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The Saskatchewan Roughriders are mourning linebacker and team captain Jayden Dalke, who died in a car crash Saturday evening.
The team announced his death in a statement Sunday.
“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,” the statement said.
“Jayden had a unique gift of making the people around him feel special and valued,” the team said. “No one ever left a conversation with him without a smile.”
The team said Dalke, 30, was “the true definition of what it means to be a Saskatchewan Roughrider,” and offered condolences to a family that “traveled the country to watch Jayden live his dream.”
Dalke grew up in Leduc, Alta., and played junior football with the Edmonton Wildcats before three seasons with the University of Alberta Golden Bears, where he was named a U Sports all-Canadian.
Greg McCullough co-hosts the Piffles Podcast, a Roughriders fan show he’s been working on for 11 years, and said his phone started going off Sunday.
McCullough said he was “gutted” to hear the news. “A guy that’s 30, literally cut down in his prime.”
He said he knew Dalke’s family. They started following the podcast after Dalke was drafted in 2022, commenting online and turning up in person. At this year’s home opener, he said, they were tailgating three stalls away.
“His dad came and brought us some watermelon,” McCullough said. “There’s a family hurting.”
The Roughriders are scheduled to return to the field on Thursday, which will be an emotional game, McCullough says.
“You have to think it is going to be a struggle all week. Losing a brother in arms, a guy that was just there before and now you got an empty locker,” he said.
“You’ve got a spot that someone else is going to definitely fill in, but it’s not the guy [who] used to be a team captain, like a Grey Cup champion.”
League, team tributes
The Canadian Football League (CFL) also released a statement Sunday afternoon. “It is with tremendous sadness that we share the tragic news of Jayden’s passing. He was a passionate competitor who played with incredible heart,” the league said.
“Off the field, he will be remembered for his leadership in the locker room and his dedication to the community. “
The CFL said that it has lost a teammate, a Canadian brother and a friend. The league extended condolences to Dalke’s family, friends and all those knew him.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers paid their respects in a social media statement. The organization said it’s heartbroken to learn of the passing of Dalke.
“Our thoughts are with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Jayden’s teammates and coaches, and most of all with his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
The B.C. Lions also posted on social media, saying “there are moments bigger than the game, and today we lost a brother.”
