Victoria, BC native Nathan Rourke has signed a three year contract with his home-province BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. After being eligible for the National Football League draft in 2020 and going undrafted he was selected in the second round of the CFL draft with the fifteenth overall selection. He spent the entire year off the field however as the 2020 CFL season was canceled due to Covid-19

His three year deal includes two years guaranteed with the third being a player option. Rourke’s contract also includes an opt-out clause permitting him to pursue a career in the NFL at any time should the opportunity present itself. 

The 6’2 quarterback began his playing career at Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary in Ontario, playing three seasons before transferring to Edgewood Academy in Alabama for his senior season. Upon finishing his high school career, Rourke played one season at Fort Scott Community College, later transferring to Ohio University to round out his college career.

(Dan Keck / Flickr)

While playing at Ohio, Rourke led the Bobcats to a 25-14 record, including three consecutive NCAA Bowl victories. After going undrafted in the NFL draft, and sitting out the entirety of 2020, the BC product was invited to the 2021 rookie training camp of the NFL’s New York Giants. While in New York the dual-threat athlete played mostly at receiver and caught some eyes  during his time at the position. Potentially leading to further NFL opportunities down the road, and justifying the NFL opt-out clause in his contract.

Rourke will join a number of fellow BC products on his hometown team, including wide receiver Lemar Durant, linebacker Boseko Lokombo, running-back Jamel Lyles, and rookie linebacker Ben Hladik. 

With star quarterback Mike Reilly still a mainstay at the top of the Lions’ depth chart, it will be interesting to see if Rourke will continue his career playing the signal caller, or if he will transition to a position where his natural talent can be showcased at a greater level. 

The CFL is set to start their revised fourteen game schedule on August 5th, with the Grey Cup championship game being held in Hamilton, Ontario in December.