Canadian quarterback Kurtis Rourke has one main similarity to Brock Purdy: both were selected in the seventh round during their respective NFL drafts.
Purdy was picked 262nd overall in 2022, while Rourke was chosen 227th overall in 2025. San Francisco’s franchise man turned his opportunity into production when he was put into game action and it led to a five-year, $265 million USD contract extension — $181 million guaranteed — with the 49ers in March. He went from earning less than $1 million per season in his first three in the NFL to over $50 million.
“Having the best example possible as the quarterback of this team in the room has been a blessing, being able to learn from him,” Rourke said in reference to Purdy when asked how rare it is for a QB taken in the seventh round to be successful in the NFL.
“What he’s shown me is how detailed and how focused he is, if there’s an opportunity out there, he’s going to make the most of it. That’s what I plan to do starting with my practice window being open and then moving forward.”
The 49ers placed Rourke on the non-football injured list in August, a designation meant for players who are unable to participate in on-field activities due to health issues or injuries that weren’t sustained during NFL games or practices. In his case, the six-foot-four, 220-pound QB suffered a torn ACL during his final NCAA season at Indiana University.
“It wasn’t until after the season when my agent and I decided to MRI my knee because there were some weird feelings and it didn’t feel completely right. We were able to get the news that it was torn fully, but I was glad to get through the season,” Rourke said.
The Oakville, Ont. native led the Hoosiers to an 11-2 record and a berth in the College Football Playoff in 2024. He completed 69.4 percent of his passes for 3,042 yards with 29 touchdowns versus five interceptions to be named second-team All-Big Ten and finish ninth in voting for the Heisman Trophy.
“He’s been working to be healthy to get out there on the practice field. We’ll see how he does in these three weeks. He’ll be doing [scout team reps] with Mac [Jones] too because Mac’s gotta get his reps in. It’s really evaluating him for these three weeks and see where it goes,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said.
“We liked him a lot at Indiana. He’s a guy who stood out in the draft process, we really didn’t have intentions on bringing in a quarterback — the more we watched him, the more we liked him. He can make every throw. He played through an ACL injury last year, gutted it out, found a way to brace it, and played through that. We drafted him knowing we were going to be patient, but we liked his skill set a lot,” general manager John Lynch said on KNBR 1050.
After the 25-year-old was selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, Rourke indicated there was a rehab plan put in place by the 49ers staff. He’s been learning San Francisco’s offensive playbook in the classroom and wants to show his work can translate onto the football field. The strong armed passer believes performing well during his practice window can give him positive momentum for the future.
“Brock has been through a couple injuries, having him in the room, it’s the most easy and accessible,” Rourke said about talking through his recovery process with teammates. “It’s been great to be in that room, learn from Brock and Mac and everyone who’s been able to provide information.”
“It’s been over a year pretty much since I last played and was able to practice fully. Any type of practice, any type of work will prepare me for next year. Ultimately, the goal is to help the team in whatever way possible. Being available is the best thing.”
