Nathan Rourke

Rourke was born in Victoria, British Columbia and grew up in Oakville, Ontario. He played minor football for the Burlington Stampeders before playing for three years at Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School in Oakville.{{cite news|url=https://www.insidehalton.com/sports-story/6260304-radley-the-superstar-high-school-qb-without-a-home/|title=The superstar high school QB without a home|date=February 3, 2016|agency=Inside Halton|author=Radley, Scott|access-date=March 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330050233/https://www.insidehalton.com/sports-story/6260304-radley-the-superstar-high-school-qb-without-a-home/|archive-date=March 30, 2020}} He transferred to Edgewood Academy in Elmore, Alabama, for his senior season of high school football.{{cite news|url=https://www.insidehalton.com/community-story/5573011-oakville-quarterback-to-play-senior-high-school-year-in-alabama/|title=Oakville quarterback to play senior high school year in Alabama|date=April 23, 2015|agency=Inside Halton|author=Kuiperij, Jon|access-date=March 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328054739/https://www.insidehalton.com/community-story/5573011-oakville-quarterback-to-play-senior-high-school-year-in-alabama/|archive-date=March 28, 2020}} After his grade 12 season, he committed to play college football at Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Rourke spent one season at Fort Scott, where he was named first-team All-KJCCC. He then transferred to Ohio University,{{cite news|url=https://www.insidehalton.com/community-story/7023227-long-recruiting-road-leads-rourke-to-ohio-university/|title=Long recruiting road leads Rourke to Ohio University|date=December 16, 2016|agency=Inside Halton|author=Garbutt, Herb|access-date=March 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330045955/https://www.insidehalton.com/community-story/7023227-long-recruiting-road-leads-rourke-to-ohio-university/|archive-date=March 30, 2020}} where he started at quarterback for three years for the Bobcats.{{cite news|url=https://www.thepostathens.com/article/2020/02/ohio-bobcats-football-nathan-rourke-legacy-records-frank-solich-quarterback|title=Nathan Rourke's lasting legacy that won't soon be forgotten|date=February 5, 2020|agency=The Post Athens|author=Parker, Matt|access-date=March 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330051444/https://www.thepostathens.com/article/2020/02/ohio-bobcats-football-nathan-rourke-legacy-records-frank-solich-quarterback|archive-date=March 30, 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://www.insidehalton.com/community-story/7993310-oakville-s-rourke-looking-to-bring-bobcats-a-bowl-title/|title=Oakville's Rourke looking to bring Bobcats a Bowl title|date=December 12, 2017|agency=Inside Halton|author=Garbutt, Herb|access-date=March 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330051002/https://www.insidehalton.com/community-story/7993310-oakville-s-rourke-looking-to-bring-bobcats-a-bowl-title/|archive-date=March 30, 2020}} Rourke led Ohio to a 25–14 overall record as a starting quarterback for the Bobcats, while leading the team to three consecutive bowl victories in the 2017 Bahamas Bowl,{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/football/2017/12/22/canadian-qb-nathan-rourke-helps-ohio-university-to-ncaa-bahamas-bowl-win.html|title=Canadian QB Nathan Rourke helps Ohio University to NCAA Bahamas Bowl win|date=December 22, 2017|agency=Toronto Star|access-date=March 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330045634/https://www.thestar.com/sports/football/2017/12/22/canadian-qb-nathan-rourke-helps-ohio-university-to-ncaa-bahamas-bowl-win.html|archive-date=March 30, 2020}} 2018 Frisco Bowl, and the 2020 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (January).{{cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/canadian-qb-nathan-rourke-caps-off-career-by-leading-ohio-past-nevada-in-potato-bowl-1.1422165|title=Canadian QB Rourke caps off career by leading Ohio past Nevada in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl|date=January 3, 2020|agency=TSN|access-date=March 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330051815/https://www.tsn.ca/canadian-qb-nathan-rourke-caps-off-career-by-leading-ohio-past-nevada-in-potato-bowl-1.1422165|archive-date=March 30, 2020}}

