The New England Patriots are not exactly a Super Bowl contender this year, but Canadian quarterback Nathan Rourke is still excited about the new opportunity in front of him.
Rourke signed with the Patriots on Monday after they claimed him from the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. After a whirlwind week, he’s now got two practices under his belt.
“It’s been a lot,” Rourke told reporters after practice on Thursday. “I think football’s football to a certain extent but just learning the language this far into it has been difficult, but I don’t put it past myself to pick it up. Doing my best, and the guys are supporting me as best as possible.”
As far as how he feels about joining the Patriots and legendary head coach Bill Belichick, Roruke is well aware of the storied history of the franchise.
“Yeah, I’m honoured,” Rourke said about joining New England. “It’s a great organization. I’ve got a lot of respect for this team and obviously for Coach Belichick and Coach O’Brien. It’s been pretty cool to be here so far.”
Belichick, who has always been known for his to-the-point press conferences, didn’t disappoint when asked about why he wanted to work with Rourke on Wednesday.
Well just depth at that position,” Belichick told reporters on Wednesday. “When you only have two quarterbacks on the roster, guy sprains his ankle I mean you’re down to putting a receiver or running back at quarterback.”
In terms of his review of Rourke’s play, the long-time Patriots coach didn’t disappoint.
“Productive pre-season, Canada,” Belichick said.
Belichick’s Patriots started the season with 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones under centre, but with Jones struggling, the team opted to bench the Alabama product and start backup Bailey Zappe for the last three games.
Zappe said he talked with Rourke before practice on Wednesday.
“He’s a great guy, picked his brain a little bit on things that they did over there, how different it is from the Jaguars system to our system,” Zappe said.
“I’ll just continue to pick his brain. He’s seen different things than I’ve seen. Just try to help him out as much as possible, because I know it’s hard to come learn that system and then come learn a totally new system. So, try to help him out as much as possible and try to help him out with the Patriot way.”
Rourke was the CFL’s top Canadian in 2022, completing 255-of-324 passes (78.7 per cent) for 3,349 yards with 25 TDs and 10 interceptions in 10 regular-season starts with the B.C. Lions. The former Ohio NCAA star also ran 39 times for 304 yards (7.8-yard average) and seven touchdowns.
After playing in Denver on Sunday, the Patriots wrap up their season with a road game against Buffalo, not far from where Rourke grew up in Oakville, Ont., and a home game against the New York Jets, who also are eliminated from playoff contention.
Rourke doesn’t know exactly what the Patriots’ plan for him is, but he is ready to go with the flow and try and make the most of his time in his new home.
“It’s an interesting situation to be in,” Rourke said. “I think when I was in Jacksonville, it was pretty clear what the plan was. And I think the plan here is a little bit more unclear. I definitely am appreciative and grateful of whatever stock they put in me. A couple years ago, no teams were giving me any kind of attention. But to be here is great. Kind of part of the job is just to roll with things. So, that’s what I’m trying to do.”