Exclusive: Nathan Rourke Breaks Silence on BC Lions’ Struggles and His Comeback Plan

For BC Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke, the path forward is all about getting back in the win column, and staying there, as the CFL season continues to unfold.

Fresh off a hard-fought stretch and looking to bounce back, Rourke is embracing a week-by-week mindset.

“Just 1-0, just try to go 1-0 this week, just go one game at a time. Can’t win the West in one game—it’s a season-long effort—so just focus on making the corrections from last week and focus on winning this game against Hamilton,” he told SportsBoom.com during an exclusive interview at the Lions’ practice facility in Surrey, B.C.

Eye on improvement

The 27-year-old former Ohio University standout, who idolized Brett Favre growing up, knows that improvement begins with him, specifically with his consistency under centre.

“Just need to be a little more consistent, need to make the throws when they (offensive) are open and take what Hamilton is giving us. And I think we need to start faster, can’t play from behind, so a good start, playing consistent and take an easy start,” said Rourke, donning his number 12 practice jersey.

He added: “I think we just need to take completions and need to be accurate with the ball and can’t turn the ball over. I think that the offensive line does a great job, they give me plenty of time, I just need to do a better job of staying in there and distributing the ball.”

Fit and fired up

Rourke’s return to full fitness following an oblique injury sustained in Winnipeg on June 12 has boosted team morale.

According to Matt Baker, Senior Manager of Communications & Content for the BC Lions, Rourke is “basically recovered and almost at 100 per cent.”

Now fully back in the mix, Rourke is eager to make an impact with a receiving corps he trusts and believes in.

“I trust them all. They have all got their own strengths and weaknesses, it’s a great group. I really enjoy working with them. Like I said, I just need to do a better job of distributing the ball and getting into their hands so they can do something with it.”

NFL lessons shaping his CFL outlook

At 6-foot-1 and 209 pounds, the Victoria, B.C. native has spent time with several NFL teams, including the Falcons, Giants, Patriots, and Jaguars, and credits that journey with giving him valuable perspective.

“Yeah, a little bit. I think that any type of experience is good. Being on teams where you start well during the season and then you don’t end up finishing that well, then the opposite as well—you don’t start too well and then you’re able to finish. So, I think that mindset of understanding it’s a long season is very helpful.”

As the Lions prepare for their matchup against Hamilton, Rourke’s calm focus and desire to lead by example could be the spark BC needs to build momentum heading into the business end of the 18-game campaign.