He was the first winner of the Jon Cornish Trophy as the top Canadian football player in the NCAA for 2017, and repeated as winner in 2018. Growing up, Rourke idolized Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre.{{cite web |last1=Kluge |first1=Cody |title=Nathan Rourke’s past experience has him ready to take over as starter for BC Lions |url=https://bvmsports.com/2022/02/17/nathan-rourkes-past-experience-has-him-ready-to-take-over-as-starter-for-bc-lions/ |website=BVM Sports |access-date=4 March 2022}}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 1 1/4

| weight = 203

| arm span = 30 5/8

| hand span = 8 3/4

| note = All values from Pro Day{{Cite web |title=2020 NFL Draft Scout Nathan Rourke College Football Profile |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=1025563&DraftYear=2020 |access-date=August 14, 2023 |website=DraftScout.com}}

}}

Rourke was ranked as the seventh-overall prospect entering the 2020 CFL Draft after being ranked third overall in both September 2019 and December 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/2020/04/20/gallimore-headlines-spring-edition-scouting-bureau/|title=Gallimore headlines spring edition of Scouting Bureau|date=2020-04-20|website=CFL.ca|language=en|access-date=2020-04-28}} He was eventually drafted in the second round with the 15th overall pick by the BC Lions.{{cite web|url=https://www.bclions.com/2020/04/30/lions-make-early-splash-select-seven-cfl-draft/|title=Lions Make Early Splash; Select Seven In CFL Draft|publisher=BC Lions|date=April 30, 2020|access-date=May 2, 2020}} Rourke was the highest drafted Canadian quarterback since Jesse Palmer in the 2001 CFL Draft.{{cite web|url=https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/a193f9d7-3693-4ee7-bdb5-7a40bb6a032c/-/inline/no/|title=2020 CFL Draft Guide|publisher=Canadian Football League|date=April 30, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://theprovince.com/sports/football/cfl/bc-lions/b-c-lions-nathan-rourkes-triumphant-football-journey-fuelled-by-disappointments|title=Nathan Rourke's triumphant football journey fuelled by disappointments|publisher=The Province|date=May 2, 2020}} However, he did not play in 2020 due to the cancellation of the 2020 CFL season. In May 2021, he tried out for the New York Giants at wide receiver.{{cite web|url=https://3downnation.com/2021/05/14/new-york-giants-working-out-canadian-qb-nathan-rourke-at-receiver-in-rookie-mini-camp/|title=New York Giants working out Canadian QB Nathan Rourke at receiver in rookie mini-camp|publisher=3DownNation|date=May 14, 2021}}

On May 19, 2021, Rourke signed a three-year contract with the Lions.{{cite web|url=https://www.bclions.com/2021/05/19/lions-sign-qb-nathan-rourke-round-2020-draft-class/|title=Lions sign QB Nathan Rourke to round out 2020 draft class|publisher=BC Lions|date=May 19, 2021|accessdate=May 19, 2021}} Rourke started the opening game of the 2021 season against the Saskatchewan Roughriders since Michael Reilly could not play due to a shoulder/arm injury. Rourke completed 10 of 18 passes for 194 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He was replaced in the second half by Reilly, but Rourke finished the game for the Lions.{{Cite web|title=Canadian QB Nathan Rourke starts for Lions in place of injured Michael Reilly against Riders |publisher=3DownNation|url=https://3downnation.com/2021/08/06/canadian-qb-nathan-rourke-starts-in-place-of-injured-michael-reilly-against-riders/|access-date=2021-08-07|language=en-US}} He spent most of the 2021 season as the backup for Reilly and being used in short yardage situations. Rourke also started the final game of the regular season on November 19, 2021, where he completed 23 out of 34 pass attempts for 359 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.{{cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/games/6194/edmonton-elks-vs-bc-lions/ |title=Lions down Elks in dominant season finale |publisher=Canadian Football League |date=November 19, 2021}} He also had seven rush attempts for 34 yards with three touchdowns as he earned his first career win as a starter in the victory over the Edmonton Elks.

