A famous college football player has grown up by securing sponsorship from the fast food business, Popeyes, after an awkward encounter at the restaurant in 2013. This encounter led to the boy becoming an internet meme.
Collin Dieunerst, also known as the “Popeyes kid,” gained fame when he appeared in a video that was uploaded to the now-defunct Vine app. The video, which was filmed by Snoopy TheRealSnoopy, a creator on Vine, received over 19.2 million views and featured a boy who appeared uncomfortable and confused.
GIFs and static pictures, both widely used as clips, often depict Collin’s uncertain expression as a suggested reaction to something, with his body language and eyes quickly shifting towards the camera, glancing sideways.
College Erie Lake II Division offensive lineman Collin, a freshman, tweeted a still image from his football profile video, stating that he was an offensive lineman in the College Erie Lake II Division. In the tweet, he also discussed the concept of an NIL deal, which involves athletes receiving compensation or products from a brand in exchange for using their name, image, and likeness. Jim Weber, the host of the sports podcast “Lost Lettermen,” commented that if Collin does not have an NIL deal by tomorrow, there should be a change in upper management at the Louisiana kitchen. This incident occurred on January 8.
On that very day, Collin quote-tweeted the post, stating “SAID IT BEST” and mentioning Popeyes’ Twitter account.
Collin, who has over 71,000 followers on Instagram, shared a post on his account on the same day, which included a side-by-side image showing a trophy football and the original meme. The caption read, “I just wanna talk business, so I need everyone to tag @popeyes and repost this.” The post received over 49,000 likes.
Popeyes’ Instagram post received many comments, with the top comment being “vine the for it do” written by the Twitter account of the Buffalo Wild Wings chain restaurant, which has received over 730 likes.
On January 11, the official Popeyes Twitter account acknowledged the online campaign by quote-tweeting Collin with the caption “Let’s get this bread(ing).”.
“Proud supporter of Dieunerst Collin,” they declared in the lower right corner, as the caption within the photo stated “FROM MEMES TO DREAMS,” and the tweet featured an image. The tweet proclaimed the completion of a agreement, warmly embracing @CollinDieunerst into the family. Popeyes publicized the announcement the subsequent day.
According to ESPN, Collin will advertise the restaurant in New Jersey and be showcased on a Popeyes advertisement. Insider’s request for comment was reportedly not immediately answered by Popeyes.
Collin, speaking with USA Today, expressed his genuine fondness for Popeyes, stating, “Personally, I am quite a fan of Popeyes.” He also emphasized his strong commitment to actively endorsing and advocating for the business, affirming, “I can confidently affirm that I will passionately promote that establishment.”