Breaking news: Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke has clarified his earlier remark about taking an “unforeseen detour” in his football journey, confirming that he currently has no intention of pursuing another NFL opportunity.

🇨🇦 Nathan Rourke Sets the Record Straight on His “Unforeseen Detour” Comment — and Why He’s All-In on the CFL

After Nathan Rourke recently voiced his frustration with some of the CFL’s new rule changes, a few fans began questioning how genuine his love for the league really was. The criticism stemmed from a comment he made back in early 2023, when he called the CFL an “unforeseen detour” while signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Now, the Victoria, B.C. native has cleared the air — and his message couldn’t be more heartfelt.

“It wasn’t meant as any slight,” Rourke said in a one-on-one interview. “As a kid, my dream was always to play in the NFL. But I grew up watching CFL games — Hamilton, Toronto, B.C. — and I’ve always been proud to be Canadian. The CFL was part of my life even before I played football seriously.”

Rourke explained that, like many young players, the NFL seemed like “greener grass” at first — but that perspective changed once he experienced it. Despite outplaying veteran C.J. Beathard in the Jaguars’ preseason, he was stuck in a third-string role. From there, he bounced around between the Patriots, Giants, and Falcons — barely seeing any real snaps.

Then came his return north. The 2022 Most Outstanding Canadian didn’t hesitate when the B.C. Lions offered him a massive deal to come home.

“The CFL represents football in its purest form,” Rourke said. “It’s community-driven, fan-driven — players here are approachable. Down south, players get treated like celebrities, almost untouchable. Here, guys play for the love of the game, and I respect that deeply.”

The 27-year-old has more than backed up his words. In 2025, Rourke delivered a monster season for the Lions — completing 70.4% of his passes for 5,290 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. He also ran for 564 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns, showing off the same dual-threat brilliance that made him a fan favourite before his NFL stint.

Rourke’s numbers ranked among the best in the league, finishing just six yards short of Bo Levi Mitchell for the CFL passing title — all while attempting 76 fewer passes.

“It’s been an amazing experience,” Rourke said. “I don’t plan on going down that [NFL] route again. What I have here is special — I’m living the dream, playing pro football in my home country. The NFL actually turned out to be my detour.”

When he returned, the B.C. Lions and owner Amar Doman wasted no time naming him their franchise quarterback, signing him to a record-breaking contract. Rourke is now the highest-paid player in the CFL, set to earn $684,000 in 2026.

“I know how lucky I am,” Rourke said. “This team gives me the chance to grow, to get better, and to lead. I have the kind of trust from this franchise that every quarterback dreams of. It’s a privilege I’ll never take for granted.”