Rourke made his 2022 CFL season debut as the starting quarterback for the BC Lions on June 10, 2022, where he went 26/29 for 282 yards and three passing touchdowns. He also had seven carries for 78 yards and two touchdowns leading his team to a 59-15 victory over the Edmonton Elks. On June 25, 2022, Rourke set the record for most passing yards by a Canadian quarterback in a CFL game with 436 against the Toronto Argonauts.{{cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/games/6222/toronto-argonauts-vs-bc-lions/ |title=Rourke leads Lions over Argos in historic night |publisher=Canadian Football League |date=June 25, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/nathan-rourke-bc-lions-toronto-argonauts-record-passing-yards-by-canadian-qb-1.1817800 |title=Lions QB Rourke throws record-setting 436 yards in dominant win over Argos |publisher=The Sports Network |date=June 25, 2022}} He also set a Lions club record that night for pass completions in a single game with 39, breaking Buck Pierce's previous record of 38.{{cite web|url=https://d3ham790trbkqy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/BC-Lions-Records-Individual-Leaders-To-2021-.pdf |title=BC Lions All-Time Individual Records to 2021 |publisher=BC Lions |access-date=June 26, 2022}} On August 6, 2022, he broke his own record for passing yards by a Canadian when he threw for 477 yards against the Elks and also threw a career high five touchdown passes.{{cite web|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/article-nathan-rourke-reaches-new-heights-as-bc-lions-rout-struggling-edmonton/ |title=Nathan Rourke reaches new heights as B.C. Lions rout struggling Edmonton Elks 46-14 |publisher=The Globe and Mail |date=August 7, 2022}} In that same game, he completed 34 out of 37 pass attempts (91.9%) to record the highest pass completion rate in a single game with a minimum of 30 attempts and the third-highest completion percentage with a minimum of 20 attempts.{{cite web|url=https://d3ham790trbkqy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CFL-Record-Book-2022-e.pdf |title=2022 CFL Record Book |publisher=Canadian Football League |page=217 |access-date=August 8, 2022}} In the following game, on August 14, 2022, Rourke again set a new mark for passing yards by a Canadian with 488 yards and tied his own Lions franchise record with 39 completions in the comeback victory over the Calgary Stampeders.{{cite web|url=https://www.cfl.ca/games/6248/bc-lions-vs-calgary-stampeders/#boxscore |title=Lions claw their way to win over Stampeders |publisher=Canadian Football League |date=August 13, 2022}} Unfortunately, on August 19, 2022 Rourke left a game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders with a foot injury.{{Cite web |agency=The Canadian Press |date=2022-08-20 |title=Rourke requires further evaluation on right foot injury - TSN.ca |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nathan-rourke-bc-lions-foot-injury-further-evaluation-1.1838853 |access-date=2022-08-22 |website=TSN |language=en}} A couple of days later it was determined that he suffered a Lisfranc sprain in his right foot and required surgery.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-21 |title=Nathan Rourke To Have Surgery For Lisfranc Sprain |url=https://www.bclions.com/2022/08/21/nathan-rourke-to-have-surgery-for-linsfranc-sprain/ |access-date=2022-08-22 |website=BC Lions |language=en}} At the time the Lions' organization was hopeful he would be able to return for the end of the regular season or playoffs.{{Cite web |author=3Down Staff |date=2022-08-21 |title=Canadian QB Nathan Rourke to undergo surgery for Lisfranc sprain, Lions 'hopeful' for late season return |url=https://3downnation.com/2022/08/21/canadian-qb-nathan-rourke-to-undergo-surgery-for-lisfranc-sprain-lions-hopeful-for-late-season-return/ |access-date=2022-08-22 |website=3DownNation |language=en-US}} The 2022 season was a breakout campaign for Nathan Rourke as he was named a Top Performer of the Week in the CFL five times in the Lions' first nine games of the season. He was also named a CFL Top Performers of the Month for the months of June and August.{{Cite web |title=Rourke, Burnham, Sutton named Week 10 Top Performers |url=https://www.cfl.ca/top-performers-3/ |access-date=2022-08-22 |website=CFL.ca |language=en}} Through the first half of the season Rourke was a leading candidate for the Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Canadian awards. He was leading the league in passing attempts, completions, completion percentage, passing yards, yards per attempt, passing touchdowns, and quarterback rating. He was also second in the league with seven rushing touchdowns. Rourke returned to practice on October 11, 2022.{{Cite web |author=TSN ca Staff |date=2022-10-11 |title=Rourke returns to practice for Lions - TSN.ca |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nathan-rourke-participates-in-practice-bc-lions-1.1860965 |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=TSN |language=en}} It was announced that Rourke would return to the starting lineup for the team's final game of the regular season.{{Cite web |agency=The Canadian Press |date=2022-10-26 |title=Rourke to start for Lions in regular-season finale - TSN.ca |url=https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/canadian-nathan-rourke-to-start-bc-lions-winnipeg-blue-bombers-1.1868517 |access-date=2022-10-27 |website=TSN |language=en}} He ended the season leading the league in passer efficiency, completion percentage and yards per game. His mark of 78.7% set a new CFL record for the highest completion percentage in a single season in league history. After besting the Stampeders in the first round of the playoffs Rourke and the Lions were defeated by the two-time defending champion Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Western Final.{{Cite web |title=2022-11-06 Game Tracker - Calgary Stampeders vs. BC Lions (6293) |url=https://www.cfl.ca/games/6293/ |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=CFL.ca |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2022-11-13 Game Tracker - BC Lions vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (6295) |url=https://www.cfl.ca/games/6295/ |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=CFL.ca |language=en}} In spite of missing close to half of the regular season, he won the CFL's award for Most Outstanding Canadian.{{Cite web |first=Matt|last=Baker|title=NATHAN ROURKE WINS CFL MOST OUTSTANDING CANADIAN AWARD|url=https://www.bclions.com/2022/11/17/nathan-rourke-wins-cfl-most-outstanding-canadian-award/ |access-date=2022-11-30 |website=BC Lions |language=en-CA}}{{cite news |last1=Anantharaman |first1=Maitreyi |title=The Brief, Thrilling Summer Of The All-Canadian Quarterback |url=https://defector.com/nathan-rourke-cfl-the-brief-thrilling-summer-of-the-all-canadian-quarterback |access-date=2 April 2023 |work=defector.com |date=18 November 2022 |language=en}}

Following his breakout season in the CFL, Rourke announced that he had scheduled workouts with a number of National Football League (NFL) teams.{{Cite web |agency=The Canadian Press |date=2022-11-15 |title=BC Lions QB Nathan Rourke working out with NFL teams |url=https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/bc-lions-qb-nathan-rourke-working-out-with-nfl-teams-1.1878536 |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=TSN |language=en-CA}} In December Rourke had workouts with seven NFL teams: the Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings.{{Cite web |author=TSN ca Staff |date=2022-12-02 |title=Nathan Rourke workout Las Vegas Raiders BC Lions |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nfl/nathan-rourke-workout-las-vegas-raiders-bc-lions-1.1887622 |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=TSN |language=en-CA}}{{Cite web |author=TSN ca Staff |date=2022-12-12 |title=Nathan Rourke working out with Indianapolis Colts |url=https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/nathan-rourke-working-out-with-indianapolis-colts-1.1892143 |access-date=2022-12-12 |website=TSN |language=en-CA}} In January 2023 Rourke had workouts with five more NFL teams: Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, and Cleveland Browns.{{Cite web |author=TSN ca Staff |date=2023-01-06 |title=Canadian QB Nathan Rourke works out with Bengals |url=https://www.tsn.ca/cfl/canadian-qb-nathan-rourke-works-out-with-bengals-1.1902566 |access-date=2023-01-06 |website=TSN |language=en-CA}}{{Cite web |agency=The Canadian Press |date=2023-01-09 |title=Nathan Rourke Kansas City Chiefs workout |url=https://www.tsn.ca/nfl/nathan-rourke-kansas-city-chiefs-workout-1.1903716 |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=TSN |language=en-CA}} As per CFL-NFL transfer window rules he was eligible to sign an NFL contract starting on January 9, 2023.

