Hamilton Tiger-Cats wide receiver Kiondre Smith tries to carry the ball as he's tackled by Montreal Alouettes linebackers Tyrice Beverette, left, and Darnell Sankey, right, during the Eastern Final in Hamilton last Saturday.

Darnell Sankey’s perfect football hit is breathtaking.

Literally.

“It’s when you hit somebody and feel and hear the breath escaping from their lungs,” said the Montreal Alouettes veteran middle linebacker. “Or when you look at them and they’re slow to get up and having trouble breathing or catching their breath.

“Yeah,” he continued with a chuckle. “I’ve had a few.”

Sankey has had plenty of practice delivering big hits in Canada. The six-foot, 242-pound American has cracked the 100-tackle plateau three times in his five CFL seasons – including 101 this year.

Sank

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