Talented QB Star returns to BC Lions

August 14, 2024 Kerry Will CFL 0

In a rapid 24-hour period that transformed him from an NFL hopeful to a social media-declared savior for the CFL franchise, Nathan Rourke took a moment on Tuesday to share his thoughts on rejoining the B.C. Lions.

“Happy to be back,” he texted before boarding a flight to Vancouver.

Details about his NFL experience will have to wait until after he lands and steps onto the practice field in Surrey on Wednesday. Rourke’s NFL aspirations were sidelined when the Atlanta Falcons released him over the weekend, marking his fourth NFL team in two years.

While that dream has come to an end for now, another opportunity has emerged: the Lions competing in the Grey Cup at home, led by a Canadian quarterback.

The Lions have signed Nathan Rourke to a three-year contract, which is reported to be worth $250,000 for the remainder of 2024, $749,000 in 2025, and $809,000 in 2026. Notably, $200,000 of the latter two years will come from non-salary cap qualifying marketing funds. Rourke, the 2022 Most Outstanding Canadian, had one season as a starter with the Lions, where he led the league in passer efficiency, yards per game, and achieved a completion percentage of 78.7%, setting a new league record. He later leveraged this success into an NFL contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

At 26 years old, Nathan Rourke never had the opportunity to showcase his skills in the NFL, but he remained dedicated to realizing his childhood dream. His decision to pause that pursuit and return to the CFL surprised even the Lions, who had kept in touch with him since his departure. After clearing waivers on Monday, he reached out to the Lions, and by Tuesday morning, he was once again part of the team that drafted him.

It seems this cat has indeed returned.

“When he made the decision to come back to Canada and the B.C. Lions, we welcomed him with open arms and began discussions to finalize the deal,” said director of football operations Neil McEvoy. “We’re excited about the opportunity for him to return home. I emphasized to him that he has always felt appreciated by this club, this country, and this league, while unfortunately, he wasn’t receiving the same level of support from the NFL.”

When Rourke suffered a Lisfranc sprain in his foot during the 2022 season with the B.C. Lions, it took just one game for the team to lose confidence in their remaining quarterbacks, leading them to trade for Vernon Adams Jr.

With Adams now sidelined due to a knee injury and currently listed as week-to-week, the Lions made a similar move after just one game. Coach Rick Campbell strongly supported Adams, asserting that he would not be leaving the team this year and praising his leadership skills. This respect led Campbell to contact Adams first thing the morning after Rourke’s signing, even before discussing it with his coaching staff.

However, the dynamics of the quarterback room remain uncertain, as Jake Dolegala and Chase Brice are also on the roster. Brennan Armstrong was added to the practice squad just five days ago. At least one player from the 45-man roster will need to be released, although Rourke’s Canadian status offers the team more flexibility with the roster’s Canadian ratio.

Campbell anticipates that Rourke will be ready to play in the upcoming game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, as he is in game shape and already familiar with the offense, having played under offensive coordinator Jordan Maksymic.

“It’s exciting. I didn’t expect it to happen this quickly. It all unfolded fast, and I know Nathan is eager to get started,” Campbell remarked, noting that Rourke would be taking first-team reps in practice.

The Lions have suffered three consecutive losses, albeit on the road, and have not resembled the team that began the season with a 5-1 record. Their championship aspirations have started to fade, especially after losing to teams with two or fewer wins, and experiencing a shutout against the Bombers, where they were dominated in all aspects of the game.

However, with Rourke’s return, the atmosphere and outlook have shifted dramatically.

“This isn’t just any player we’re bringing in. This is someone with a strong reputation in our league and country,” stated McEvoy. “It’s significant. Just yesterday, we were discussing behind closed doors, and he was trending on social media after being cut, waiting to determine his next move. While returning to Canada may not have been on everyone’s radar, it became clear to us when we spoke with him after he cleared waivers. He’s a player who, during his previous time with us, generated considerable interest across various markets, which is something we haven’t had as a league, especially in places like Saskatchewan and Toronto. He truly makes an impact, which is beneficial for us.”

Reactions to Nathan Rourke’s return to the B.C. Lions have been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the significance of his comeback.

Rourke expressed his excitement about rejoining the team, stating, “Happy to be back,” before flying to Vancouver. His NFL journey came to an abrupt end when the Atlanta Falcons released him, marking his fourth NFL team in two years. Despite this setback, he is now focused on the Lions, who are aiming for a Grey Cup run with him at the helm.

The Lions have signed Rourke to a three-year contract, and his return has shifted the team’s mood, especially after three consecutive losses. Director of football operations Neil McEvoy emphasized Rourke’s importance, noting that he is a player with a strong reputation in the league and has the ability to generate significant interest.

McEvoy remarked, “This isn’t just any player we’re signing. This is someone who has pedigree within our league and within our country. He moves the needle,” indicating that Rourke’s presence is beneficial not only for the Lions but for the league as a whole.

 

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