Even though he’s been a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders for only less than a season, Darnell Sankey has already emerged as a leader both inside of the team’s locker room, as well being an ambassador of the organization off the field within the community.
Sankey along with teammate Larry Dean have formed the most reliable tackling duo across the league, as Dean is second in the league with at tackles at 68 while Sankey is third with 63.
The 2021 CFL tackling leader has also provided leadership away from the gridiron for the green and white. Last week on Twitter, Sankey launched an initiative that is trying to provide a helping hand to the homelessness problem within the Queen City.
Sankey says his DAND brand is based on a providing a good service.
“It’s just way of giving back to the community I’ve been at hard times in my life before and I just want to help others I think it’s my purpose, I’m not just an athlete, I’m not here just to play football, I want to impact the community as well. ”
I am going to help the homeless pop here in Regina. I want to go buy some food / water, along w making a bunch of PB&J sandwiches and go and give them away at certain areas that I see a lot of them hang around. We have to build people up. Anybody interested in participating?
— Darnell Sankey (@DarnellSankey) August 25, 2022
I will be using my twitter and my Instagram to coordinate the dates, times, etc. If you do not have me on IG go follow “dsankey_”
— Darnell Sankey (@DarnellSankey) August 25, 2022
The linebacker says the event to help the homelessness in Regina will take place during the upcoming bye week for the Riders following their game against the Edmonton Elks on Friday, September 16.
Sankey says the early response for the event has been overwhelming.
“It’s been nothing but positive, nothing but positive reviews from the fanbase, I definitely feel the love, it’s a great feeling knowing that other people share similar interests.”
Along with his charitable contributions to the community, the 27 year old has been very active on social media during his first season with the Riders. He says that social media was a tool that he didn’t start utilizing until he arrived in Riderville. Sankey adds it goes back to him saying he’s more than an athlete.
“I’m here to play football, but I’m also here to be on a purpose, from the reason I believe why I am here on the earth, it’s not just tacking running backs and wide receivers, especially on the platform that we have, we can impact a lot of people, alot of people in the community, other people who look at us as idols, role models, that’s kind of what I kind of what I want to do , what I want to continue to do. ”
On Sunday, the Riders will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Labour Day Classic, the Sacramento State product is looking forward to the matchup with the top team in the CFL.
“We know what kind of team that we are, we’re not scared,intimidated, it’s going to be a great game, Labour Day Classic, we’re excited. ”
Sunday’s game can be heard on 620 CKRM with an opening kickoff of 4:00.
