Do you know Daniel Adongo ? Colts

[ram29jackson]

Y! SPORTS

https://www.google.com/search?q=dan...pILwAQ&ved=0CAgQ_AUoAA&biw=1032&bih=472&dpr=1


https://www.google.com/search?q=dan...D1oASk14L4Aw&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1032&bih=472

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/ind

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Daniel Adongo is an accomplished football player set to make his NFL debut against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
Considering Adongo knew little about America’s version of football just five months ago, his first appearance in a pro game will be remarkable.
Adongo, 24, played rugby professionally in South Africa before the Indianapolis Colts signed him in July. He had never visited the United States before his NFL opportunity, and spent the past 13 weeks on Indianapolis’ practice squad. Adongo was promoted to the active roster on Tuesday and is expected to contribute on Sunday.

"I think back to his very first workout, when we first brought him in after a 17-hour flight to Atlanta and a connection up here ... to try out, [and] from what we saw to right now, it's night and day," Colts coach Chuck Pagano​

told ESPN.com. "The guy is a smart guy, we know from a physical standpoint he's very, very athletic. He can run, he's big, he's strong and he's a tireless worker."
​

The same can be said for Ryan Grigson, Indianapolis’ general manager.
Adongo played rugby at the highest level in South Africa, and after watching him play on film, Grigson was impressed with the athlete’s speed and tackling ability, according to ESPN. The club e-mailed Adongo and asked if he wanted to workout. After that performance, Adongo was eventually signed and added to the Colts' training camp roster.

"The guy couldn't even put [football] pants on six months ago, knew nothing about football, and look at where he is now," Colts defensive lineman Cory Redding told ESPN.com. "He's giving the O-line fits. He's a very aggressive player, and I can't wait to see him line up, where they put him."
​

Do not expect Adongo to chase down Bengals running back Giovani Bernard or read quarterback Andy Dalton.
Pagano said Adongo will play only on special teams, which actually caters to his skill set – run around and hit people.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/indhttp://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/ind

 

[wildturkey]

Hehehe. You said "dong"

 

[NinerSickness]

I liked him better in Amistad than I did in Rugby.

 

[JDM]

I don't think the rugby to football transition is as hard as some make out. You have to be in similar to better shape, you're very used to the run, squaring up and tackling, angles, etc. there's an adjustment terminology wise and learning plays, but there are a lot of similarities.

 

[Am I Blue Through it All?]

The other players rave about his athletic ability and learning curve, but the proof is on the field in real games. Who knows? He many be a bust or he may be groomed into an All Pro.

 

[IndyAndy]

The Colts certainly have nothing to lose by giving him a try, & I like that they're willing to think 'outside the box', as it were.

 

[DunceKaep]

I don't think the rugby to football transition is as hard as some make out.

That ^^^ is exactly WHY so many successful, and there have been 100's, of rugby players have made it to the NFL. <sarcasm>

I recall a punter named Bennett making it, who else? IF it was that easy, wouldn't there clearly be more successfully players making that transition you claim????

Or am I reading your response incorrectly? Please inform me.

Go Hawks.

 

[JDM]

Because football is only popular here, and rugby isn't?

 

[Southieinnc]

I think it is smart management to pick up a guy like this and let him learn on special teams and keep practicing.