Viral Internet Sensation Dieunerst Collin Officially Signs NIL Deal With Popeyes
Dieunerst Collin, who became widely recognized as the Popeyes meme kid in 2013, is currently a freshman football player for Lake Erie College. Recently, the 19-year-old appropriately locked in a deal with Popeyes. On Thursday, he officially went “from memes to dreams” and deserves all the props.
In 2013, Collin, then eight years old, became notorious for giving the camera the side-eye while clutching a Popeyes cup. He recently acknowledged that he was the topic of the meme and declared that East Orange Campus had won a state championship in 2021, and the internet flocked to his support.
I NEED EVEYONE TO GO TO MY INSTAGRAM @dieunerst REPOST MY RECENT POST AND TAG @Popeyes I JUST WANNA TALK🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/Fq00ylsJqs
— Dieunerst Collin (@CollinDieunerst) January 8, 2023
In order to get Popeyes’ attention, Collin asked folks to tag them in an Instagram post that contrasted how it started versus how it’s going. He also took it to Twitter, in which Popeyes saw and retweeted with the quote “Let’s get this bread(ing) ✍️.”
Let’s get this bread(ing)✍️ https://t.co/rnQaxBNAiz
— Popeyes (@Popeyes) January 11, 2023
Many have been asking for this outcome on the internet for the past few days prior to the contract actually happening. He was destined to join forces with Popeyes and get this bag!
The @Popeyes meme kid @CollinDieunerst is now a freshman offensive lineman at Division II Lake Erie College and if this guy doesn't have an NIL deal by tomorrow, the Louisiana kitchen needs to clean house on upper management. pic.twitter.com/JTQs9JhhPk
— Jim Weber (@JimMWeber) January 8, 2023
Even Wingstop tried to snatch him up!
your team colors are already a match. Hit us up in the DMs if you want to chat 😎
— Wingstop (@wingstop) January 10, 2023
According to Front Office Sports, he has officially inked a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contract with the fast-food chicken franchise. Collin was recruited by Division II’s Lake Erie to play offensive line. Collin’s East Orange High School football team won the New Jersey state title that year, in December 2021.
BREAKING: Popeyes has signed Dieunerst Collin — "The Popeyes meme kid" — to an NIL deal.
Collin is now a freshman offensive lineman at D-II Lake Erie College. pic.twitter.com/xC7UmuJLvY
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) January 11, 2023
The athlete was recently featured on a Popeyes billboard in his hometown, and the two plan to collaborate on more material in the coming months, according to Fox News.
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Collin recently shared his appreciation for the internet encouragement that ultimately led to him landing this sponsorship.
“A lot can happen with the power of the internet behind you!” Collin shared. “I can’t believe I can say I’m officially sponsored by Popeyes. Thank you to everyone who helped spread the good word!” excitedly, he went on to say.
Congratulations Dieunerst Collin! We love to see it!
