In a surprising move at the 2025 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers selected Kurtis Rourke, former quarterback of the Indiana University football team, in the seventh round, pick 227. Standing at 6-foot-4, weighing 220 pounds, and with an inspiring story of resilience through injury, Rourke is seen as a “diamond in the rough” that head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch believe could replicate the success of Brock Purdy – another seventh-round quarterback who became a star for the team.
Kurtis Rourke’s Remarkable Journey
Kurtis Rourke, nicknamed the “Maple Missile,” was not the most prominent name in this year’s Draft. He began his career at Ohio University, where he emerged as a top quarterback in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). In 2024, Rourke transferred to Indiana and quickly made his mark, leading the Hoosiers to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. He broke team records with 29 touchdown passes, 3,042 passing yards, and an impressive 69.4% completion rate.
Remarkably, Rourke played the entire 2024 season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) – a severe injury he didn’t realize had progressed from a partial tear to a complete tear until after the season. Despite wearing a brace and enduring pain, he performed at an elite level, showcasing the toughness and grit that the 49ers highly value. “We love the way he plays,” Shanahan said, noting that without the injury, Rourke could have been drafted much higher.
Why Did the 49ers Choose Rourke?
The decision to draft Rourke was not just a gamble but a carefully calculated strategy. The 49ers currently have Brock Purdy as their starting quarterback, with Mac Jones and Tanner Mordecai also in the quarterback room. However, Shanahan prefers to keep four quarterbacks during the offseason, and Rourke is seen as the perfect addition.
Rourke is a traditional “pocket passer” with accurate throws and intelligent decision-making. His playing style aligns with Shanahan’s complex offensive system, which demands quick thinking and the ability to handle pressure in the pocket. Rourke himself noted similarities between the 49ers’ offense and Indiana’s 2024 system, saying, “It’s an explosive offense, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
This pick also echoes the 49ers’ success with Brock Purdy, selected in the final pick of the 2022 Draft and now negotiating a multi-million-dollar contract extension. Analysts have dubbed Rourke “Purdy 2.0” – an undervalued quarterback with the potential to shine if developed properly.
Challenges and Potential
Despite the optimism, Rourke faces a tough road ahead. He is currently recovering from ACL surgery in January 2025 and may not be ready until training camp. The injury was a key reason he slipped to the seventh round, despite his proven talent. Additionally, Rourke will face stiff competition from Mac Jones – formerly of the New England Patriots – for the backup quarterback (QB2) role.
However, the 49ers see Rourke as a player with the qualities to grow. Josh Williams, the team’s scouting director, praised his finesse in passing and composure in the pocket. With a potential “redshirt” season (sitting out to recover and learn), Rourke could become a reliable backup or even a surprise contributor if Purdy or Jones encounters issues.
A Story of Inspiration from Canada
As one of the few Canadian-born quarterbacks drafted into the NFL since Jesse Palmer in 2001, Rourke carries the pride of a nation. Hailing from Oakville, Ontario, he grew up playing football alongside his brother, Nathan Rourke, a star in the Canadian Football League (CFL). The story of the Rourke brothers, from small fields in Canada to professional leagues, is an inspiration for young talents in the Great White North.
Indiana fans also hold Rourke in high regard. One user on X wrote, “San Francisco fans are going to love this guy. A tough, never-give-up player who always finds a way to win, no matter the odds.”
Rourke’s Future with the 49ers
Signing Kurtis Rourke is a bold move by the San Francisco 49ers, reflecting their philosophy of finding undervalued talent and developing them into stars. While currently just a seventh-round rookie, Rourke has the potential to become a key part of the team’s long-term plans, especially as Purdy enters the final year of his rookie contract and could command a massive salary.
In the short term, fans will closely watch Rourke’s recovery and performance in training camp. Can he outshine Mac Jones to claim the QB2 spot? Could he replicate Brock Purdy’s fairy-tale rise? Only time will tell, but with his talent, determination, and the backing of one of the NFL’s sharpest offensive minds, Kurtis Rourke is undoubtedly a name to watch.