Dylan Florentine

From Last-Minute Call to Grid League Rising Star: Dylan Florentine’s Journey

When Dylan Florentine got a call asking if he wanted to “do something crazy” just three hours before a Grid League match, he had no idea it would launch his career as a professional athlete. The former Marine Corps service member jumped in his car and sped from Miami to Orlando, getting movement tutorials from coaches over the phone while racing to make his impromptu debut with the Daytona Venom.

That wild entry into Grid League perfectly captures Florentine’s “full send energy” approach that has made him a rising star in the sport. As jersey #5 for the Daytona Venom (also known as Las Vegas Venom), the 5’7″, 175-pound utility player has carved out a niche specializing in strength-based movements.

“The most challenging thing was locking out my damn hips with those overhead squats because doing them fast with grid standard. I kept on getting no-repped,” Florentine recalled of his first competition. Rather than get discouraged, he used those early struggles to fuel his development into an increasingly vital team member. His expanded role heading into the 2024 season signals the Venom’s growing confidence in his abilities.

Before Grid League, Florentine built his athletic foundation through CrossFit competition and military service. His CrossFit Open results show steady improvement over three years, climbing from 41,462nd worldwide in 2021 to 8,123rd in 2023. The discipline and intensity he developed as a Marine Corps member shine through in his competitive approach.

Outside of competition, Florentine works as a personal trainer and fitness instructor throughout the Orlando area. When asked about his wide-ranging client base, he jokingly refers to himself as “Mr. Worldwide.” This hands-on work in the fitness industry complements his athletic career while allowing him to share his expertise with others.

His team profile captures his down-to-earth personality: “A simple guy that loves to pick up heavy things and believes he can do gymnastics or cool movements like the rest… thick thighs save lives amen.” This combination of humility and humor, along with his explosive athletic style, has made him a memorable presence in Grid League media appearances.

Through his Instagram presence as “DJ Fit 100” and features on shows like Plate Stack Chat, Florentine continues building his profile in the sport. His journey from last-minute substitute to key team member shows how raw talent combined with Marine Corps discipline and an all-out approach can create an unlikely path to professional athletics.

As the Daytona Venom look to expand his role in upcoming seasons, Florentine’s “full send” style and strength specialization make him an athlete to watch in Grid League’s evolving competitive landscape. The former Marine who once raced across Florida for an unexpected opportunity has transformed into a legitimate force in professional fitness competition.