Former South African rugby player Daniel Adongo barely knew anything about American Football when he came to the United States to try out for the Indianapolis Colts.

However, the team e-mailed him after watching him on film during his rugby days and they asked him to come in for a workout. Fast forward to this Sunday, Adongo will step on the NFL field for the first time - mostly in special teams - but is also listed as a linebacker.

"I think it's a good tribute that I put in the effort and hard work," Adongo said. "I'm excited for the opportunity. But with that said, I'm not going to let that excitement get to me."

The 24 year old former rugby star stands at 6 foot, 5 inches tall and weighs 270 pounds.

"The guy couldn't even put [football] pants on six months ago, knew nothing about football, and look at where he is now," defensive lineman Cory Redding said. "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."

Colts Head Coach Chuch Pagano has confidence in his new player, who spent the season on the practice squad before getting activated.

"He hasn't been on the field under the lights when it counts, but he's played on the big field before, and he's run around and tackled before with no pads," Pagano said. "I suspect instinctively he'll know how to do that. It might be more physical and violent because he does have pads. Don't be shocked if he gets the opportunity to knock some people around."

Adongo will make his NFL debut in Cincinnati where the colts will take on the Bengals in a huge game between the 8-4 teams. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday.