By Canadian Press

Canadian QB Rourke looking to carve out NFL career with Jacksonville Jaguars

Jan 17, 2023 | 12:38 PM

SURREY, B.C. — Former B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke says he’s looking to create a job for himself as he heads to the NFL.

The 24-year-old from Victoria inked a standard rookie contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday after working out for a dozen NFL teams.

Rourke says he picked a squad where he could go in and compete for the backup quarterback position and be “one play away from playing.”

The six-foot-two, 209-pound Rourke is coming off a stellar CFL season where he threw for 3,349 yards with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 10 regular-season appearances. He added 304 yards on the ground with seven rushing TDs.

A foot injury that required surgery halted his campaign in August, but Rourke returned in the Lions’ regular-season finale, then led the team to a 30-16 victory over the Calgary Stampeders in the West Division semifinal. B.C. ultimately fell 28-20 to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the West final.

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Rourke says his time in the CFL taught him how to be a professional and prepare each and every week, and that he’ll continue to cheer the Lions on as a fan.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 17, 2023.

The Canadian Press