Former NFL linebacker Daniel Adongo has spent several months in one of the most notorious immigration detention centers in the United States. The Kenyan-born athlete, who previously played rugby, is being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Miami Correctional Facility in Indiana, often referred to as the 'Speedway Slammer' by the Trump administration. This facility is one of the largest detention centers in the Midwest, capable of housing up to 1,000 detainees.
Background and NFL Career
Adongo arrived in the United States 13 years ago after being given an opportunity to play for the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL. Despite having only seen highlights of NFL games before, his imposing physique—6 feet 5 inches and 250 pounds—made him a promising prospect. He made his debut in 2013 at age 23 and played five games over three seasons. However, his career was cut short due to injuries and legal troubles.
Legal Issues and Mental Health Struggles
According to reports from The Indianapolis Star, Adongo's legal troubles began in 2015 when police were called to his home. He was later waived by the Colts in December 2015. In 2016, the NFL suspended him following an investigation. Subsequently, Adongo faced multiple arrests, including an incident in 2017 where he threatened an Uber driver with a hatchet, leading to charges of intimidation and criminal mischief. A judge ordered a psychiatric evaluation, and Adongo was deemed incompetent to stand trial, resulting in his commitment to a psychiatric facility.
After being cleared for trial, Adongo was arrested again in 2019 for failing to attend a court hearing. He had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was refusing medication and hygiene. He eventually pleaded guilty to criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor, and was sentenced to a year in jail, serving six months. Further charges of battery, disorderly conduct, and intimidation were later dismissed.
Recent Incidents and Detention
In July 2025, Adongo was accused of threatening a police officer outside a Kroger store in Mishawaka. His lawyer attributed his behavior to mental illness, citing a 2020 report describing him as 'acutely psychotic' with traumatic brain injury. A mental health social worker suggested he might be suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated head trauma common in NFL players. CTE can only be diagnosed posthumously; it has been found in 345 of 376 deceased NFL players studied.
Adongo was booked on July 27, 2025, at St. Joseph County Jail before being transferred to ICE custody. He was initially held at Clay County Jail, another ICE detention center, before being moved to Miami Correctional Facility. The charges against him were dismissed later in 2025.
The Daily Mail has contacted the ICE Office of Public Affairs and the Indianapolis Colts for comment.
