All eyes on Daniel Adongo ahead of NFL debut

Daniel Adongo during a past training session. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | FILE

What you need to know:

  • Adongo is scheduled to take the field at 9 pm Kenyan time
  • The Colts signed Adongo to a one-year contract worth Sh34.4million a year

After being promoted to the active roster of the Indianapolis Colts of Indiana on Tuesday, former rugby player Daniel Adongo is expected to feature in his first National Football League (NFL) game this Sunday.

Adongo is scheduled to take the field when his team which is leading in the AFC (American Football Conference) South division meets the AFC North division leaders Cincinnati Bengals in Ohio at 9 pm Kenyan time.

The former rugger was recruited by the Indianapolis Colts of Indiana in July was in the practice squad which is group of players who help players in the active roster by simulating future opponents' plays to help the team game plan for upcoming games. (READ: Kenya’s Adongo living the American dream after joining Indianapolis Colts)

SPECIAL TEAM

Adongo has gained about 13 kilogrammes (30 pounds) since joining the Colts in July. He now weighs 122.5 kilos (270 pounds) and stands 1.96 metres (6 feet, 5 inches).

On his debut, he may be limited to appearances on the so-called 'special team', which races down the field on kick-offs with the aim of tackling the opponent who catches the ball.

The Colts signed Adongo to a one-year contract that pays the NFL minimum of $405,000 (Sh34.4million) a year after watching videos of his performances with the Southern Kings of Super 15 Rugby in South Africa, up from $102,000 (Sh8.7 million) which he was earning while on the practice squad.

As a teenager, Adongo played for the Kenya Harlequins junior rugby team and later joined the country’s U-18 and U-19 rugby squads.

He was recruited by the University of South Africa in 2007 and competed last year in the Varsity Cup for the University of Pretoria. He also attended the Sharks Academy, a rugby academy accredited by South African Rugby Union, and made his senior debut in the 2010 Vodacom Cup. (READ: Adongo now a Southern King)