The UFL, led by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, made a strategic move by signing YouTube star Donald De La Haye Jr., famously known as Deestroying. In a move that has the sports world buzzing, he has inked a contract with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League (UFL).
Advertisement
Boasting an impressive following of 5.7 million on YouTube, De La Haye has successfully blended his roles as a content creator and athlete. He initiated his athletic career at the University of Central Florida (UCF), making his mark as a skilled kicker during the 2015–16 football season.
His perseverance and unique blend of athletic skill and social media influence caught the attention of the UFL, leading to his recent signing with the San Antonio Brahmas. A statement from the Brahmas celebrated this new chapter: “The journey continues. Welcome to the herd, Deestroying.”
The journey continues. Welcome to the herd, @Deestroying
Watch Dee’s full video on YouTube and get your tickets to pack the dome link here: https://t.co/UzQ9afzzRy#UFL | #HornsForward pic.twitter.com/iz2krPuKKH
— San Antonio Brahmas (@XFLBrahmas) January 30, 2024
Fans and followers who took to social media to express their support and enthusiasm were met with overwhelming excitement. The response from the sports community and Deestroying’s followers has been nothing short of spectacular.
Sharing insights from his conversation with Deestroying and capturing excitement surrounding his signing were highlighted in the post by Nick Mantas. Fans echoed this sentiment, with comments like “AYEEEEE DEESTROYING STARTING TO GET NOTICED LETS GOOOOOOO” and “Yessirrr, let’s work “ flooding the internet.
AYEEEEE DEESTROYING STARTING TO GET NOTICED LETS GOOOOOOO https://t.co/cVqThgoMfs
— lilaban (@lil_aban) January 31, 2024
Yessirrr let’s work @Deestroying https://t.co/6Dpr5GxvQG
— Caeveon Patton (@Cpatton88) January 30, 2024
One particularly heartwarming comment read, “Ok so… as Duuvalll Darlin and original 904, I love this for my Brahmas! Welcome!”
Ok so… as Duuvalll Darlin and original 904… love this for my Brahmas!!!! welcome @Deestroying https://t.co/EnND9JcLcH
— Brahma Babe (@SA_BabeBrahma) January 30, 2024
The love turned into an outpouring globally, and this showcases not just Deestroying’s athletic abilities but also his social media presence, which is phenomenal.
Why Did Deestroying Stop Playing in College?
Deestroying earlier faced a pivotal moment when the University of Central Florida (UCF) declared him ineligible for collegiate football. De La Haye’s channel, primarily documenting his life as a UCF athlete, saw a rapid increase in subscribers, jumping from around 63,000 in June to almost 90,000 after the ineligibility announcement.
Statement from @UCF_Football on K Donald De La Haye. @NCAA not allowing monetized YouTube vids that depict his status as student-athlete pic.twitter.com/ghShJximOI
— Joe Kepner (@JoeKepner) July 31, 2017
The UCF compliance office had previously warned De La Haye that earning ad revenue could jeopardize his eligibility. Indicating his determination to continue his channel without demonetizing it, he stated, “I’m not stopping for anybody.”
His situation ignited a debate on the NCAA’s amateurism policies. De La Haye questioned the fairness of the NCAA’s restrictions, arguing that other YouTubers with similar followings could earn without limitations.
As Deestroying steps onto the UFL field with the San Antonio Brahmas, he carries not just the hopes of his fans but also the aspirations of countless young athletes who see in him a new model for success—one that defies traditional boundaries and embraces the full spectrum of their talents and interests.
