Here’s The Thing About Haiden Deegan

Ok, I got to tread lightly here or maybe I should take a page out of young Haiden’s book and give it to you straight.

It’s been a while since the sport of motocross has had a racer as polarizing as Haiden “Dangerboy” Deegan. Droves of fanatical Deegan supporters make their voices heard daily in comment sections around the globe. Regardless how you feel about the Deegans, Haiden or anything related, it cannot be argued that Haiden’s fan base is large and passionate.

The simple fact that Haiden has developed a loud and loyal fan base is enough to infuriate others for a laundry list of reasons. The reality is, if you’ve got fans, you’re going to have haters and nothing gets your haters fired up more by not being bothered by the negativity.

Here’s the thing about Haiden Deegan: love him or hate him, he’s legit. The skill set and fitness level Haiden demonstrates every weekend at the races is not something that gets handed to you. It’s an undisputed fact that Haiden has benefited from incredible amounts of support throughout his days on two wheels, but support and opportunities don’t automatically result in podium performances at the pro level. The results Haiden has earned so far in his young career are the result of seizing those opportunities and making the most of the support that’s been offered to him thus far.

The thing that might enrage Haiden’s naysayers the most is how he seems completely indifferent towards anyone who chooses to cast stones his way. Aside from a few snide remarks in the comments, Haiden decides not to feed the trolls who lurk on the world wide web and instead keeps his eyes on the next prize on his list.

Haiden Deegan is and isn’t just like every dirt bike kid with dreams of standing at the top step of the podium each weekend on the grandest stages of motocross. How he differs in my opinion is that Haiden unapologetically drives towards and takes what he wants which leaves traditionalists shouting, “Hey rookie, cool it!” because Haiden doesn’t seem to subscribe to the newsletter that says, “Ease your way into the pros and slowly rise into you place in the hierarchy of pro racing”. That simply doesn’t interest young Haiden who has asserted himself at every level of his career.

That approach is bound the ruffle some feathers and you can raise an eyebrow at some of Haiden’s strategies to maintain track position but I see those moves as a young man determined to keep his place and fight for what he wants. Both admirable qualities I might add. It may ruffle your feathers even more so to find out that Haiden is not the least bit concerned that you’ve got your nose out of joint about anything he does.

Here’s the thing: whether you’re a card-carrying member of the Haiden Deegan super fan club or for whatever reason can’t stand him, he will be at the front of the pack of the 250 and 450 classes for the foreseeable future. Haiden Deegan has amassed his fan fair by being genuinely himself and completely unfazed by those who voice their displeasure with him.

Therein lies what I believe to be the main reason Haiden’s fans are so devoted. The fact that Haiden is apologetically Haiden is at the core of what drives people wild at both ends of the spectrum.

Haiden Deegan. Love him or hate him, that’s totally cool with him.

Main image: Yamaha