It’s very possible there gained’t be an individual in Northeast Ohio who has a Super Bowl Sunday fairly like Dieunerst Collin.
If you’ve by no means heard of the Lake Erie College soccer participant from New Jersey, likelihood is you may after Feb. 12.
It’s been a whirlwind for Collin after he lately signed a reputation, picture, likeness take care of the favored fast-food restaurant chain Popeyes.
That NIL deal included a Popeyes billboard that includes Collin in his hometown of East Orange, N.J. That was simply the beginning. What’s subsequent is a Super Bowl Popeyes industrial that includes Collin.
From web meme fame, to a Big Game advert. @CollinDieunerst acquired his eyes on the fries (or pies). pic.twitter.com/SuYMYdWmvI
— Popeyes (@Popeyes) February 6, 2023
First, some background on Collin and his connection to Popeyes:
A decade in the past at age 9, Collin rose to fame when a stranger recorded him whereas he was along with his household at a Popeyes in New Jersey. The video of Collin has him with a confused look. That particular person finally shared the video on social media, the place it went viral as a well-liked meme for folks to make use of to specific unease or confusion.
hometown hero pic.twitter.com/Vi2V4v8Jl7
— Popeyes (@Popeyes) January 15, 2023
Fast ahead 10 years, and Collin is a redshirt freshman at LEC, the place the 6-foot-1, 330-pounder is hoping to get enjoying time at heart within the fall.
When NIL offers have been changing into successful for school athletes on the Division I degree at the beginning of the 2022 season, Collin took discover. He by no means forgot his temporary brush with social media fame. So he despatched a message to Popeyes by way of social media that learn alongside the strains of “Let’s talk business.”
.@CollinDieunerst of @LakeErieFB on the anticipation of his @Popeyes industrial on Super Bowl Sunday and the whirlwind following his NIL take care of the fast-food chain. @LakeErieStorm @NHPreps pic.twitter.com/OXZpc1PdWx
— Mark Podolski (@mpodo) February 9, 2023
Eventually, Popeyes responded by direct message and an NIL deal was later finalized. Collin stated the deal consists of “about seven payments.” An quantity wasn’t revealed however Collin stated “it’s to the point where I can treat my family.”
these go exhausting. can we give them away @CollinDieunerst? pic.twitter.com/pASErTG0cr
— Popeyes (@Popeyes) February 9, 2023
The affect of Collin’s NIL deal has been monumental on the LEC campus and throughout the Storm soccer household.
LEC second-year head coach Demir Boldin stated throughout the recruiting course of the employees was impressed with Collin’s means as a lineman. At Cicely L. Tyson High School, he was named second-team all-state, was a workforce captain and his workforce gained a state championship. When a scholarship provide was made, it was after that undeniable fact that an assistant talked about Collin’s declare to social media fame as a 9-year-old.
Collin has garnered loads of media consideration, together with interviews with CBS Sports, ABC and others. He recorded an interview with ABC’s “Good Morning America” that he believes airs the day after the Super Bowl on Feb. 13.
“We never anticipated any of this,” stated Boldin, who’s from South Florida. “He’s brought us national attention. When I recruit in Florida, the first thing people say is ‘Where’s Lake Erie?’ People will start to know Lake Erie more because of all of this. He’s a national phenomenon. From memes to dreams.”
Collin needs to be a sports activities analyst after commencement, and presumably get into appearing after his expertise in entrance of the digicam for the Popeyes industrial.
“We’re really happy for him,” stated Boldin. “(The commercial) is going to be so special, not only for the coaching staff but the team. The guys love him. He’s a people person.”
Shooting for the industrial was in Miami and took in the future to movie. Collin stated these on set instructed him he was “a natural” throughout filming. All of his scenes have been shot in seven takes or much less, in line with Collin.
“I’m a football player, I’m used to playing under the lights,” he stated with a smile.
Plans for Super Bowl Sunday embody Collin watching the Eagles vs. the Chiefs in his dorm room with a number of his teammates. Popeyes catering the mini-party isn’t out of the query, he stated. When the Popeyes industrial will seem throughout the sport is unclear.
“It’s going to be a surprise,” stated Collin. “Whenever that moment happens, it happens.”
As for his NIL Popeyes plans after the Super Bowl, Collin isn’t positive what to anticipate. His coach stated Collin needs to be prepared for any and all the pieces.
“I can only imagine what’s going to happen next,” he stated.
On Feb. 9, Collin was exhausting at work throughout a weight-lifting session along with his LEC teammates whereas sporting a hoodie of his hometown New York Giants. His NIL deal has helped change Collin’s life. But outdoors of his Popeyes persona he’s a soccer participant trying to earn a beginning spot at heart for the Storm.
“Show people I’m not just a meme,” he stated.
Source: www.bostonherald.com