Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker Jayden Dalke dies in car accident

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Saskatchewan selected Dalke, of Leduc, Alta., in the sixth round of the 2022 CFL draft out of the University of Alberta. He appeared in 68 career regular-season games, registering 69 tackles, 31 special-teams tackles, three forced fumbles, an interception and a sack.

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Dalke appeared in all 18 regular-season games for Saskatchewan in 2025 as well as the West final and the club’s 25-17 Grey Cup win over the Montreal Alouettes.

“He was a passionate competitor who played with incredible heart,” CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston said of Dalke in a statement. “Off the field, he will be remembered for his leadership in the locker room and his dedication to the community.

“The CFL has lost a teammate, a Canadian brother and a friend. On behalf of the board of governors, our CFL family and the entire Canadian football community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Jayden’s family, friends, the Saskatchewan Roughriders organization and all those whose lives were bettered through knowing him.”

Tributes poured in from across the CFL following the news of Dalke’s death.

Tommy Stevens, the Roughriders’ short-yardage quarterback, remembered Dalke as a great teammate and “the best friend a guy could ever ask for.”

“Thank you for always treating me like family from the very beginning. I will cherish those memories for the rest of my life,” he wrote in a social media post. “I wish I could tell you how much you meant to me. I love you brother. I will miss you.”

Free-agent linebacker C.J. Avery also honoured his former teammate.

“Love you Dalke,” wrote Avery, who won a Grey Cup alongside Dalke last year. “One of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. Prayers to your family & friends. Sad sad day.”

The Edmonton Elks mourned the loss of one of their hometown’s football products.

“Jayden’s pro football journey began in Edmonton as a member of both the Edmonton Wildcats and the University of Alberta Golden Bears,” the team said. “This tragedy will be felt by the entire Canadian football community. Jayden will be dearly missed.”

The B.C. Lions also paid tribute, saying “football is family. There are moments bigger than the game, and today we lost a brother.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 19, 2026.

The Canadian Press