Saskatchewan Roughriders captain Jayden Dalke died in a car crash

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are in mourning after team captain and quarterback Jayden Dalke died in a car crash Saturday night.

In a statement, the Roughriders called Dalke a “tireless fighter” on the field.

“Jayden’s determination, resilience and work ethic inspired his teammates, who cared deeply about him and are heartbroken by his passing,” the team wrote.

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The 30-year-old first joined the University of Alberta Golden Bears in 2019 and was named an All-Canadian for the 2019 season.

The Roughriders selected him in the sixth round of the 2022 Canadian Football League (CFL) draft. He signed in May 2022.

The Leduc, Alta., native played 17 regular season games for the Riders last year and suited up for the Gray Cup.

The CFL said in a statement that Dalke is “a passionate competitor who plays with tremendous heart.”

“The CFL has lost a Canadian teammate, a brother and a friend,” said Stewart Johnson, CFL commissioner. “We extend our sincere condolences to Jayden’s family, friends, the Saskatchewan Roughriders organization and everyone whose lives were better by knowing him.”

A practice scheduled for Sunday was canceled following news of Dalke’s death, ahead of the Roughriders’ Thursday game against the Edmonton Elks.

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