Daniel Adongo Biography: NFL Career and Deportation

Daniel Adongo, the first Kenyan to play in the National Football League, has been deported from the United States to Kenya after overstaying his visa.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Adongo was removed on June 20, 2026. A Department of Justice immigration judge had ordered his removal on March 23.

The deportation brought renewed attention to one of Kenya’s most unusual sporting journeys. Adongo moved from rugby in Kenya, South Africa and New Zealand to the Indianapolis Colts despite having no previous American-football experience.

His story after professional sport is more complicated. Federal officials highlighted his arrests and a 2020 conviction. Court records reviewed by NBC News show that several other charges cited in reports were dismissed.

His family, former lawyers and supporters have also raised concerns about serious mental illness and possible brain injury. Those concerns deserve careful reporting, but suspected chronic traumatic encephalopathy, known as CTE, has not been established as a medical diagnosis in Adongo’s case.

Daniel Adongo quick facts

Why was Daniel Adongo deported?

ICE said Adongo remained in the United States after overstaying his visa in 2016, one year after his NFL career ended.

The agency said an immigration judge ordered his removal on March 23, 2026. ICE then deported him to Kenya on June 20.

ICE also referred to arrests in Indiana and a 2020 criminal conviction when announcing the removal. The agency described Adongo as a threat to the community.