On January 16, 2023, it was officially announced that Rourke had signed a three-year contract with the Jaguars of the NFL.{{Cite web |url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/roster-moves-jaguars-sign-quarterback-nathan-rourke-to-reserve-future-contract |title=Record-setting CFL QB Rourke to sign with Jags |publisher= Jacksonville Jaguars |date=January 16, 2023}} On January 30, he underwent foot surgery.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-30 |title=Jaguars' newly signed QB Nathan Rourke undergoes foot surgery |url=https://jaguarswire.usatoday.com/2023/01/30/nathan-rourke-jaguars-foot-surgery/ |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=Jaguars Wire |language=en-US}} Rourke was waived on August 29, and re-signed to the practice squad.{{Cite web |last=Oehser |first=John |date=August 29, 2023 |title=Roster Reduction: Jaguars Move Towards 53 Players |url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/roster-reduction-jaguars-move-to-53-players-x3946 |access-date=October 24, 2023 |website=Jaguars.com}}{{cite web|title=Roster Moves: Jaguars Announce 13 Additions to Practice Squad|url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/roster-moves-jaguars-announce-13-additions-to-practice-squad|website=Jaguars.com|date=August 30, 2023}} On October 18, Rourke was signed to the Jaguars' active roster, then released three days later and re-signed to the practice squad.{{cite web |title=Roster Moves: Jaguars Sign QB Nathan Rourke to Active Roster |url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/roster-moves-jaguars-sign-qb-nathan-rourke-to-active-roster |website=Jacksonville Jaguars |access-date=19 October 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Pankiw |first1=Colton |title=Former BC Lions' Nathan Rourke re-signs with Jaguars practice squad |url=https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/bc-lions-nathan-rourke-re-signs-jaguars-practice-squad |access-date=25 October 2023 |work=Daily Hive Vancouver |date=24 October 2023}} He was signed to the active roster again on December 9.{{cite web |title=Roster Moves: Jaguars Sign Nathan Rourke to Active Roster, Elevate Tevaughn Campbell and Josh Pederson and Downgrade Tyson Campbell to Out |url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/roster-moves-jaguars-sign-rourke-to-the-active-roster-elevate-campbell-and-peder |website=jaguars.com |access-date=10 December 2023}} Rourke was released without making an appearance on December 16.{{cite web |title=Roster Moves: Jaguars Activate WR Jamal Agnew, Waive QB Nathan Rourke and Elevate TE Josh Pederson |url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/roster-moves-jaguars-activate-wr-jamal-agnew-waive-qb-nathan-rourke-and-elevate-q |website=jaguars.com |access-date=16 December 2023}}

On December 18, 2023, Rourke was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots.{{cite web |title=Patriots claim Nathan Rourke off waivers |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/patriots-claim-nathan-rourke-off-212645051.html |website=Yahoo Sports |access-date=18 December 2023}} On May 6, 2024, Rourke was released by the Patriots.{{Cite web |title=Patriots release QB Nathan Rourke |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-release-qb-nathan-rourke |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=Patriots.com |language=en-US}}

On May 7, 2024, Rourke was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants.{{Cite web |title=Giants claim QB Nathan Rourke off waivers from Patriots |url=https://www.giants.com/news/giants-claim-quarterback-nathan-rourke-off-waivers-from-patriots-jaguars-cfl-lions-ohio-bobcats |access-date=2024-05-07 |website=Giants.com |language=en-US}} However, with three quarterbacks ahead of him on the depth chart, Rourke was waived on July 28.{{Cite web |title=TE Theo Johnson passes physical, returns to practice; Giants sign CB Breon Borders |url=https://www.giants.com/news/theo-johnson-passes-physical-returns-to-practice-training-camp-2024-penn-state-breon-borders-nathan-rourke |date=2024-07-28 |publisher=New York Giants |language=en-US}}

