Latest news with #NathanRourke
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
B.C. Lions confident QB Nathan Rourke can return to top form
KAMLOOPS - There's no question heading into the CFL season who'll be the B.C. Lions starting quarterback. Nathan Rourke is back. 'He's got that confidence, he's got that offence,' said wide receiver Keon Hatcher. 'It's his team. Everyone's rallied around him.' That buy-in is essential for Rourke and the Lions as they prepare for the 2025 campaign. The 27-year-old Canadian QB wasn't on the roster to start last season as he worked to find a permanent home in the NFL. Instead, the Lions tapped Vernon Adams Jr., who got the team off to a solid 5-3 record before going down with a knee injury at the beginning of August. Weeks later, Rourke re-signed with B.C., returning to the team where he earned the title of the league's most outstanding Canadian in 2022 following a standout campaign. The homegrown quarterback struggled back in the CFL, going 3-5 while throwing four touchdowns and nine interceptions. B.C. finished the regular season with a 9-9 record and was ousted from the West semifinal by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. After the season wrapped, the club dealt Adams to the Calgary Stampeders. The Lions are all-in on Rourke this season — and head coach Buck Pierce believes he's ready. 'He's played quarterback. He understands his job, he understands his role, he understands what he needs to do,' Pierce said. 'It's not all about him, though, either. It's everybody pulling in the same direction. So, I think it's nice that way, because he's obviously excited to be here from day one and have a full training camp. And that's how every player wants it, right? It's no different than any other year.' Several of Rourke's teammates have expressed confidence in his ability to return to the form he showed in 2022, especially now that the quarterback has had a full training camp with his teammates in Kamloops, B.C. After all, he wears No. 12 — the same number as Tom Brady and several other legends. 'A lot of quarterbacks that wear that number, they're high up on the quarterback list. So that's Nathan Rourke — great leader, great man, great friend,' Hatcher said. 'He comes to work every day with his hard hat on. 'And I'm so excited to see what he gets to do this year, stepping back into that role, being fully confident in what he's doing out here. And I don't expect nothing less from 2022 to this season when he's had a full year out there.' For Rourke, one difference in preparing for the coming campaign has been the luxury of time. Instead of rushing to get up to speed like last year, he's been able to learn things in 'bite-sized chunks.' He was also able to spend the off-season connecting with his teammates, as many stayed in Metro Vancouver to train. 'I think what I've tried to do this off-season is create that comfortable feeling by getting to know the guys off the field, making sure we're deepening those relationships,' Rourke said. Training with the Lions' No. 1 was a learning experience for Kieran Poissant. Through countless sessions together, the 24-year-old Canadian receiver developed a thorough understanding of the playbook, figuring out exactly how many steps he needs to take on a given play and the best placement for his hands. There were less tangible lessons, too. '(Rourke's) one of the best pros in the country,' said Poissant, who played his first CFL games last year. 'And as a young guy, when you get an opportunity to work with one of the best pros and just learn how to be a pro, reps aside, it's an amazing opportunity,' Working alongside Rourke this season is veteran QB Jeremiah Masoli, who B.C. signed to a one-year deal in free agency. The 36-year-old American is heading into his 12th CFL season, and Rourke believes he has a lot to share. 'He's been great. He's got a lot of experience being a very good player in this league. It's been a privilege to work with him. He's great in the locker room,' Rourke said. 'I continue to rely on his expertise and his experience and his knowledge and continue to grow from him. So I'm excited that he's here.' The admiration goes both ways. 'I've been very impressed with Nate,' Masoli said. 'His work ethic speaks for itself, but just him as a person, the kind of leader that he is. When he walks out here, man, you can feel it. You can feel his presence. 'And I'm super excited to see how he does this season, especially on this offence. I think it's kind of tailored to fit his game, and he can really take advantage of it.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2025.
