How viral meme icon went from being bullied to college football star

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How viral meme icon went from being bullied to college football star
How viral meme icon went from being bullied to college football star

If you were on the internet in the 2010's, you will have definitely seen Dieunerst Collin's eight-year-old face.

It was one of the most popular videos on the former short-form video uploading app, Vine, which featured a man mistake Collin for an online personality at the time, Lil Terrio.

The video would go on to be viewed by millions worldwide, and it is still used today, with Collin looking confused as he tries to mind his own business and go about his day.

At the time, Collin thought nothing of the video, but unfortunately, it would bring much unwanted fame and attention - with the majority of it being negative.

Speaking exclusively to Mirror Sport, Collin said: "At the time, I was obviously just a kid and it really did affect me negatively. I was at the point where I never wanted to walk outside ever again. So it was tough for a few years (being bullied)."

Widow brings pillow with late husband's face on it to pub every New Year's Eve eiqrririqtxprwWidow brings pillow with late husband's face on it to pub every New Year's Eve

Around two years later though, when Collin started middle school, he met some friends who would change his mindset, and help him find the sport that he would fall in love with.

He said: "When I got to sixth grade, I found some good friends in my life and they told me to embrace it, don't let it ruin your life.

"So I thought, okay, let me embrace this and lets see what happens, and it lead me to taking up football," Collin smiles. "That's got me to where I am now. Football really helped with my confidence, and I found some more great friends and brothers whilst playing the sport. I am able to channel any anger onto the football field.

How viral meme icon went from being bullied to college football starDieunerst Collin went viral as a youngster - and now has a sporting future (Vine)

"I used to shy away from the meme thing, I used to hate when people bring it up, I didn't know how to deal with my anger. Even now, when people ask me about it, I am able to communicate about it and go about my day.

Collin had never played football before the incident, only picking up the sport as a teenager, unusual for many in the States who play from a young age.

He thrived quickly though as a standout offensive lineman at East Orange Campus High in New Jersey. In his final year at the school, they went on to win the state championship.

He said: "My sophomore year I had an opportunity to start at varsity and play with the big guys, so I thought okay, I could maybe go far with this. So I took it very seriously. We really wanted to win a state championship and we did it undefeated, it was a huge blessing."

Collin's impressive college football tape at right guard saw him receive offers to play football at the next level, as he agreed to join Lake Erie College in Ohio. After an impressive freshman season at the DII school, Collin is now seeing where the sport can take him, with dreams of playing professionally in the NFL.

How viral meme icon went from being bullied to college football starDieunerst Collin is now a college football star and hopes to make the NFL

And after turning the negative attention into a positive, he has now been given a huge financial boost after Popeye's Chicken announced that they would sponsor him, signing him to a name, image and likeness (NIL) deal.

He said: "Since this all blew up, they hit me up within 24 hours and now I'm so happy to be sponsored by Popeye's. It's crazy to see it come full circle and I'm thankful."

Man fined £165 after outraging the internet by dying puppy to look like PikachuMan fined £165 after outraging the internet by dying puppy to look like Pikachu

Collin added that he hopes he can be a positive example to those who might be bullied as youngsters.

He said: "I would say, try and meet people who are going to tell you to embrace it and own it. If you're able to do that, you can flip something that might be negative into a positive - and it can become a great thing.

"I want to thank everyone who got me to this point. I appreciate all of the messages, and just, thank you."

Charlie Wilson

American Football, Bullying, Teenagers, Viral, Apps, Super Bowl, Lake Erie College, New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, NFL, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Robert K. Kraft

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