The Popeyes meme kid has gone from 'meme to dream' as he's bagged a Super Bowl advert for the fast food brand a decade after going viral. Check it out:
It's always interesting to find out about the faces behind the memes, especially when a significant chunk of time has passed and we get to see where their lives have taken them.
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And this is certainly the case with Dieunerst Collin. If you don't recognise that name, you might be more familiar with his internet moniker.
'Popeyes Kid', as he's fondly known, rose to online fame back in 2013 when a Vine (remember that thing?) user shared a clip of Collin at one of the fast food restaurants as he stands next to a bin and gives a side-eyed glance at the camera.
In the original video, titled 'Terio at Popeyes', the bloke behind the camera jokes that the boy resembles Vine celebrity Terio.
The footage spread like wildfire, taking on a life of its own on social media where Collin became the subject of countless memes.
Many of these refer to situations in which people feel unsure or awkward, like the one you see above.
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It's safe to say Collin saw the funny side in it. But, at the same time, he didn't let the fame get to his head.
In fact, Collin became a successful athlete and won a state football championship in 2021 with his East Orange Campus High School squad in New Jersey.
And his future continues to get brighter by the second as, earlier this year, he posted a screenshot of his viral meme alongside a recent photo of him making the side-eye expression while holding the state championship trophy.
The now-18-year-old suggested he 'wanted to talk business' with Popeyes, and his prayers have since been answered as he's managed to bag a deal with the restaurant chain.
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Collin is now the face of a new advert for Popeyes' 'Eyes on the Fries (or Pies)' offer, which started on Monday (6 February) ahead of the Super Bowl LVII next Sunday (12 February).
In the hilarious clip, he says: "You might know me, I used to be that meme kid. And now I'm in Popeyes' big game ad."
Standing in front of a huge house and a Tesla, he adds: "It's got all of those things those ads have, like a nice ride. Electric, of course."
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But the best bit arrives when he walks into the house and gets to hang out with a litter of adorable puppies.
As for the deal itself, which runs from Monday to Sunday, people in the US can get 400 bonus points on the Popeyes website or app when they spend at least $20, which can be converted into free fries or a pie on their next order.
But, honestly, we're just here for Collin and the puppies. Hats off to him for bagging that partnership and making the most out of his viral fame.
Featured Image Credit: @funnyhoodvidz/Instagram/Popeyes/YouTubeTopics: Viral, Food And Drink, Super Bowl, US News, Social Media