Darnell Sankey, the seasoned middle linebacker, is once again suiting up for Canadian football, signing a one-year deal with the Montreal Alouettes, as reported by an anonymous CFL source. This exciting development is yet to be publicly announced by the Alouettes.

Sankey, the 245-pound six-footer from San Jose, California, was a key player in the Arlington Renegades’ recent XFL championship victory in May. In the league’s championship game, Arlington emerged victorious, defeating the DC Defenders 35-26.

Prior to his foray into the XFL, Sankey enjoyed two immensely productive seasons with the CFL, leading the league in tackles in 2021 and 2022 before transferring to the XFL. The 28-year-old athlete set a club record in 2022 with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, racking up 120 tackles. His notable season also saw him making three sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception, and two special-teams tackles.

In his earlier CFL season, as a player for Calgary Stampeders, Sankey led the league with 98 tackles while also adding a sack and one forced fumble. His remarkable performance earned him the title of West Division all-star and he subsequently became a free agent, signing with Saskatchewan.

After a triumphant stint in the XFL, Sankey has now returned to the CFL, joining the Montreal Alouettes in the midst of the ongoing season. It’s a timely reinforcement for the Alouettes who are preparing to host Toronto Argonauts in a showdown to complete their home-and-home series. Despite a recent defeat at the hands of the Argos, the Alouettes remain second in the East Division, ahead of the third-place Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

The Alouettes’ defense, previously ranked second against the pass and fourth in terms of fewest offensive points allowed, stands to gain from the addition of Sankey. As Montreal squares off against the Argos, the Alouettes’ fans will be looking forward to seeing the seasoned linebacker back in action and bolstering their defensive line.

In a career marked by significant milestones, Sankey’s return to the CFL signals a new chapter in his professional journey. His outstanding records both with the CFL and XFL underline his capabilities on the field and his ability to bring a game-changing force to the Alouettes’ defensive line-up.