The Canadian Football League (CFL) announced that B.C. Lions linebacker Darnell Sankey was named the 2026 CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player on Tuesday.
Darnell Sankey is six foot one and weighs 246 pounds. The 32-year-old from San Jose, California, signed with the B.C. Lions on December 19, 2025. In 2026, Pickett led the league with 116 tackles (103 tackles, 13 tackles on special teams), six tackles for loss, three sacks, five pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 17 games.
The Denver Broncos signed Sankey as an undrafted free agent on July 26, 2016. He also spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, and New Orleans Saints.
Next, Sankey made his way to the CFL by signing with the Calgary Stampeders on February 6, 2020. However, the season was canceled due to COVID-19. He would return to the Stampeders in 2021 with 97 tackles, one tackle on special teams, one sack, and one forced fumble in 14 games. He was named a CFL West All-Star after the season.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed Sankey on February 8, 2022. In 2022, he made 120 tackles, two tackles on special teams, three sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles in 18 games, setting a new franchise record in tackles.
Then, Sankey signed with the Arlington Renegades on February 15, 2023. In 2023, he made 47 tackles (20 solos, 27 assists), three tackles for loss, and one sack in eight games, helping the Renegades win the 2023 XFL Championship over the D.C. Defenders. He requested and was granted his release on August 1, 2023.
The Montreal Alouettes signed Sankey on September 10, 2023. In 2023, he made 31 tackles, one sack, one interception, and two forced fumbles in six games, helping them win the 110th Grey Cup over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
In 2024, Sankey made 107 tackles, one sack, one interception, and three forced fumbles in 18 games. He was named a CFL East All-Star after the season. In 2025, made 101 tackles, two tackles on special teams, and two sacks in 18 games. The Montreal Alouettes released him on December 11, 2025.
Collegiately, Sankey played four seasons at Sacramento State (2012-15) with 330 tackles (124 solos, 206 assists), 27.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, one interception for 59 yards, one touchdown, ten pass breakups, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 43 games for the Hornets. He was named First Team FCS All-American in 2015.
