Popeyes meme kid receives NIL deal 10 years later

Dieunerst Collin is a freshman offensive lineman for Lake Erie College and is fresh off a state championship at East Orange High School as a senior. But that’s not how you know him.

In 2013, when Vine was still a thing, a viral video went around of a young boy, Collin, standing in a Popeyes line with a drink giving an awkward side-stare to a stranger filming him.

The meme spread like rapid-fire all over the internet and gave unwanted attention to an innocent nine-year-old who had no idea how everyone knew who he was.

Luckily for him, it wasn’t until 10 years later that he would realize everything happens for a reason.

On Sunday, Collin posted a picture of himself on Instagram and Twitter to try and repopulate his fame for his football skills rather than his uncertain stare.

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

“I thought this is probably the opportunity I can get with Popeyes to at least reach out,” Collin told ESPN. “I went on Instagram and decided to post asking everyone to repost and tag Popeyes, not knowing that I would get all the support I got.

“People just started to join on my post and people that were on the ‘SportsCenter’ post, and I believe Monday afternoon was when Popeyes DM’d me and said we actually want to work with you.”
Two days later, his dream would come true when Popeyes quote-tweeted his tweet ready to get to business.

It was announced on Thursday that Popeyes would be partnering with Collin on an NIL sponsorship with the motto, “From Memes, To Dreams.”

Proud to welcome @CollinDieunerst to the fam. pic.twitter.com/nbc61QxIx9

— Popeyes (@Popeyes) January 12, 2023

Collin will be promoting the fast-food chain and will also appear on a Popeyes billboard in New Jersey.

From bringing Collin down as a child with unwanted fame to rising him to wanted fame and an NIL deal, this story goes to show the power that social media has.

Congrats Popeyes meme kid, your meme turned into a dream.

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