After Nathan Rourke expressed his dissatisfaction with a change in Canadian Football League rules, some fans questioned its authenticity.
This was due to what he called the CFL “unexpected bypass” in his football journey as he signed an NFL contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in January 2023. The Victoria, British Columbia native and proud Canadian took the opportunity to set a record in one on one interview.
“This was not some kind of neglect. I think a lot has changed in the last couple of years. Honestly my goal always had to play in the NFL as a kid. I grew up going to CFL games, going to Hamilton Ticat. games in old Ivor Wynne [Stadium]went to Argo games at the Rogers Center and was A BC Lion fan because I was from there and I have a lot of family there,” Rourke said.
“I always followed the CFL, but I always wanted to play in the NFL. dream of going down to [NCAA] Division I playing in the States. Then I went down there and I was able to experience [the NFL] myself. It was one of those situations where the grass on the other side seemed a little greener, IAs for what is outside of football.”
Rourke outplayed veteran C.J. Beathard in preseasonbut he was relegated to a third role in Duval County. New England claimed him off waivers, but after impressing Bill Belichick, who was fired after that season, the Patriots placed him on waivers following the 2024 NFL Draft. The Giants claimed Rourke but released him in late July. Atlanta signed him and gave him one preseason quarter without any practice eight days later. The Falcons released him two days after that incident, and the 2022 Canadian standout quickly returned north of the border. signing a blockbuster contract with the BC Lions.
“I think the CFL really represents football in its purest meaning. It is a community and fan driven league where players accessible. I really felt like the NFL players were elevated to a status more god-like and almost untouchable. I think there were many people who played football simply for the lifestyle or what it brings them, not the love of the game,” Rourke said.
“I find every player in the CFL and immediately have respect. for them because I know that they play football because they enjoy it. It's like that there there are many more things that I associate with this. Of course I think the game is amazing, I think it matches my The skill set is much better. But I went down there, experienced it myself, jumped up, as if I felt politics, as if I felt business and realized that I love football. I want to continue to improve as a defender, progress every single day, every single year, and the CFL was going to give me the best chance to do it,And for that I owe a huge debt to the CFL.”
The 27-year-old took his game to the next level with the BC Lions in 2025. He completed 70.4% of his passes for 5,290 yards with 31 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 16 starts, posting an 11-5 win-loss record. He had 76 fewer pass attempts than Bo Levi Mitchell and finished six yards behind him to take the CFL passing yardage crown.
In addition to his elite performance through the air, Rourke rushed 61 times for 564 yards (9.2 per carry) and made 10 big catches. He gained more yards on the court than any player in Toronto or Montreal. The dual-threat cornerback ripped off seven carries that went 20 or more yards (highlighted by a 70-yarder), tied for second most in the league with 2024 MOP and MOC Brady Oliveira.
“It was truly an amazing experience in the CFL. I think I told you last time we talked, I don't have any plans to go down What [NFL] route again. I know that I have an amazing opportunity here to continue to live in It's a dream to play professional football and I do it in my home country which is a huge honor and privilege,” Rourke said.
“Although it was a workaround, in the end I think The NFL was the biggest detour at that point. That's not what I meant at the time as something negative; I can understand how people could take it that way, but I think I'm more capable of making mistakes. Apparently the CFL allowed me get a chance to go and try out for the NFL, but at the end of the day I'm so grateful for opportunity to return.”
The BC Lions and Amar Doman named Rourke as the team's representative in its return to the league with three losses. He was given a contract that made him the highest paid player in the league at on a prorated basis for the 2024 season And 2025 campaign. He is currently projected to make $684,000 in hard money for 2026, the most in the CFL.
“I know I have the opportunity that a lot of people would like to have, to be able to play for a team, to continue to get representatives, continue to improve, have opportunities and space to grow within franchises,” Rourke said.
“I've seen franchise quarterbacks in the NFL have a long leash, and that's what I have.” Here. This is a huge honor and privilege. I am very, very grateful for the organization and the league for cheering me on after I tried it out.”