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
B.C. Lions confident QB Nathan Rourke can return to top form
B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke, left, listens to head coach Buck Pierce during the CFL football team's training camp in Kamloops, B.C., on Monday, May 12, 2025. (Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press) KAMLOOPS — There's no question heading into the CFL season who'll be the B.C. Lions starting quarterback. Nathan Rourke is back. 'He's got that confidence, he's got that offence,' said wide receiver Keon Hatcher. 'It's his team. Everyone's rallied around him.' That buy-in is essential for Rourke and the Lions as they prepare for the 2025 campaign. The 27-year-old Canadian QB wasn't on the roster to start last season as he worked to find a permanent home in the NFL. Instead, the Lions tapped Vernon Adams Jr., who got the team off to a solid 5-3 record before going down with a knee injury at the beginning of August. Weeks later, Rourke re-signed with B.C., returning to the team where he earned the title of the league's most outstanding Canadian in 2022 following a standout campaign. The homegrown quarterback struggled back in the CFL, going 3-5 while throwing four touchdowns and nine interceptions. B.C. finished the regular season with a 9-9 record and was ousted from the West semifinal by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. After the season wrapped, the club dealt Adams to the Calgary Stampeders. The Lions are all-in on Rourke this season — and head coach Buck Pierce believes he's ready. 'He's played quarterback. He understands his job, he understands his role, he understands what he needs to do,' Pierce said. 'It's not all about him, though, either. It's everybody pulling in the same direction. So, I think it's nice that way, because he's obviously excited to be here from day one and have a full training camp. And that's how every player wants it, right? It's no different than any other year.' Several of Rourke's teammates have expressed confidence in his ability to return to the form he showed in 2022, especially now that the quarterback has had a full training camp with his teammates in Kamloops, B.C. After all, he wears No. 12 — the same number as Tom Brady and several other legends. 'A lot of quarterbacks that wear that number, they're high up on the quarterback list. So that's Nathan Rourke — great leader, great man, great friend," Hatcher said. 'He comes to work every day with his hard hat on. 'And I'm so excited to see what he gets to do this year, stepping back into that role, being fully confident in what he's doing out here. And I don't expect nothing less from 2022 to this season when he's had a full year out there.' For Rourke, one difference in preparing for the coming campaign has been the luxury of time. Instead of rushing to get up to speed like last year, he's been able to learn things in 'bite-sized chunks.' He was also able to spend the off-season connecting with his teammates, as many stayed in Metro Vancouver to train. 'I think what I've tried to do this off-season is create that comfortable feeling by getting to know the guys off the field, making sure we're deepening those relationships,' Rourke said. Training with the Lions' No. 1 was a learning experience for Kieran Poissant. Through countless sessions together, the 24-year-old Canadian receiver developed a thorough understanding of the playbook, figuring out exactly how many steps he needs to take on a given play and the best placement for his hands. There were less tangible lessons, too. '(Rourke's) one of the best pros in the country,' said Poissant, who played his first CFL games last year. 'And as a young guy, when you get an opportunity to work with one of the best pros and just learn how to be a pro, reps aside, it's an amazing opportunity,' Working alongside Rourke this season is veteran QB Jeremiah Masoli, who B.C. signed to a one-year deal in free agency. The 36-year-old American is heading into his 12th CFL season, and Rourke believes he has a lot to share. 'He's been great. He's got a lot of experience being a very good player in this league. It's been a privilege to work with him. He's great in the locker room,' Rourke said. 'I continue to rely on his expertise and his experience and his knowledge and continue to grow from him. So I'm excited that he's here.' The admiration goes both ways. 'I've been very impressed with Nate,' Masoli said. 'His work ethic speaks for itself, but just him as a person, the kind of leader that he is. When he walks out here, man, you can feel it. You can feel his presence. 'And I'm super excited to see how he does this season, especially on this offence. I think it's kind of tailored to fit his game, and he can really take advantage of it.' This report by Gemma Karstens-Smith of The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2025.
