Donald De La Haye, also known as Deestroying, transitioned from a college football kicker to a full-time content creator after navigating NCAA regulations in 2017. His decision to prioritize his burgeoning online platform over his athletic career at the University of Central Florida occurred when his YouTube channel began generating income, a move that highlighted and ultimately contributed to the NCAA's rule changes regarding athlete monetization.
De La Haye, now 29, has cultivated a significant online presence with 6.4 million YouTube subscribers. His channel is recognized for football challenges and one-on-one competitions, featuring a diverse range of participants including elite college and high school athletes, musicians like Gunna, football legend Cam Newton, and actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. He also commands a substantial following across other platforms, with 4.7 million followers on TikTok and 2.5 million on Instagram.
His success has led to professional representation by CAA and a notable appearance in a Super Bowl commercial scheduled for 2026. De La Haye has also secured a partnership with Tubi to develop original sports-centric competition content. His new soccer-themed series, designed to coincide with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, premiered on the streaming service in June. This journey marks the realization of his ambitions, establishing him as one of TIME's 100 most influential digital voices of 2026.