Particle.news
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
3h ago

Darnell Sankey Named CFL's Top Defensive Player

His league-leading tackles and defensive plays earned him the honour as the Lions prepare for the West Division final.

B.C. Lions linebacker Darnell Sankey listens during the opening day of the CFL football team's training camp, in Kamloops, B.C., on Sunday, May 10, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Overview

  • The CFL announced Tuesday that B.C. Lions middle linebacker Darnell Sankey won the Football Reporters of Canada vote for the league’s top defensive player.
  • Sankey led the CFL with 136 defensive plays and 114 tackles this season while playing all 998 regular-season defensive snaps for B.C.
  • He received 158 voting points to finish ahead of Toronto’s Adarius Pickett (99) and Calgary’s Clarence Hicks (94), and 14 players in total received votes.
  • Sankey became only the second player in CFL history to record 100 or more tackles in three straight seasons, joining Hall of Famer Willie Pless.
  • B.C. coach Mike Benevides praised Sankey’s professionalism and leadership after the announcement, and Sankey said the recognition motivates the team as they head into the West Division final.