Social media influencer, UFL star ‘Deestroying’ out with fractured neck, could miss rest of season

San Antonio Brahmas kicker Donald De La Haye — also known as “Deestroying” to his 5.8 million YouTube subscribers and 4.7 million TikTok followers — announced via Instagram that he suffered multiple fractures in his neck in the Brahmas’ 20-19 win over the Memphis Showboats on Saturday.

As a result of the injury, De La Haye, who is arguably the United Football League’s biggest star, has been placed on injured reserve. By UFL rules, it means he will be out a minimum of five weeks. It is believed that De La Haye injured his neck while making a tackle during a kickoff in Saturday’s game.

@Deestroying wanted in on the action

He hustled downfield after the kickoff to make the tackle pic.twitter.com/6eTtZ2DJ3e

— San Antonio Brahmas (@XFLBrahmas) April 6, 2024

“Thank y’all for all the good wishes,” De La Haye said in a post on his Instagram story. “Turns out on that tackle, due to poor form, I fractured my neck in a couple places. Although this sucks, I’m grateful [because] it could have been [all] bad.”

De La Haye’s journey to making the Brahmas roster is well documented on his YouTube channel, where he has an active vlog series entitled “Project NFL.” In the series, De La Haye shows the moment he got an offer to compete for a UFL roster spot, then provides updates on his pursuit for a professional kicking job.

While no announcement beyond him being placed on IR has been made, De La Haye is expected to be out for the remainder of the season.

“Kids, please learn how to tackle with proper form,” De La Haye said on his Instagram story. “Thank you Brahmas and UFL for giving me this opportunity, it has been a blast. And thank all y’all for supporting me on this journey. I’mma sit my ass down now and focus on healing up. Love yall.”

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