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The rise and fall of Daniel Adongo: How Kenya’s first NFL star ended up deported from US
27th July, 2026 03:23 PM
Daniel Ojambo Adongo’s journey was once celebrated as one of Kenya’s greatest sporting success stories. The former rugby player made history by becoming the first Kenyan to sign with an NFL team.
Still, legal troubles, mental health challenges, and eventual deportation from the United States later overshadowed his remarkable rise.
Born on October 12, 1989, in Nairobi, Adongo grew up in a middle-class family. His father, Joseph, worked as a mid-level executive, while his mother, Beatrice, played a key role in nurturing the family’s strong Catholic faith. He attended Strathmore School, where his athletic ability quickly became evident.
Beyond rugby, Adongo excelled in several sports, including basketball, football, sprinting and high jump, where he set a school record. He also developed his rugby skills with the Kenya Harlequins junior team.
His breakthrough came during the 2006 Safari Sevens tournament, where South African scouts spotted his immense potential.
The following year, he moved to South Africa to join the Sharks academy, marking the beginning of his professional rugby career.
Adongo later represented several top clubs, including the Sharks, Blue Bulls, Counties Manukau in New Zealand, Southern Kings and Eastern Province Kings.
Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 270 pounds, he became known for his physical presence as a lock and flanker.
He also represented Kenya at the under-18 and under-21 levels while studying at the University of Pretoria.
Historic NFL move
In July 2013, Adongo achieved what many considered impossible when the Indianapolis Colts signed him as an undrafted free agent and developmental outside linebacker.
Remarkably, he had never played American football before joining the NFL. The Colts took a chance on his exceptional athleticism, teaching him the game from scratch.
Between 2013 and 2015, Adongo spent most of his time on the practice squad and injured reserve after suffering a bicep injury. He appeared in five regular-season games, primarily on special teams, becoming the first Kenyan to play in the NFL.
Although his on-field impact was limited, his signing inspired many young African athletes by proving that unconventional paths to elite sport were possible.
Legal troubles and personal struggles
Adongo’s NFL career ended in December 2015 when the Colts waived him following a police response to reports of a possible domestic disturbance at his Indiana home. No criminal charges were filed in relation to that incident.
After his visa expired in 2016, he remained in the United States without legal status.
Over the following years, he encountered several legal challenges involving allegations that included intimidation, battery and disorderly conduct.
Many of the cases were later dismissed. In 2020, however, he was convicted of Class A misdemeanour criminal mischief involving property damage and sentenced to 364 days in jail.
Photos and videos that circulated publicly in recent years showed Adongo looking noticeably different from his days as a professional athlete. In the clips, he appeared unkempt and in apparent distress, prompting concern among many Kenyans about his well-being.
In March 2026, an immigration judge ordered Adongo’s removal from the United States.
Immigration authorities later detained him under the Laken Riley Act, which mandates detention without bond for certain non-citizens with qualifying criminal convictions.
On Saturday, June 20, 2026, Adongo was deported from the United States, bringing to an end more than a decade of life in the country.
Author
William Muthama
William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]
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