Family of Former Kenyan-American NFL Player Dan Adongo Speaks Out After Viral Video
The family of former high-flying American National Football League (NFL) player, Daniel Adongo has spoken out about his troubled life in the US.
This comes a day after a video of Adongo, who is now a shadow of his former self, went viral on social media on Friday. The clip shows Adongo in a seemingly unkempt state and smoking what is believed to be marijuana.
He made history in 2013, becoming the first Kenyan and African to play in the NFL where he had a lucrative contract with Indianapolis Colts as an outside linebacker until 2015.
His career took an unexpected turn in 2015 when Indianapolis police were called twice to his residence over a domestic dispute with a woman only identified as Hadley. The woman accused him of domestic violence.
The second call was made on December 10th, 2015 by one Dawn Monks, a friend to the woman, who said she received a text from her reading “help” and “911.” While interrogating the woman, police noticed a large cut on her lip, marks on her lower wrists and a black left eye.
The incident prompted the NFL to open a probe into Adongo under ‘its personal conduct policy’. In the wake of the allegations, the Indianapolis Colts terminated his contract.
Since then, little was heard or written about him until this week when the heartbreaking video surfaced on social media.
Speaking during an interview with Daily Nation on Friday, Adongo’s father, Joseph admitted his son is going through a difficult period abroad as he thanked Kenyans for being concerned with his welfare.
“Whether Dan is in trouble is neither here nor there, but I want to tell his fans and Kenyans that his family is doing everything to put things under control,” he said, linking his son’s predicaments to the pressure that comes with attaining celebrity status.
“Most [celebrities] slump into depression hence need help. Dan’s situation needs sobriety and calmness.”
At the same time, Joseph pleaded with the media and online users to allow the family to handle the matter without pushing his son into depression.
“Let us wish him success and the best in days to come as we handle the situation. We are in touch daily and I can assure you all is well. The process to resolve the difficulties our beloved son is going through is underway. It is understandable that such a situation can befall any young person.”
"We are grateful that the outside world has empathized with us and as a family, we don’t take for granted the support we have received," added Joseph, who works in Juba, South Sudan as a banking professional.
Comments (12)
Huyu kaka alikuwa na kipawa kikubwa cha kipekee cha uwanariadha. Nilikiwa simfahamu. Mungu amnusuru na majaribiwa ya ulimwengu.
If this man was from Central Kenya, there is Greater chance he would have been helped long time ago. But from Western Kenya, it's "Church for Us All: But Everybody for Himself/Herself.
@Guest1 stop whining and NO the distinguished Agīkūyū people( may Mwene Nyaga continue to bless them) are NoT waiting for handouts like you.
You complain about the Luhyas and everyone else your eyes can see. Just stop cultivate a different outlook towards this good life.
Hu hapa ndio ukweli wa mambo:
https://theundefeated.com/features/from-africa-to-the-nfl-native-born-a…
The short career of Mwikuta, who was born in Zambia, may have been otherwise unremarkable had it not been for his distinction of becoming the The short career of Mwikuta, who was born in Zambia, may have been otherwise unremarkable had it not been for his distinction of becoming the first native-born African to be signed and play in the modern NFL.
Wilkie Osgood Moody, born in 1897 in Irabo, Congo, played wingback for the Columbus Panhandles. He played in the Oct. 3, 1920 Panhandles game against the Dayton Triangles – the first regular-season game of the American Professional Football Association, which became the NFL a year later.)
To this family, the black nation is with you and wish you all the best.
Every black person must ask ourselves how such a young man got into this condition.
Every black man, woman and child must see themselves in Adongo and in George Floyd for us to change our condition in this world. This is our brother!!
Let this ugly ass nigga smoke. If he played ball that means he had a work visa n can get a job even if its working wit burgers. Don't feel sorry for this dude as he is not feeling sorry for himself, dude is blazzing it up n hitting hoes.
Domestic violence is a no no esp in this country. He def had a bright future, now all down the drain. Wishing him the best!
Celebrity give me a brake self entitled fool
Thank you people for the concern but take a few seats back to the left and stop with the judgement. This kid (he is only 30) has had a few challenges, checked out on life, and will check back in; when he is ready. He is not homeless or what you see for lack of family, funds or any of that. If you have nothing to say, wish him well. Mental illness is not an easy ride.
We have given him all the best and wished him well. But that does not mean people need to give their freedom of speech because the man is in a stick situation. Every one got the right to express their opinion.
Pole kwa jamii yake huyu kaka. Na tumai hajafika kiwango kinacho julikana kama "point of no return" kwa kingereza.
Bangi huwa inasababisha kichaa kwa wengine wetu.
The first African to play in the NFL was Christian Okoye from Nigeria.