On August 1, 2024, it was announced that Rourke had signed with the Atlanta Falcons.{{Cite web |title=Falcons sign QB who was Most Outstanding Canadian in 2022 and former UFL TE |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/nathan-rourke-quarterback-jordan-thomas-tight-end-signed-transaction |date=August 1, 2024 |publisher=Atlanta Falcons |language=en-US}} He played in the team's first preseason game on August 9, in the fourth quarter, where he completed three of 13 pass attempts, including three dropped passes, for 37 yards and had two carries for 24 rushing yards.{{Cite web |title=Atlanta Falcons release Canadian QB Nathan Rourke |url=https://3downnation.com/2024/08/11/atlanta-falcons-release-canadian-qb-nathan-rourke/ |date=August 11, 2024 |publisher=3DownNation}} He was released two days later on August 11.{{Cite web |title=Falcons place OLB Bralen Trice on reserve/injured list, make a slew of transactions |url=https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/bralen-trice-reserve-injured-list-jakeem-grant-signed-more-transactions |date=August 11, 2024 |publisher=Atlanta Falcons |language=en-US}}

On August 13, 2024, it was announced that Rourke had re-signed with the Lions to a three-year contract.{{Cite web |title=He's back: Nathan Rourke returns to B.C. Lions |url=https://3downnation.com/2024/08/13/hes-back-nathan-rourke-returns-to-b-c-lions/ |date=August 13, 2024 |publisher=3DownNation}}{{Cite web |title=2022 Most Outstanding Canadian Nathan Rourke returns to BC Lions |url=https://www.bclions.com/2024/08/13/2022-most-outstanding-canadian-nathan-rourke-returns-to-bc-lions/ |date=August 13, 2024 |publisher=BC Lions}} With the incumbent starter, Vernon Adams, sidelined with a knee injury, Rourke was named the team's starter for their week 11 game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, just five days after his signing.{{Cite web |title=Canadian QB Nathan Rourke confirmed to make first start for B.C. Lions vs. Winnipeg |url=https://3downnation.com/2024/08/17/canadian-qb-nathan-rourke-confirmed-to-make-first-start-for-b-c-lions-vs-winnipeg/ |date=August 17, 2024 |publisher=3DownNation}} With the Blue Bombers having smothered the Lions 25–0 two weeks earlier, they again showed dominance against the Lions, winning 20–11. Rourke completed eight of 25 pass attempts for 126 yards and two interceptions in his return to the Lions.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bclions.com/players/nathan-rourke/165740/ |title=Nathan Rourke |publisher=BC Lions |access-date=April 1, 2025}} The Lions lost their fourth game in a row in Rourke's second start as he completed 21 of 34 passes for 234 and one interception in the loss to the Ottawa Redblacks. The Victoria native next started in the first CFL regular season game played in Victoria where he had a 70% completion rate with 325 passing yards, three touchdown passes, one interception, and one rushing touchdown in a dominant 38–12 victory over the Redblacks.{{Cite web |url=https://theprovince.com/sports/football/cfl/bc-lions/lions-38-redblacks-12-rourke-business-touchdown-pacific |title=Lions 38, Redblacks 12: Nathan Rourke and Co. all business in Touchdown Pacific |publisher=The Province |date=August 31, 2024}} While Adams returned to practice in the following week, Rourke again started for the Lions, winning a second consecutive game and passing again for over 300 yards.{{Cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/cfl/article/canadian-nathan-rourke-to-make-fourth-straight-start-for-b-c-lions/ |title=Canadian Nathan Rourke to make fourth straight start for B.C. Lions |publisher=Sportsnet |date=September 4, 2024}}

