Chicago, United States (Running Africa) — Former Kenyan NFL player Daniel Adongo has been deported from the United States after immigration authorities cited a visa overstay and a criminal record, bringing an end to the former Indianapolis Colts linebacker’s nearly decade-long stay in the country after his professional football career.
The 37-year-old was removed from the U.S. on 20 June, following a deportation order issued by an immigration judge in March, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The case has drawn attention as part of the U.S. government’s broader immigration enforcement efforts targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal convictions.
ICE Says Adongo Overstayed His U.S. Visa
According to ICE, Adongo remained in the United States after his visa expired in 2016, one year after his NFL career came to an end.
Federal authorities said he continued living in the country unlawfully for nearly ten years before being detained and placed into removal proceedings.
ICE said Adongo was held under the Laken Riley Act, legislation requiring the detention of certain undocumented immigrants accused or convicted of specified criminal offences while their immigration cases proceed.
Criminal Record Cited in Deportation Case
Court records show Adongo was convicted of criminal mischief in 2020 and sentenced to 364 days in jail.
ICE also referenced several previous arrests in Indiana, including allegations of intimidation, battery and disorderly conduct.
Some of those charges were later dismissed, but immigration officials said his criminal history formed part of the basis for his detention and subsequent removal.
From Rugby Pioneer to NFL Trailblazer
Adongo made history in 2013 when he became the first Kenyan to play in the National Football League (NFL).
After beginning his sporting career in professional rugby, he successfully transitioned to American football and signed with the Indianapolis Colts, where he spent two seasons as a linebacker.
His journey from Kenya to the NFL was widely celebrated as a landmark achievement for African athletes seeking opportunities in American football.
Part of Broader U.S. Immigration Enforcement
U.S. authorities have highlighted Adongo’s deportation as part of a wider crackdown on undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
The case underscores the increasing enforcement of U.S. immigration laws involving individuals who have overstayed their visas and later become subject to criminal proceedings.
For many Kenyan sports fans, Adongo’s story remains one of both historic achievement and personal adversity—reflecting the remarkable heights he reached as the country’s first NFL player and the legal challenges that ultimately led to his deportation from the United States.
