OG: Approved - Deestroying
Featuring the Next Generation of Storytellers Rising from the Creator Economy
Welcome to OG: Approved—where rule-breaking creators shape the future. Hand-picked by Open Gardens, they’re not following the playbook—they’re writing the next one.
Name: Deestroying
Instagram: 2.6 Million Followers
Youtube: 6.23 Million Followers
X: 113.8K Followers
Who Is Deestroying?
Football fans — have you ever wondered what kickers end up doing after their college careers conclude? There’s only so many professional spots to go around and there’s only room for one Pat McAfee (yes — we know he’s a punter).
Enter Donald De La Haye Jr aka Deestroying.
Coming to notoriety during his playing days at the University Of Central Florida for his Youtube channel, De La Haye was at the center of a major conflict between NCAA regulations and making money off of his likeness as an athlete.
The choice? Cease Youtube operations or give up his college football career. Fast forward 9 years and 1.5 billion views later, Deestroying has clearly made the right move.
Have you ever wanted to challenge your favorite NFL player to see how you would fare? Deestroying has got you covered. Featuring players such as Tyreek Hill, Juju Smith Schuster and Cam Newton, De La Haye has risen to recognition at the highest levels of the NFL.
Aside from featuring professional athletes, De La Haye has also offered his followers an inside view to his own journey. ‘Project NFL' is De La Haye’s documentary series that tracks his progress as he attempts to one day sign with an NFL team, bringing subscribers along for the ride as he pursues a dream shared by many.
Three Things We Like About Deestroying
Authenticity and Courage: Deestroying's story inspires because of his courageous choice to prioritize personal passion and creative freedom over traditional paths. When the NCAA challenged him to choose between playing collegiate football or monetizing his rapidly growing YouTube channel, he boldly chose to stand firm in his principles, leaving collegiate sports to authentically shape his own path in digital media.
Community Building Through Competition: Deestroying has redefined athletic engagement through his popular ‘1 on 1’ series, turning friendly competition into opportunities for athletes at all levels to showcase their talent, gain exposure, and build lasting relationships. These videos capture genuine camaraderie and sportsmanship, proving his commitment goes beyond entertainment—it's about uplifting and spotlighting the football community.
Redefining Athlete-Content Creator Boundaries: Deestroying’s blend of athletics and digital media has revolutionized how athletes can leverage social platforms. By seamlessly merging his athletic skills with captivating content, he demonstrates that the modern athlete isn't confined to traditional boundaries but can shape their own narrative, both on and off the field.