoped.
Now, years after his time in the NFL came to an end, Adongo has reportedly been deported from the United States following a series of legal troubles.
According to Fox News, Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed the 37-year-old former linebacker from the country after determining that he had overstayed a visa dating back to 2016.
The agency said Adongo’s immigration violations were compounded by a criminal record that included multiple arrests and a criminal conviction.
Among those cases was a 2020 conviction for criminal mischief involving property damage, for which he received a one-year jail sentence.
Authorities also cited prior arrests on charges that included felony intimidation, battery, and disorderly conduct.
In announcing the deportation, an ICE official said the agency’s actions reflected its broader mission of enforcing immigration law regardless of an individual’s public profile.
“This dangerous individual was clearly a threat to the community, which is now safer since he’s been removed,” the ICE official said in a statement. “Those who violate immigration law are held equally accountable, including former professional athletes.”
The agency tied the case to the Trump administration’s broader immigration enforcement efforts.
“Since Day One, DHS law enforcement has been delivering on President Trump’s promise to the American people to arrest and deport criminal illegal aliens including murderers, rapists, child sex abusers, gang members, and terrorists,” ICE said.
The agency added that nearly 70 percent of ICE arrests involve individuals who have been charged with or convicted of crimes in the United States.
“Our message is clear: If you come to our country illegally, we will find you, we will arrest you, and we will deport you,” the statement concluded.
Long before his legal troubles, Adongo attracted attention for accomplishing something few athletes have attempted.
According to ESPN, the Kenyan native built his reputation as a rugby player before transitioning to American football through the NFL’s international development efforts. Despite entering one of the world’s most technically demanding sports with limited experience, he earned a roster spot with the Indianapolis Colts.
Most of his time with the organization was spent on the practice squad, although he later appeared on special teams after being promoted to the active roster.
His NFL career proved to be brief.
In 2015, Indianapolis police responded to a residence shared by Adongo and a woman after one of her friends contacted authorities. According to reports at the time, the woman had sent a text message asking for help, prompting the friend to notify police.
When officers arrived, the woman declined medical treatment and did not explain why she had sent the message.
As questions surrounding the incident emerged, the Colts issued a public statement.
“The Indianapolis Colts are aware of media reports regarding a possible criminal investigation of Daniel Adongo,” the team said. “As is evident from the reports, the facts relating to the alleged incident are highly uncertain. We are investigating the matter and until we have gathered clear information, it would be unfair to all concerned for us to make any public comment.”
Approximately one week later, the Colts released Adongo.