After weeks of speculation of where BC Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke would play in 2023. The 24-year-old from Victoria, British Columbia, announced that he will sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars. It is reportedly a three-year deal.
Rourke worked out for twelve teams. They were the Chiefs, Giants, Vikings, Browns, Raiders, Chargers, Jaguars, Broncos, Colts, Buccaneers, Cardinals, and Bengals.
“It has been an absolute joy to play for my home province in front of so many friends and family. I have thoroughly enjoyed my CFL experience, playing the game I love in front of my fellow Canadians has been truly special,” said Rourke. “After much prayer and deliberation, I will be signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars. I look forward to getting to work with my new teammates, and coaches.”
According to CFL on TSN reporter Farhan Lalji. Rourke met with the Jaguars coaching staff when he worked out for them in December and has a chance to compete for the backup job.
In addition, former CFL quarterback and two-time Grey Cup champion Henry Burris is the Jaguars’ offensive quality control coach. He was a “great advocate” to get Rourke to sign with Jacksonville.
In the 2022 season, Rourke completed 255 of 324 passes (78.7%) for 3,349 yards, 25 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 39 carries for 304 yards, and seven touchdowns in ten games. He missed part of the season due to a foot injury on August 19th.
Rourke returned on October 28th and led the Lions to defeat the Calgary Stampeders in the Western Semi-Final before the Lions lost in the Western Final to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The Lions drafted Rourke in the second round (15th pick) in the 2020 CFL Draft. Rourke played two seasons completing 307 of 406 passes (75.6%) for 4,103 yards, 28 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, 57 carries for 415 yards, and 12 touchdowns in 23 games.
Collegiately, Rourke played one season at Fort Scott Community College with 221/378 completions for 2,367 yards, 18 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 118 carries for 27 yards, and three touchdowns in 11 games.
Then, Rourke transferred to Ohio for three seasons (2017-19) with 525/894 completions for 7,457 yards, 60 touchdowns, 20 interceptions, 425 carries for 2,639 yards, and 49 touchdowns in 39 games. He is a two-time All-MAC Second-Team (2017,2018).
