John Chick of the Saskatchewan Roughriders holds his trophy for the CFL's Most Outstanding Defensive Player for 2009. (Jeff McIntosh/CP)

John Chick, a lineman for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, has won the CFL's prize for most outstanding defensive player of the year.

During the regular season Chick recorded 11 sacks and forced four fumbles.

Chick has been with the Roughriders since 2007 after signing with the club in December 2006.

He was presented the trophy at an awards gala in Calgary Thursday night. The recognition comes just a week after Chick's 27th birthday.

He is from Gillette, Wyo., and played college football at Utah State.

His accomplishments on the playing field are all the more notable considering he must also manage his diabetes.

Chick was diagnosed at the age of 14 and has to monitor his blood-sugar levels at all times.

"I always have my Gatorade on the sideline and my glucometer, so I can test my blood sugar," Chick told CBC News in an interview.

Chick also spoke about his volunteer work to promote research into juvenile diabetes.

He has been raising money through his website by auctioning football-related items.

"I had a helmet sell," Chick said, talking about one item that was popular with fans. "It's awesome. The fans are into it and it's helping a great cause. The helmet sold for $1,000."

Chick hopes his success in sport can inspire other young people with diabetes. He says after he was diagnosed, he was hesitant about pursuing athletics.

"There was a lot of uncertainty," he said. "At first I didn't think I could, just because I didn't know much about the disease.

"The more I learned, the more I thought I could and believed that I could," he added.

Chick plans to auction even more items after the Grey Cup game.

"I do have some stuff from playing this year and hope that I can get some memorabilia — team autographs — that fans would love to have that can maybe help support a good cause," he said.