In the next game, against the Toronto Argonauts in week 15, Rourke struggled to move the Lions' offence, but finished the first half with a rushing touchdown as the Lions trailed 19–10.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cfl.ca/2024/09/14/argos-play-complete-game-to-take-down-lions-in-vancouver/ |title=Argos play complete game to take down Lions in Vancouver |publisher=Canadian Football League |date=September 14, 2024}} Nonetheless, Rourke was benched and Adams started the second half as the Lions lost 33–17. Following a bye week, Rourke remained as the team's starter as he completed 22 passes out of 36 attempts for 264 yards and six carries for 30 yards and two rushing touchdowns in the team's 32–29 overtime loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. After a convincing victory over the Calgary Stampeders, he threw for 200 yards and two interceptions in the team's 39–8 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Rourke compiled a 3–5 record as a starter in 2024 before the Lions returned to Adams as the starter for the team's final regular season game and playoff loss to the Roughriders.{{Cite web |url=https://theprovince.com/sports/football/cfl/bc-lions/bc-lions-nathan-rourke-is-out-vernon-adams-jr-is-in |title=B.C. Lions: Nathan Rourke is out, Vernon Adams Jr. is in |publisher=The Province |date=October 15, 2024}} Adams was traded to the Stampeders shortly after the season ended with Rourke as the undisputed starter for the 2025 season.{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-stampeders-quarterback-vernon-adams-jr-bc-lions-1.7393699 |title=Calgary Stampeders acquire quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. from B.C. Lions |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |date=November 26, 2024}}

Rourke was born to Larry and Robyn Rourke.{{Cite web |title=Nathan Rourke - 2019 - Football |url=https://ohiobobcats.com/sports/football/roster/nathan-rourke/620 |access-date=2022-12-12 |website=Ohio University Athletics |language=en}} His younger brother, Kurtis Rourke, played quarterback at Ohio for four years before finishing his U.S. college career at Indiana University,{{cite web |last1=Helwick |first1=Steve |title=The Rourke quarterback legacy continues at Ohio through Kurtis |url=https://www.hustlebelt.com/2020/4/20/21220225/kurtis-rourke-ohio-bobcats-quarterback-2020-nathan-rourke-legacy-continues-oc-tim-albin |website=Hustle Belt |access-date=15 November 2022 |date=April 20, 2020}}{{Cite web |last=Glenesk |first=Matthew |date=December 18, 2023 |title=IU football already landed Ohio QB out of transfer portal. Now, gets one of his top WRs. |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/indiana/2023/12/18/indiana-football-ohio-transfer-wr-miles-cross-commits-iu-hoosiers-kurtis-rourke-curt-cignetti-roster/71965368007/ |access-date=December 19, 2023 |website=The Indianapolis Star}} where he received the Cornish Trophy in 2024.{{cite press release |url=https://www.cornishtrophy.com/general-6-1 |title=2024 Jon Cornish Trophy Winner: Kurtis Rourke, Indiana |publisher=The Cornish Trophy |date=December 23, 2024 |access-date=December 24, 2024}} He is married to Emily Dotzlaw.

{{Reflist}}

• {{Twitter|nathan_rourke}}
• [https://www.bclions.com/players/nathan-rourke/ BC Lions bio]
• [https://ohiobobcats.com/sports/football/roster/nathan-rourke/620 Ohio Bobcats bio]

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Category:1998 births

Category:Living people

Category:Players of Canadian football from Ontario

Category:Ohio Bobcats football players

Category:American football quarterbacks

Category:Fort Scott Greyhounds football players

Category:BC Lions players

Category:Jacksonville Jaguars players

Category:New England Patriots players

Category:Jon Cornish Trophy winners

Category:Canadian Football League Most Outstanding Canadian Award winners

Category:Canadian football people from Victoria, British Columbia

Category:Players of American football from British Columbia

Category:Canadian football quarterbacks

Category:Players of Canadian football from British Columbia

Category:New York Giants players

Category:Atlanta Falcons players