The San Antonio Brahmas are giving a chance to a well-known prospect. Will this be able to serve as a stepping stone for his professional ambitions?
San Antonio Brahmas Kicking Battle
Donald De La Haye, better known as Deestroying, has signed with a UFL team. After years of looking on the outside, he’s getting his chance. The move is a welcomed sight for fans of the YouTube star. He is living the mantra of staying ready for when your chance arrives.
His status is not guaranteed, however. He will compete with two other NFL-caliber kickers. Christopher Dunn and Matt Amendola both have experience on professional rosters. While Amendola has kicked in regular season games.
The @XFLBrahmas have signed free agent K Donald De La Haye Jr. (@Deestroying).
He will compete with K Matt Ammendola & K Christopher Dunn for the starting job. pic.twitter.com/9R8K9fg4lY
— Kicker Update (@kickerupdate) January 30, 2024
The next weeks will determine who the starter is. Deestroying can play as both a kicker and a punter. But neither is a guarantee. Through his videos and 1on1 matchups, he preaches about competition. This will be a great chance to compete in a team environment. And is the exact type of mindset the San Antonio Brahmas will hope he brings to the organization.
Journey To The San Antonio Brahmas
He started at UCF but was kicked off of the team by the NCAA. He was recording videos on YouTube of his college experience. Of course, this violated the now completely laughable image and likeness rules at the time. Instead, he elected to bet on himself. He kept his channel while continuing to pursue his NFL aspirations.
In 2019, he signed with the CFL team, Toronto Argonauts. Although, even he would later say that it was not a legitimate opportunity from their end. This was for several reasons. Were they looking to draw increased interest? Absolutely. But they knew that adding Deestroying to the roster was never going to be realistic. There are only so many slots available for American players, and they never fully intended to use one for either kicking position.
Signing with the San Antonio Brahmas may raise eyebrows for some. However, the need to pull off a sham roster invitation would backfire for this newly merged league. Signing him at this point looks much more legitimate. At either position, a placekicker or punter, having someone with his leg will be useful.
San Antonio Brahmas Fit
There would not be an issue with how he profits off of his name in college. Professionally with the constant media access, his vlogging would not even be noticed, so it would also be a non-issue. Under Wade Phillips, his new head coach will only worry about one thing, making winning plays.
The most important position for this team remains quarterback. With Chase Garbers and Jack Coan, they will be hopping for a more steady day-one starter. Kurt Benkert remains technically an option, but his availability looks unlikely at best.
Marquette King's punt accuracy is crazy ? @MarquetteKing
(via deestroying/TikTok) pic.twitter.com/gKb8gOmBaQ
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) November 12, 2020
One possibility remains. During his videos, Deestroying would line up at wide receiver. In a league that showcases talent and different ways to score points, his athleticism could be utilized. His focus will remain kicking, but he could be used on gadget plays. Whether it’s similar to fellow UFL punter and creator Marquette King, or ensuring that his kicks remain solid, the San Antonio Brahmas are giving a chance to someone who has waited for this opportunity.
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Gabriel Enjoys all things sports! Football, soccer, basketball, volleyball. You name it! Huge fan of the Nebraska Huskers and New England Patriots. Even bigger advocate of running the football!
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