Daniel Adongo, the Kenyan-born athlete who transitioned from professional rugby to the NFL, has been deported from the United States following years of legal issues and visa violations.
From Rugby to the NFL
Adongo first gained international attention in 2013 when he signed with the Indianapolis Colts despite having no prior experience in American football. Before joining the NFL, he played rugby professionally with South African teams such as the Sharks, Eastern Province Kings, and Southern Kings.
During his NFL tenure, Adongo appeared in five games over three seasons, primarily on special teams, earning approximately $694,000 (around KSh 89.9 million). However, his football career ended abruptly in December 2015 when the Colts released him following police investigations into domestic violence allegations, although no formal charges were filed.
Legal and Mental Health Struggles
After his release, Adongo faced multiple arrests in Indiana on charges including felony intimidation, battery, and disorderly conduct. He was convicted of criminal mischief in 2020 and served nearly a year in jail. On two occasions, he was declared mentally incompetent to stand trial due to acute psychosis, with family members attributing his mental health issues to a possible traumatic brain injury sustained during his athletic career.
Deportation Under the Laken Riley Act
Adongo had overstayed his US visa since 2016. An immigration judge formally ordered his removal on March 23, 2026. Subsequently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained and deported him under the Laken Riley Act, which enforces strict detention for undocumented individuals convicted of certain crimes.
Adongo's journey from a groundbreaking cross-sport athlete to deportation highlights the challenges he faced off the field, including legal troubles and mental health battles.
