Viral meme kid turned college football player signs NIL deal with Popeye’s

PAINESVILLE, Ah. (WVUE) – Time flies by in the blink of an eye.

For many, the boy from the viral Popeye vine will be immortalized in internet comment sections for years to come, but Dieunerst Collin, now 19, is making a name for himself on his own merits.

Collin was mistaken for another viral star known as Lil Terio in 2013 and his hilarious reaction to the mistaken identity caught on camera caused him to go viral on Vine, racking up more than 19 million views. The video was filmed at a Popeye’s and shows Collin giving the cameraman an awkward look after he mistakenly identified him as Lil Terio. The video was so viewed that it became a meme and a marketing tool later used by Popeye.

Collin was 9 years old when a strange twist of fate made him go viral online.

Now, a decade later, Collin is a college athlete who plays soccer for Lake Eerie College, a division of the NCAA. II program in Painseville, Ohio. Now weighing in at 330 pounds and standing 6-foot-1, the East Orange, New Jersey native is an offensive lineman.

Not only is Collin a college football player now, but Collin and Popeye confirmed online that both parties have reached an NIL agreement.

“A lot can happen with the power of the internet behind you!” Dieunerst Collin said. “I can’t believe I can say I’m officially sponsored by Popeyes. Thanks to everyone who helped spread the good word!”

Who says that becoming a meme is not worth it?

READ MORE Viral Popeye On Vine Kid Grows Up To Win State Football Championship

Collin came to Lake Eerie after receiving First Team All-Conference, County and Division awards, and Second Team All-State in New Jersey. He also lettered for a year and captained his high school team. He is majoring in sports management and comedy studies.

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