B.C. Lions Secure Quarterback Nathan Rourke with Multi-Year Extension
In a significant move for Canadian football, the B.C. Lions have solidified their offensive leadership by signing quarterback Nathan Rourke to a contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2028 season. The announcement, made on Tuesday, underscores the Lions' commitment to building a championship-caliber roster around their star player.
Rourke Embraces Stability and Championship Aspirations
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Rourke expressed enthusiasm about the new deal, emphasizing the value of stability in professional sports. "In professional sports, any type of stability is hard to come by, so you jump at opportunities like this," he said. "To come back and to continue to battle for Grey Cups every year with this organization is certainly something I didn't want to pass up."
The 27-year-old quarterback from Victoria, British Columbia, was entering the final year of his previous contract, which he signed in 2024 after returning from a stint in the NFL. Rourke highlighted the momentum the Lions have built, particularly under head coach and offensive coordinator Buck Pierce, who joined the team last year. "I think we certainly have built a lot of momentum last year and there's certainly more buzz than there was last year," Rourke noted, adding that the team's confidence is high heading into the upcoming season.
Record-Breaking Performance and Team Success
Rourke's decision to re-sign comes on the heels of a standout 2025 season, where he was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player and Top Canadian. His career-high statistics included:
- 5,290 passing yards
- 31 touchdown passes
- 564 rushing yards
- 10 rushing touchdowns
Under his leadership, the Lions finished second in the West Division with an 11-7 record, advancing to the West Division final before a narrow 33-30 loss to the eventual Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders. This playoff run has fueled optimism within the organization for future success.
Contract Details and Team-First Mentality
While specific financial terms of the extension were not disclosed by Rourke or Neil McEvoy, the Lions' vice-president of football operations, both parties indicated satisfaction with the agreement. McEvoy described Rourke as a "premier player in our league" who commands appropriate compensation within the CFL's salary cap structure.
Rourke hinted that he may have accepted a slightly lower salary to provide the Lions with flexibility to re-sign key players and attract free agents. "I always want to make sure we have the opportunity to re-sign guys and keep players that are going to make me better," he explained. "Ultimately, I want to win championships. I think we would agree this deal is something that we're all comfortable with and happy with moving forward."
Focus on Improvement and Reducing Turnovers
Entering his fifth season with the Lions, Rourke reflected on his growth as a player and leader. "I've made some strides," he said. "I think there's room to improve and that's very exciting for me mentally." He acknowledged handling external pressures better and maturing alongside the team.
A key area for improvement is reducing interceptions; Rourke threw 16 last season, tied for the most in the CFL. "For me, the No. 1 highest priority is limiting the amount of interceptions," he stated. "The goal for next year is keeping that in single digits."
Career Overview and Future Outlook
Since being drafted 15th overall by the Lions in 2020, Rourke has compiled impressive career stats:
- 795 completions out of 1,115 attempts
- 11,174 passing yards
- 63 touchdown passes
- 40 interceptions
- 1,192 rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns
His record as a starter stands at 23-13 over four years. After exploring NFL opportunities with teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots, Rourke returned to the Lions in August 2024 and now seems content to stay in Vancouver. "I've seen the grass isn't necessarily greener over there," he remarked regarding the NFL. "It would take a whole bunch for me to leave the situation here. I feel like this organization has given me the best opportunity as a player to improve year after year."
With this extension, the B.C. Lions and their fans can look forward to several more seasons of Rourke's dynamic playmaking and leadership as the team aims to capture its first Grey Cup since 2011.
