Jayden Dalke, Saskatchewan Roughriders captain from Leduc, killed in car accident
The 30-year-old linebacker, a U of A alumnus who helped the Roughriders win the Grey Cup last year, died Saturday evening. The team cancelled Sunday's practice.
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Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker and team captain Jayden Dalke died in a car accident Saturday evening. He was 30.
Dalke, a native of Leduc, Alta., had played for the Roughriders since being selected in the sixth round of the 2022 CFL Draft. The team announced his death Sunday.
"It is with profound sadness that the Saskatchewan Roughriders mourn the loss of linebacker and team captain Jayden Dalke, who passed away in a car accident Saturday evening," the Roughriders said in a statement. "A relentless warrior on the field, Jayden's determination, toughness and work ethic inspired his teammates, who cared deeply for him and are heartbroken by his passing. Jayden had a unique gift of making the people around him feel special and valued. No one ever left a conversation with him without a smile."
Dalke had returned to the lineup in the team's last game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after missing time with an upper-body injury. He was placed on the CFL's honour roll for his special-teams play in Week 7. Dalke played all 18 regular-season games and two post-season games last year, helping the Roughriders win the Grey Cup. He played 68 career CFL games.
Dalke earned first-team all-Canadian honours in 2019 and second-team all-Canadian in 2021 while playing U Sports football at the University of Alberta. The Roughriders cancelled Sunday's practice. They are scheduled to practise Monday ahead of their next game Thursday against the Edmonton Elks.
CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston said the league had lost "a teammate, a Canadian brother and a friend."
