Popeyes Meme Kid Lands College Football Name, Image, Likeness Deal
Dieunerst Collin is one of the most famous memes on social media. You remember, the boy waiting in line at Popeyes with his cup. But now he is an 18-year-old who landed a college football name, image, likeness deal with the fast food chicken chain.
According to USA Today, Popeyes signed him to a NIL deal, which is a brand sponsorship deal for NCAA athletes. Collin, who stands 6 foot 1, and 330 pounds, and is an offensive lineman at New Jersey’s Lake Erie College’s Division II football program, told the outlet: "Only thing I can say is that I will be promoting that business like crazy. I actually love Popeyes myself."
Collin’s meme, who was nine years old at the time, originally began on Vine in 2013. Lil Terrio, who was at the time a big star on the now defunct social video app Vine, says, “Terrio at Popeyes,” turns the camera on Collin and adds, “Say oooh (Terrio’s catchphrase).... Ooh.” Collin gave a legendary side eye while holding a Popeyes drink cup, which is still a favorite on social media.
He also added that the meme used to make him uncomfortable, "It would affect me... to the point where it was like 'I don't ever want to walk outside ever again.’” Thankfully, his meme story ends with a NIL deal, which wasn’t an option for college athletes just two years ago.
NIL deals went into effect in July 2021 and allowed student-athletes at various NCAA schools to use their own personal brands to benefit themselves through social media, merchandising, and more.
The details of Collin’s NIL deal have not been disclosed.