Vancouver Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
B.C. Lions confident QB Nathan Rourke can return to top form
KAMLOOPS — There's no question heading into the CFL season who'll be the B.C. Lions starting quarterback. Nathan Rourke is back. 'He's got that confidence, he's got that offence,' said wide receiver Keon Hatcher. 'It's his team. Everyone's rallied around him.' That buy-in is essential for Rourke and the Lions as they prepare for the 2025 campaign. The 27-year-old Canadian QB wasn't on the roster to start last season as he worked to find a permanent home in the NFL. Instead, the Lions tapped Vernon Adams Jr., who got the team off to a solid 5-3 record before going down with a knee injury at the beginning of August. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Weeks later, Rourke re-signed with B.C., returning to the team where he earned the title of the league's most outstanding Canadian in 2022 following a standout campaign. The homegrown quarterback struggled back in the CFL, going 3-5 while throwing four touchdowns and nine interceptions. B.C. finished the regular season with a 9-9 record and was ousted from the West semifinal by the Saskatchewan Roughriders . After the season wrapped, the club dealt Adams to the Calgary Stampeders. The Lions are all-in on Rourke this season — and head coach Buck Pierce believes he's ready. 'He's played quarterback. He understands his job, he understands his role, he understands what he needs to do,' Pierce said. 'It's not all about him, though… It's everybody pulling in the same direction. So, I think it's nice that way, because he's obviously excited to be here from Day 1 and have a full training camp. And that's how every player wants it, right? It's no different than any other year.' Several of Rourke's teammates have expressed confidence in his ability to return to the form he showed in 2022, especially now that the quarterback has had a full training camp with his teammates in Kamloops. After all, he wears No. 12 — the same number as Tom Brady and several other legends. 'A lot of quarterbacks that wear that number, they're high up on the quarterback list. So that's Nathan Rourke — great leader, great man, great friend,' Hatcher said. 'He comes to work every day with his hard hat on. 'And I'm so excited to see what he gets to do this year, stepping back into that role, being fully confident in what he's doing out here. And I don't expect anything less from 2022 to this season when he's had a full year out there.' For Rourke, one difference in preparing for the coming campaign has been the luxury of time. Instead of rushing to get up to speed like last year, he's been able to learn things in 'bite-sized chunks.' He was also able to spend the off-season connecting with his teammates, as many stayed in Metro Vancouver to train. 'I think what I've tried to do this off-season is create that comfortable feeling by getting to know the guys off the field, making sure we're deepening those relationships,' Rourke said. Training with the Lions' No. 1 was a learning experience for Kieran Poissant. Through countless sessions together, the 24-year-old Canadian receiver developed a thorough understanding of the playbook, figuring out exactly how many steps he needs to take on a given play and the best placement for his hands. There were less tangible lessons, too. '(Rourke's) one of the best pros in the country,' said Poissant, who played his first CFL games last year. 'And as a young guy, when you get an opportunity to work with one of the best pros and just learn how to be a pro, reps aside, it's an amazing opportunity,' Working alongside Rourke this season is veteran QB Jeremiah Masoli, who B.C. signed to a one-year deal in free agency. The 36-year-old American is heading into his 12th CFL season, and Rourke believes he has a lot to share. 'He's been great. He's got a lot of experience being a very good player in this league. It's been a privilege to work with him. He's great in the locker room,' Rourke said. 'I continue to rely on his expertise and his experience and his knowledge and continue to grow from him. So I'm excited that he's here.' The admiration goes both ways. 'I've been very impressed with Nate,' Masoli said. 'His work ethic speaks for itself, but just him as a person, the kind of leader that he is. When he walks out here, man, you can feel it. You can feel his presence. 'And I'm super excited to see how he does this season, especially on this offence. I think it's kind of tailored to fit his game, and he can really take advantage of it.'
National Post
3 days ago
- General
- National Post
B.C. Lions confident QB Nathan Rourke can return to top form
Article content KAMLOOPS — There's no question heading into the CFL season who'll be the B.C. Lions starting quarterback. Article content Article content Nathan Rourke is back. Article content 'He's got that confidence, he's got that offence,' said wide receiver Keon Hatcher. 'It's his team. Everyone's rallied around him.' Article content That buy-in is essential for Rourke and the Lions as they prepare for the 2025 campaign. Article content The 27-year-old Canadian QB wasn't on the roster to start last season as he worked to find a permanent home in the NFL. Article content Article content Instead, the Lions tapped Vernon Adams Jr., who got the team off to a solid 5-3 record before going down with a knee injury at the beginning of August. Article content Article content Weeks later, Rourke re-signed with B.C., returning to the team where he earned the title of the league's most outstanding Canadian in 2022 following a standout campaign. Article content The homegrown quarterback struggled back in the CFL, going 3-5 while throwing four touchdowns and nine interceptions. Article content B.C. finished the regular season with a 9-9 record and was ousted from the West semifinal by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Article content After the season wrapped, the club dealt Adams to the Calgary Stampeders. Article content The Lions are all-in on Rourke this season — and head coach Buck Pierce believes he's ready. Article content 'He's played quarterback. He understands his job, he understands his role, he understands what he needs to do,' Pierce said. Article content 'It's not all about him, though… It's everybody pulling in the same direction. So, I think it's nice that way, because he's obviously excited to be here from Day 1 and have a full training camp. And that's how every player wants it, right? It's no different than any other year.' Article content Several of Rourke's teammates have expressed confidence in his ability to return to the form he showed in 2022, especially now that the quarterback has had a full training camp with his teammates in Kamloops. Article content Article content After all, he wears No. 12 — the same number as Tom Brady and several other legends. Article content 'A lot of quarterbacks that wear that number, they're high up on the quarterback list. So that's Nathan Rourke — great leader, great man, great friend,' Hatcher said. 'He comes to work every day with his hard hat on. Article content 'And I'm so excited to see what he gets to do this year, stepping back into that role, being fully confident in what he's doing out here. And I don't expect anything less from 2022 to this season when he's had a full year out there.'
