First Kenyan NFL player Daniel Adongo deported over visa overstay, criminal record

Former National Football League (NFL) player Daniel Ogama Adongo has been deported from the United States to Kenya after immigration authorities accused him of overstaying his visa and cited his criminal record.

According to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the 37-year-old was removed from the country on June 20, 2026, following a deportation order issued by an immigration judge on March 23.

Authorities said Adongo's visa expired in 2016, a year after his NFL career ended, leaving him without legal status for nearly a decade.

"ICE Chicago removed a criminal illegal alien from Kenya and former Indianapolis Colts linebacker," the agency said.

Former Kenyan rugby player and former NFL linebacker Daniel Adongo has been deported from the United States after immigration officials ruled that he had overstayed his visa.

The 37-year-old was removed in June after an immigration judge ordered his removal earlier this year.… pic.twitter.com/K9THhtLi9K

— KENYA GOSSIP HUB (@kenyasgossips) July 26, 2026

Officials said the deportation was not based solely on his immigration status.

Over the past decade, Adongo had multiple encounters with Indiana law enforcement, including arrests on allegations of felony intimidation, battery, and disorderly conduct, though several charges were later dismissed.

Court records also show he was convicted of criminal mischief involving property damage in 2020 and sentenced to 364 days in jail.

ICE stated his case fell under the Laken Riley Act, signed into law by President Donald Trump in January 2025. The law mandates detention without bond for undocumented immigrants charged with or convicted of specific crimes.

US officials defended the action, saying immigration laws apply to everyone regardless of public profile.

"This dangerous individual was clearly a threat to the community, which is now safer since he's been removed," ICE Chicago Assistant Field Office Director Douglas Thompson said.

He added that those who violate US laws are held equally accountable, "including former professional athletes."

Adongo made history in 2013 as the first Kenyan to play in the NFL after being recruited from professional rugby.

He spent two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, appearing in several games primarily on special teams, before being released in 2015.

The Department of Homeland Security described the removal as part of a broader enforcement campaign carrying out President Trump's pledge to deport undocumented immigrants accused or convicted of crimes.