Montreal Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia made a big move by acquiring the services of linebacker Darnell Sankey.
On Friday, the 29-year-old American signed a new two-year contract. He could have used his autonomy next February. “Mike” of the Alouettes was a key player in winning the Gray Cup in November.
After the loss to the Toronto Argonauts on September 15, Sankey announced that the Als would not lose a game until the end of the season and win top honors. That's exactly what happened.
“I’m not guessing, I’m a winner,” Sankey said by phone.
“I had confidence in our abilities and knew we had the best defense in the CFL [Ligue canadienne de football]. Something happened after the Toronto game. I am a winner and never assume we will lose. “That’s the way I see things and I wanted everyone to be aware of that.”
Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Sankey joined the Alouettes just four days before his prediction. He previously helped lead the Arlington Renegades to victory in the XFL Finals in May. The winner of two championships in 2023 had 31 tackles, one interception and one quarterback sack in six regular season games with the Sparrows. He also had 22 tackles and two steals in the three playoff games.
Repeat the experiment
With that kind of performance and the success previously achieved with the Calgary Stampeders (2021) and the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2022), Sankey could have joined any other team on the Ambrosie circuit. However, he decided to return to Montreal because he believes that is where he has the best chance of lifting the trophy again.
Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
“The Gray Cup Parade played a big role in my decision to return to Montreal,” Sankey said. I want to experience that again! The fans, the city of Montreal and my teammates, who I love like brothers, made the difference. I also like the coaching group and the role I have on this team. I feel like I can be the leader of this defense and we can still accomplish big things.”
Thanks, Cody!
On Thursday, during the press conference on the sidelines of the contract extension he signed, quarterback Cody Fajardo explained that he accepted less money so that Maciocia could offer new contracts to the other players of the Conquest in 2023.
• Also read: Alouettes quarterback Cody Fajardo “left a lot of money on the table”
The Alouettes GM didn't need to be asked. He closed the case of Sankey and defensive big leaguer Shawn Lemon.
“He’s incredibly selfless,” Sankey said of Fajardo. He has heart. He made the choice he felt was best for the team. He said he wanted some key elements of the club back and he did what leaders do.”
With a two-year contract in hand, Sankey wants to find a home in Montreal and enjoy some of the joys of winter early next year. The California native feels at home in the metropolis of Quebec.
“It reminds me of home. Where I come from there are many cultures and people from everywhere. It's the same in Montreal. I feel good.”