Just in time for the game in Victoria, the BC Lions signed a Vancouver Island boy who is now set to become the CFL’s highest-paid player.
Nathan Rourke, re-signed with the Lions today after a stint in the NFL.
According to TSN’s Farhan Lalji, Rourke signed a three-year deal and will become the CFL’s highest-paid player in 2025 and 2026, earning more than $600,000
Born in Victoria, Rourke spent the early years of his life on Vancouver Island. However, he grew up in Oakville, Ontario, where he started his football journey.
The 26-year-old is returning to the CFL’s BC Lions after spending the last two seasons in the NFL.
His football career began with the Burlington Stampeders, where he honed his skills before making his mark at Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School in Oakville.
Rourke was consistently ranked among the top prospects entering the 2020 CFL Draft, ultimately becoming the seventh overall pick.
After playing two seasons with the CFL’s BC Lions, Rourke was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent last year.
Rourke’s remarkable performance in the CFL in 2022 further solidified his standing as a top Canadian quarterback.
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2022 @CFL Most Outstanding Canadian Nathan Rourke is returning to the #BCLions.
Rourke will arrive at the club’s facility for Wednesday practice with media availability to follow at 1:30 pm. pic.twitter.com/4zq2zdzYc8
— BC LIONS (@BCLions) August 13, 2024
He was named the CFL’s top Canadian, completing an impressive 78.7% of his passes for 3,349 yards, along with 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in just 10 regular-season starts. His dual-threat abilities were on full display, with 304 yards gained through rushing and seven rushing touchdowns.
The Lions (5-4) had a strong start to the season with Vernon Adams Jr. at quarterback but have now lost three straight games. Adams sustained a right knee injury in a 25-0 loss to Winnipeg on August 1st and did not play in the Lions’ 33-16 defeat to Edmonton on Sunday.
The Lions are slated to play a game against the Ottawa Redblacks in Victoria on Saturday, August 31st, at Royal Athletic Park. The park, which is undergoing an overhaul to be transformed into a CFL stadium, will also host a three-day festival centred around the game.
This festival has been dubbed ‘Touchdown Pacific’ and is being held in celebration of the Lions’ 70th season.
Prior to the game, festivities will kick off on Thursday, August 29th and Friday, August 30th, at Ship Point in Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
From noon to 7 p.m. on both days, there will be musical performances by local artists and bands, and local food vendors will be on site.
On Friday, attendees will even have the opportunity to see and take photos with the Grey Cup!
Because the Lions’ game at RAP on Saturday sold out in less than an hour, another way for fans to watch is being planned.
In Central Park, a ‘Backyard Watch Party’ will also be held, so as many people can take part in the festivities as possible, according to the Lions.
Tickets for the Backyard Watch Party are $28 a piece (plus fees), and will allow attendees to watch the game on the big screen, see the Lions’ Uproar Dance Team perform and enjoy local food and beverages in the park.
So what do you think, should Rourke be the starting quarterback for the game?