The Province
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Province
B.C. Lions confident QB Nathan Rourke can return to top form
The Lions are all-in on Nathan Rourke this season — and head coach Buck Pierce believes he's ready. Published May 30, 2025 • 4 minute read Nathan Rourke KAMLOOPS — There's no question heading into the CFL season who'll be the B.C. Lions starting quarterback. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Nathan Rourke is back. 'He's got that confidence, he's got that offence,' said wide receiver Keon Hatcher. 'It's his team. Everyone's rallied around him.' That buy-in is essential for Rourke and the Lions as they prepare for the 2025 campaign. The 27-year-old Canadian QB wasn't on the roster to start last season as he worked to find a permanent home in the NFL. Instead, the Lions tapped Vernon Adams Jr., who got the team off to a solid 5-3 record before going down with a knee injury at the beginning of August. Vernon Adams Jr. is now gone to Calgary, as Nathan Rourke has returned to be the B.C. Lions quarterback of the present and future. Photo by Francis Georgian/Postmedia / PNG Weeks later, Rourke re-signed with B.C., returning to the team where he earned the title of the league's most outstanding Canadian in 2022 following a standout campaign. The homegrown quarterback struggled back in the CFL, going 3-5 while throwing four touchdowns and nine interceptions. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. B.C. finished the regular season with a 9-9 record and was ousted from the West semifinal by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. After the season wrapped, the club dealt Adams to the Calgary Stampeders. The Lions are all-in on Rourke this season — and head coach Buck Pierce believes he's ready. 'He's played quarterback. He understands his job, he understands his role, he understands what he needs to do,' Pierce said. 'It's not all about him, though… It's everybody pulling in the same direction. So, I think it's nice that way, because he's obviously excited to be here from Day 1 and have a full training camp. And that's how every player wants it, right? It's no different than any other year.' Several of Rourke's teammates have expressed confidence in his ability to return to the form he showed in 2022, especially now that the quarterback has had a full training camp with his teammates in Kamloops. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. After all, he wears No. 12 — the same number as Tom Brady and several other legends. 'A lot of quarterbacks that wear that number, they're high up on the quarterback list. So that's Nathan Rourke — great leader, great man, great friend,' Hatcher said. 'He comes to work every day with his hard hat on. 'And I'm so excited to see what he gets to do this year, stepping back into that role, being fully confident in what he's doing out here. And I don't expect anything less from 2022 to this season when he's had a full year out there.' For Rourke, one difference in preparing for the coming campaign has been the luxury of time. Instead of rushing to get up to speed like last year, he's been able to learn things in 'bite-sized chunks.' He was also able to spend the off-season connecting with his teammates, as many stayed in Metro Vancouver to train. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I think what I've tried to do this off-season is create that comfortable feeling by getting to know the guys off the field, making sure we're deepening those relationships,' Rourke said. Training with the Lions' No. 1 was a learning experience for Kieran Poissant. Ottawa Redblacks quarterback Jeremiah Masoli hands the ball off to Bralon Addison Aug. 15, 2024. Photo by Jeff McIntosh / The Canadian Press Through countless sessions together, the 24-year-old Canadian receiver developed a thorough understanding of the playbook, figuring out exactly how many steps he needs to take on a given play and the best placement for his hands. There were less tangible lessons, too. '(Rourke's) one of the best pros in the country,' said Poissant, who played his first CFL games last year. 'And as a young guy, when you get an opportunity to work with one of the best pros and just learn how to be a pro, reps aside, it's an amazing opportunity,' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Working alongside Rourke this season is veteran QB Jeremiah Masoli, who B.C. signed to a one-year deal in free agency. The 36-year-old American is heading into his 12th CFL season, and Rourke believes he has a lot to share. 'He's been great. He's got a lot of experience being a very good player in this league. It's been a privilege to work with him. He's great in the locker room,' Rourke said. 'I continue to rely on his expertise and his experience and his knowledge and continue to grow from him. So I'm excited that he's here.' The admiration goes both ways. 'I've been very impressed with Nate,' Masoli said. 'His work ethic speaks for itself, but just him as a person, the kind of leader that he is. When he walks out here, man, you can feel it. You can feel his presence. 'And I'm super excited to see how he does this season, especially on this offence. I think it's kind of tailored to fit his game, and he can really take advantage of it.' Read More BC Lions Local News Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks News
