B.C. Lions

B.C. Lions release CFL tackle leader Micah Awe

by
3Down Staff
January 23, 2026

Photo courtesy: Steven Chang/B.C. Lions

The B.C. Lions have released veteran linebacker Micah Awe.

Awe was under contract for another season, but became expendable when the Lions signed Darnell Sankey.

The 32-year-old led the CFL with 114 defensive tackles in 2025, while adding three special teams tackles, one forced fumble, and two interceptions. This marks the end of his fourth stint in B.C. (2017, 2018, 2022, 2025), while he has also spent time with the Toronto Argonauts (2019), Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2020), Ottawa Redblacks (2021), Montreal Alouettes (2022), and Calgary Stampeders (2023-24).

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In 118 career CFL games, Awe has amassed 568 defensive tackles, 44 special teams tackles, six sacks, seven interceptions, and seven forced fumbles. He was named All-CFL in 2023 with the Stampeders.

The B.C. Lions finished second in the West Division standings in 2025 with an 11-7 record and beat the Calgary Stampeders in the West Semi-Final before losing the West Final to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Nathan Rourke threw for 5,290 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions over 16 regular-season starts, posting an 11-5 record. He was also named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player.

The Lions ranked first in net offence, fourth in net defence, and sixth with a turnover differential of minus-four. James Butler rushed for 1,213 yards, and Keon Hatcher led the CFL with 1,688 receiving yards. B.C. finished third in attendance with average crowds of 27,124, which was a 0.9 percent increase from the previous year.