D. J. Lalama

D. J. Lalama (born July 21, 1993) is a Canadian former professional football linebacker and is the linebackers coach for the Manitoba Bisons football team of U Sports.

University career Lalama began his CIS football career with the Western Mustangs in 2011, but did not play and used a redshirt year. Following the departure of coach Mickey Donovan, he transferred to the Manitoba Bisons program, playing in one game in 2012 before suffering a season ending injury. He played his first full university season in 2013 and played three years en route to being drafted into the Canadian Football League in 2016. He was on the Edmonton Eskimos' practice roster when he requested his release so that he could complete a Master of Business Administration at the University of Manitoba.

During his final university season in 2016, Lalama led the entire country with 72.5 total tackles and 54 solo tackles and also had three forced fumbles and seven pass breakups. For his strong season, he was named the Presidents' Trophy winner and became only the second Bison to win the national award.

Professional career Edmonton Eskimos Lalama was drafted with in the eighth round, 70th overall, by the Edmonton Eskimos in the 2016 CFL draft. He initially agreed to a practice roster spot following 2016 training camp, but elected to return to the play for the Bisons and complete his MBA.

Following the conclusion of his U Sports football career, Lalama re-signed with the Eskimos on February 13, 2017. However, he was among the final cuts on June 18, 2017, at the conclusion of 2017 training camp. He was promoted to the active roster and played in his first professional football game on July 14, 2017, against the Calgary Stampeders.

Winnipeg Blue Bombers Upon becoming a free agent, Lalama signed with his hometown Winnipeg Blue Bombers on February 15, 2019. He played in the first seven games of the 2019 Winnipeg Blue Bombers season and recorded one special teams tackle before being a healthy scratch in the eighth game. He declined a practice roster spot with the team and became a free agent on August 14, 2019.

Montreal Alouettes (II) Shortly after his Blue Bombers release, Lalama was re-signed by the Alouettes on August 15, 2019. In the game, he also served as the team's long snapper following an injury to the team's incumbent, Martin Bédard. He re-signed with the Alouettes again on January 20, 2021. He was placed on the suspended list on July 6, 2021.

Calgary Stampeders On February 9, 2022, Lalama signed with the Calgary Stampeders, but retired prior to the 2022 season. On June 6, 2022, it was announced that Lalama had been promoted and would be the team's linebackers coach.