Daniel Adongo, the trailblazing Kenyan athlete, made history as the first Kenyan to step onto the field in America’s National Football League (NFL). Yet, the narrative of his admirable life in the United States took a sharp turn in 2020, when distressing images surfaced on social media, revealing a stark contrast to the success he had achieved. Adongo, who had signed a substantial $200 million deal with the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, found himself grappling with unforeseen challenges.
The genesis of Adongo’s troubles can be traced back to accusations of domestic violence, marking the onset of a tumultuous period in his life. Five years prior, he had become the subject of a criminal investigation related to domestic violence. A pivotal moment occurred when a second police call was made on December 10, 2015, leading to the linebacker’s team releasing him just a week later, ultimately sidelining him from the match against Jacksonville.
The distressing reports that reached law enforcement depicted a disturbing pattern of violence. Allegedly, Adongo had previously kicked a woman in the throat and submerged her underwater in a bathtub. Dawn Monks, a friend of the woman connected to Adongo, revealed receiving text messages with the distress code “911.” Monks further informed the police that Adongo had unleashed a wave of destruction, puncturing walls, damaging appliances, the woman’s car, furniture, and even cell phones.
The United States of America is often hailed as the land of opportunities, with many Africans aspiring to either work or study there. While some have successfully realized their American dream, Daniel Adongo’s journey serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the complexities and challenges that can accompany the pursuit of success in the pursuit of the American dream.
