“From Popeyes to State Champion!!” : Kid From Viral 2013 ‘Popeyes’ Meme is Now a Champion Footballer

Arjun Sukumaran | 09/01/2023
Popeyes meme kid

Memes and vines have dominated the internet since time immemorial (at least, for the newer generation). Often, some get to experience stardom for a short period of time. Some are immortalized, forever in our memories for the few seconds that shot of themselves. However, it seems one of those popular kids gave fans another reason to remember him by. We’re talking about the “Popeyes” kid, Dieunerst Collin.

Collin gained widespread fame when his 2013 vine went viral, getting over 19 million views. Even after ‘Vine’ was discontinued by Twitter, his face lived on in the memes and gifs that rule the world today. However, it is not the only feather in his hat. While we may not know of all his achievements since, one we do know of dates back to 2021, when he won a state championship. Yes! ‘Popeyes’ kid is a football player!

Playing for the East Orange Jaguars, Collin and his team won the New Jersey State Title in hard-fought a game that went into triple overtime. His reaction to winning this amazing piece of glitter? He took to Twitter and posted “From Popeyes to State Champion!!”, along with a picture of him from the vine, and one of him holding the championship trophy.

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‘Popeyes’ kid sets social media on fire after winning a state championship

Fans from the footballing world, and just other fans in general, were all surprised when this news hit social media. Many couldn’t believe he had made a name for himself outside of his viral vine and congratulated him for his success. Others were just happy he was able to achieve such a great honor for himself. Even Popeyes came in and commented on his post!

The 19-year-old Dieunerst Collin is a freshman at Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio. He is part of the roster as an offensive lineman but is yet to play for the D2 team. His achievements include being awarded First Team All-Conference, County, and Division, and Second Team All-State. He is currently majoring in Sports Management, and minoring in Comedian studies, with an intent to become a sports analyst.

At a time where NILs are becoming the trend for college athletes, one can only wonder when a brand will come swooping down on him, to get him to be their face (looking at you, Popeyes). Will Collin shine for his college just as he did for his school? Are we watching a vine legend potentially make his way into the NFL? Be sure to watch this player’s future.

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Post Edited By: Shubham Bhargav
Dieunerst Collin East Orange Jaguars Lake Erie Storm

About the author

Arjun Sukumaran

Arjun Sukumaran is a writing consultant for NFL here at the SportsRush. A Mechanical Engineering graduate, his debating stints from his college days have become part and parcel of his life. He loves cheeseburgers, so naturally, he loves the Kansas City Chiefs. And you can definitely count him in the group of people claiming Patrick Mahomes to be the next big thing. When he is not wearing the Kansas Red and Gold, he can be spotted proudly sporting the Red and White of Manchester United, or the iconic Red Bull Blue.

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