"I helped him build furniture": UFL kicker reveals special bond with 'lil bro' Travis Hunter amid Colorado athlete's rise to stardom

Donald De La Haye, now a UFL kicker and YouTube star known as "Deestroying," shared his close relationship with Colorado football sensation Travis Hunter during a SportsCenter appearance.

Their friendship dates back to Hunter's high school days. De La Haye told SportsCenter:

“I've known him since he was in high school, maybe like a sophomore. Um, got to see him train, I got to see him work out. I help him build furniture in his Colorado home. He was sitting there playing video games while I was building furniture for him.”

De La Haye, who played one season for the UCF Knights (2016-2017), has built a massive following of six million YouTube subscribers through his "Deestroying" channel. He signed with the San Antonio Brahmas for the upcoming UFL season on Oct 29, 2024.

The UFL's 2025 season kicks off Mar. 28, running for 10 weeks before culminating in the playoffs and championship game on June 14, 2025.

Through their years of friendship, De La Haye has watched Hunter's meteoric rise, praising Hunter's athletic prowess and character, with De La Haye celebrating his friend's Heisman Trophy win.

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Donald De La Haye celebrates Travis Hunter's remarkable CFB career

Donald De La Haye celebrated Travis Hunter's remarkable college football career and projected NFL success. Hunter's consistent performance under pressure throughout high school laid the groundwork for his collegiate achievements.

“Seen his success winning the Heisman, seeing how far Colorado came, and seeing his projected top five draft pick is, it's kind of surreal seeing, see my boy go through that, man,” Donald said. [3:23]

"Sometimes, I want to pinch myself for him, so I'm very proud of him, very happy for him, and I hope the best for him,” he added.

NFL analysts project Hunter as a top prospect in the upcoming draft. His versatility and explosiveness make him an attractive option for teams seeking to transform their rosters, including the New England Patriots, who aim to add dynamic playmakers to their lineup.

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