VANCOUVER — It might not be his best CFL campaign statistically speaking, but Darnell Sankey’s historic first season with the B.C. Lions landed the veteran middle linebacker a career first.

Sankey was named the CFL’s top defensive player Tuesday in voting conducted by the Football Reporters of Canada.

Sankey is the 11th Lion to win the award, which B.C. has claimed 16 times. Canadian defensive lineman Mathieu Betts won it for the second time last year.

Sankey learned of the honour during a team meeting, with defensive co-ordinator Mike Benevides making the announcement before the Lions’ defensive players. And for Sankey, that was appropriate.

“The way they told me was surprising, a pleasant surprise, truly amazing,” he said. “But it’s a team award because so many guys don’t get credit.

B.C. Lions linebacker Darnell Sankey named CFL's top defensive player | iNFOnews.ca — Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Samuel Emilus, left, is knocked down by BC Lions’ Darnell Sankey (53) during the second half of a CFL game in Vancouver on Sunday, August 23, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns.

“The defensive line and defensive backs don’t get enough credit for helping me … I’m just so thankful, thankful for my family, thankful to God and this organization.”

Sankey, 32, led the CFL in both defensive plays (136) and tackles (114). He became just the second player in league history to register 100 or more tackles in three consecutive seasons, joining Hall of Famer Willie Pless (1997-99).

The six-foot, 242-pound Sankey played all 998 regular-season snaps on defence with B.C. He also recorded a career-best 12 pass knock-downs while his three sacks and four tackles for a loss both matched personal bests.

The 114 tackles are the second-most Sankey has registered during a CFL season. He had a career-best 120 with Saskatchewan in 2022, but Sankey feels the 2026 campaign is his best to date in Canada.

“I’ve had other great seasons, but I feel this one definitely takes the cake,” he said. “I’m just having fun.

“I’m in a great system, I’m in a great defence, these boys have welcomed me here, the coaching staff has welcomed me here. I really have no complaints. I’m just able to fly around and make plays.”

Sankey and the Lions are preparing to face the Edmonton Elks in the West Division final Saturday at Commonwealth Stadium. The winner advances to the Grey Cup, which will be played Nov. 15 in Calgary.

“The individual accolade is nice, of course,” he said. “To be recognized as the most outstanding defensive player is truly a dream come true.

“But the ultimate goal is the Grey Cup.”

Sankey understands what it takes to win a CFL championship, having done so with the Montreal Alouettes in 2023.

Sankey becomes the third Benevides-coached player to win the award. The others are Betts (last season) and Cameron Wake (2008, when Benevides was the Lions defensive co-ordinator). Like Betts, Wake won the honour twice (first coming in 2007) before heading to the NFL to play with the Miami Dolphins (2009-2018) and Tennessee Titans (2019).

“From Day 1, ‘Sank’ has set the standard for what we have wanted to build on defence,” Benevides said in a statement. “He’s the epitome of a pro and the latest in a long line of great winners we’ve had here.

“From Day 1 of training camp and the first defensive meeting in Kamloops, he’s instilled greatness in our unit.”

Wake registered 39 sacks over two seasons with B.C. before adding 100.5 during his NFL tenure. Benevides was the Lions’ special-teams co-ordinator and linebackers coach in 2007.

Sankey received 158 points to finish ahead of Toronto Argonauts linebacker Adarius Pickett (99) and Calgary Stampeders defensive lineman Clarence Hicks (94).

Sankey is completing his sixth CFL season. He has appeared in 92 career regular-season games, accumulating 570 tackles (nine for loss), five special-teams tackles, 11 sacks, nine forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, 29 pass knock-downs and four interceptions.

Sankey has cracked the 100-tackle plateau four times overall.

Sankey, a California native, played collegiately at Sacramento State. After not being taken in the 2016 NFL draft, Sankey spent time with Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints before making his CFL debut with Calgary in 2021.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 3, 2026.