Deestroying addresses pausing YouTube career for shot at 2024 UFL glory: “It wasn’t fulfilling”

Donald De La Haye, also known as the popular YouTuber “Deestroying,”recently made his professional football debut for the San Antonio Brahmas on Sunday. He showed off his kicking skills during the game.

While at UCF, De La Haye served as both a kickoff specialist and wide receiver for the college football team. During his time there, he gained widespread recognition for his YouTube channel, which eventually became very popular. However, in 2017, the university informed De La Haye that he was not allowed to earn money from his online presence due to his status as an academic scholarship recipient. This restriction was in place prior to the implementation of the name, image and likeness ruling.

As a consequence, he decided to focus on his YouTube career and stopped playing football.

On Monday, De La Haye appeared on Pat McAfee’s show to discuss his decision to put his YouTube career on hold in order to pursue a professional football career with the Brahmas of the United Football League.

“I’ve always had a dream to play pro football, and YouTube was amazing, don’t get me wrong, but it wasn’t fulfilling,”Deestroying said. “And I couldn’t miss this opportunity from UFL and GM Mark, feels good, bro. Especially, going out there, getting your first game under your belt, doing well. I’m lost for words…

“I mean, obviously, it was an adjustment. We were working through it. It’s been good. It’s been an adjustment, but I feel like I’m doing pretty well.”

Deestroying reflects on his first game as a professional football player

Deestroying made a strong start to their UFL career, leading the San Antonio Brahmas to a 27-12 win against the DC Destroyers in their debut game on Sunday.

During the game, while on the sidelines, Donald De La Haye was interviewed about his experience playing in his debut professional football game.

“Man, I feel amazing. The juice is in the building, man. I hit the ball well from my first kickoff,”De La Haye said. “Just waiting for my first field goal to send it through the upright.”

When questioned about his game preparation, De La Haye stated that he is now taking it more seriously since becoming a professional football player.

“It changed a lot. I’m a real football player now,”De La Haye said. “I don’t just go out to the field and film videos, so, it changed a lot. I gotta get up, practice, take care of my body. Obviously, do my thing with the team and be professional.”

Deestroying and the Brahmas are set to return to the field on Saturday, April 6, as they prepare to take on the Memphis Showboats.