“Hands down the best NIL deal ever, wow” – Fans left in awe of ‘Popeyes meme kid’ Dieunerst Collin’s big move

The NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) deals have taken over college sports. With NCAA athletes getting expensive cars for free meals, a pizza named after them and literally everything in between. But the most recent brand deal just makes sense to everyone who hears about it.

One may not immediately recognize the name Dieunerst Collin, but everyone knows the famous Popeye's kid meme. When Collin was just nine years old, a picture of him giving an angry look towards the camera went viral and has circulated as one of the most popular memes on social media.

Collin is now a college football player for Lake Erie College, a Division II school in Painesville, Ohio. He plays on the offensive line for Lake Erie College and recently signed an NIL deal with Popeye's, according to Front Office Sports. Details of his deal have not been made public, so whether the former "Popeye's kid" will appear in upcoming commercials is unknown.

But when the news of the NIL deal was reported on social media, no one just got enough. With many saying that this was the best negotiated NIL contract that they have heard of. Others were just shocked that the boy in the meme is now a college student.

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What are the rules of the NIL Deals in NCAA sports?

Up until July 2021, NCAA athletes who tried to cash in on their name and celebrity status were faced with punishments from the NCAA and their schools. NCAA athletes are now allowed to accept gifts, whether items or monetary, for their name, image or likeness.

Some of the biggest names in college athletics now make millions of dollars while still going to school and before becoming professional athletes.

In fact, many high school athletes are now choosing a university that provides a higher chance of inking an NIL deal.

Thanks to the new name, image and likeness rules, fans can now purchase college jerseys with their favorite player's name on the back, something that was prohibited in the past. That athlete will now make a small profit off of every jersey sold.

While collegiate athletes are permitted to earn money through these deals, there are some rules. Athletes must report all earnings and brand deals to their universities, and all deals and contracts must be compliant with the state laws that their university or college is located in.